One of the first wild-growing, tender greens/medicinal plants in early spring, the great nettle is not available in shops, but it is worth picking during your spring break: you can make tea, smoothies or even a topping.
Nettles are known to sting, so it’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves to avoid the beneficial stings that can be anti-rheumatic. Braver people can try it without gloves. To do this, gently reach out towards the stinging nettle stem and slide your fingers up the stem to develop the tearing force. In this case, the stinging nettle hairs cannot sting you. The leaves can be removed from the stem in the same way, or with a pair of scissors.
Physiological effects
Nettles are extremely rich in beneficial substances, such as vitamins A, B, C, K, U, P, iron, selenium, calcium, chlorophyll, formic acid, which causes stinging, and various flavonoids and other phytochemicals, which have beneficial effects on the following organ systems.
Cardiac and circulatory system: it has a blood purifying effect; it dissolves the fatty deposits on the walls of the blood vessels, thus reducing chronic high blood pressure. Inhibits the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels, cleanses the coronary arteries and capillaries of the heart, strengthens the muscles of the vascular walls. It promotes blood formation and its iron content makes it effective in anaemia. For painful, veiny limbs, a poultice with nettle tea provides relief.
Excretory system: it flushes the entire urinary tract, causing kidney and bladder stones and small stones to pass. Nettle is one of the surest remedies for gout, used both internally and externally.
Digestive system: it promotes the liver’s natural detoxifying functions, allowing fresh blood to flow to the liver. The plant is able to release and remove toxic substances accumulated in the liver and spleen. Its tea is also effective against gastritis and enteritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help in inflammatory diseases of the colon and constipation.
Female and male reproductive organs: in women, it improves the blood supply to the pelvis, the metabolism of the uterine muscles, blood circulation and even dissolves small cysts. In men, it improves the blood supply to the cavernous body, thus increasing libido and erectile function. For both sexes, nettle increases the fertility of the gametes and, last but not least, increases sex drive.
Contraindications: in case of acute hypertension and pregnancy.
Recipes with nettle
Nettle tea (from leaves)
Handfuls of tender or two tablespoons of dried nettle leaves are boiled (not boiled), covered, left to stand for 2 minutes, strained and strained. Drink 2-3 cups of tea a day, but as a cure, up to 1-1.5 litres of tea in several doses is recommended. The tea can be used not only internally, but also externally: as a poultice or for a sitz bath.
Nettle green smoothie
Ingredients: 1 handful of tender nettle leaves 1 tablespoon of lemon juice 4 sweet yellow apples (e.g. golden)
Dice or grate the apples, place in a blender and add enough water to blend until smooth. Then add the nettle and blend again until smooth. Add a little lemon juice to taste. Unlike the other green smoothies, it will be slightly greyish in colour, but very tasty and vitamin-rich for early spring refreshment.
Nettle paste
Ingredients: 20 dkg tender nettle leaves 10 dkg chopped red onion a few cloves of crushed garlic spices: red pepper, ground cumin seeds, marjoram and allspice salt to taste 2 tbsp oil 20 dkg fine (finely ground) oatmeal ,1 tbsp ground flaxseed