Nettle medicinal properties and contraindications. Cooking recipes

Many of us, considering nettle a stinging and absolutely useless weed, bypass it, without even thinking about its medicinal properties and the enormous value that the plant has in folk medicine. Since ancient times, healers have used the roots, stems and leaves of nettle to treat a whole range of diseases, making decoctions, tinctures, teas based on them, or using them in fresh.

Nettles were also used as food. In cooking, the plant has found its use in the preparation of first courses - soups, cabbage soup, borscht, salads, sauces, as well as baked goods - the nettle filling turns out to be very tender and juicy and adds piquancy to any pie or bun. The versatile grass also served as a raw material for the production of fabrics, ropes and cords.

Of course, now, even knowing about the beneficial properties of nettle, not everyone will collect this miracle plant. In case of urgent need, you can buy dried nettle leaves at any pharmacy. There you can also buy various medications based on hot herbs.

Therefore, we will not go into detail about how to choose, pick and store it correctly, but will look in more detail at issues such as the benefits of nettle and why in some cases it can be harmful.

Medicinal herb - composition Possessing a rich vitamin and mineral composition, which Mother Nature endowed nettle with, the plant helps the body cope with various inflammatory processes

, occurring in the body and replenish the deficiency of substances required to maintain its normal performance. In addition to the fact that nettle is a source of calcium, manganese, aluminum, phosphorus, sulfur, selenium, zinc, iron, barium and other elements, it contains:
vitamins B, E, C, K, U;
tannins;
pantothenic acid;
folic acid;
acetic acid;
caffeic acid;
formic acid,
gallic acid;
phytoncides;
chlorophyll;
histamine;
lycopene;

betaine. Young greens and nettle leaves contain more vitamin C than lemon, and the amount of carotene is not inferior to carrots, sea buckthorn and sorrel. It is worth noting that the unique medicinal properties

nettles are not lost during heat treatment, and dry grass is considered a real natural first aid kit.

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of nettle. It is used in medicine and in cosmetology, and even nutritionists draw the attention of those who want to lose weight to this herb - with the maximum content of vitamins and microelements, the product is absolutely calorie-free (about 40 kcal per 100 g)! By including bright green cabbage soup made from young nettles in your spring diet, you will not only charge your body with energy, but also easily get rid of the extra pounds accumulated over the winter.

Harm and contraindications

Most people believe that the main harm of nettle is its burning properties. The burn is caused by white hairs covering the plant, which, upon contact with the skin, release a caustic substance that causes it to redden and severe itching. You can smooth out unpleasant sensations by wiping the inflamed area with a 9% solution. apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio or menovazine.

Eating fresh herbs without prior cooking can also lead to burns. When preparing salads, the greens should be thoroughly scalded with boiling water, otherwise it will be harmful to internal organs, including the stomach or esophagus, will be huge.

Plants collected along roads and dusty roadsides are also contraindicated for ingestion. They have no medicinal properties. In addition, they absorb all dirt, salts heavy metals and other harmful substances from the atmosphere, thereby making unpredictable possible consequences for good health.

IN in rare cases nettle can cause allergies. Although, basically, there are contraindications for the use of decoctions. Herbal teas, including those with the addition of nettle, are not so concentrated and therefore quite harmless.

Nettle can cause serious harm to the body of a pregnant woman, causing miscarriage or premature contractions. At the same time, the plant, known for its vasoconstrictor and tonic properties, on the contrary, will help restore postpartum period. It will reduce labor bleeding, prevent anemia and return the uterus to tone. There are no contraindications during lactation.

Those who take medications for insomnia or antidepressants should not abuse nettle. It is known that weed with an obstinate character suppresses the activity of the central nervous system and enhances the influence of data medicines.

There are also contraindications for simultaneous administration nettle tea or decoction with anticoagulants - drugs that increase blood clotting. Nettle has also been proven to be harmful when varicose veins, atherosclerosis and thrombophlebitis: it thickens the blood and can lead to the formation of blood clots.

As you can see, there are restrictions on the use of nettle, and there are quite a lot of them. Therefore, before starting a course of healing, it is advisable to visit your doctor, and in some cases, a gynecologist and consult with him about the possible consequences. If the recommended dosage is followed, the plant will not cause harm.

If there are no contraindications, feel free to use fresh or dried herbs to prepare medicinal teas and vitamin drinks, because the benefit of nettle is that it easily replaces a bunch of expensive medicines, tablets and cosmetics and, in fact, is a unique natural multivitamin complex.

Video about the benefits and harms of nettles

After winter, the body needs microelements and vitamins, which are found in common greens, for example, nettle. You can make soups from the plant - green cabbage soup in meat or vegetable broth, as well as.

Green cabbage soup with nettle and sorrel

This is a soup recipe with the addition of vegetables and fresh herbs. The ingredients are indicated for 2 liters of water.

Required ingredients:

a bunch of nettles and sorrel;
several onion feathers;
dill - a bunch;
two potatoes;
bay leaf;
carrot;
spices.

Cooking steps:

Cut the peeled vegetables into medium-sized pieces and place in boiling water. Cook for 20 minutes.
Wash the greens and chop.
Add spices and herbs, cook for a few more minutes.

The finished soup should be left to steep for a richer taste. Serve with sour cream.

Nettle cabbage soup with egg

If your family loves meat, prepare hearty green cabbage soup with egg and nettles in chicken broth.

Ingredients:

one and a half liters of broth with meat;
nettle - a large bunch;
bulb;
three potatoes;
spices;
three eggs;
greenery;
bay leaf.

Preparation:

Cut the potatoes into cubes, chop the onion.
Remove the meat from the broth, add vegetables and spices. Cook for 20 minutes.
Chop the nettles and add to the soup.
Cut the meat into pieces and add the bay leaf to the broth. Cook for 12 minutes.
Remove soup from heat, add boiled eggs, diced and chopped greens.

Green nettle cabbage soup with spinach

Another very healthy green plant is spinach. The leaves contain a lot of iron, vitamins and microelements.

You can replace the meat in the recipe with beans.

12:22

It grows without demand in garden beds and near the walls of houses. It burns painfully everyone who tries to grab it with their bare hands. But this herb, which many generations of summer residents continue to struggle with, has unique properties and is a real natural healer.

What are the benefits for humans from eating nettle, how are the medicinal properties of the plant used in folk medicine and cosmetology, and what else is this valuable herb used for?

Main types, how to choose or prepare yourself

Nettle is a perennial or annual stinging plant from the genus of flowering plants. Over 50 species have been described, but only two are suitable for medicinal and culinary purposes - stinging nettle and stinging nettle, which grow throughout almost the entire territory of our country.

What kind of nettle can be eaten? Pharmaceutical companies harvest and process only stinging nettle; both are used in folk medicine.

In pharmacy chains you can purchase alcohol extracts, briquettes nettle leaf, filter bags dried leaves, packaged dry raw materials and medicinal preparations containing extracts from the plant.

The most popular drug is “Allohol”, which, in addition to the extract of a burning plant, includes Activated carbon, garlic extract, dried animal bile. It is used as a choleretic and laxative.

Study the packaging: it indicates the place of collection of raw materials and the warranty period.

It is not necessary to purchase a medicinal plant at a pharmacy. You can prepare medicinal raw materials yourself.

Which nettle is the healthiest? Leaves are collected in summer, during the flowering period, waiting for dry and sunny weather. Dry under a canopy, in attics.

You cannot dry it in the sun - the raw materials become discolored and many useful substances are lost. For drying, the raw materials are scattered thin layer on fabric or sheets of paper. When the petioles and central veins become brittle, stop drying.

The time for harvesting rhizomes comes in the fall. Dry them on outdoors. Seed collection begins at the end of August, when they are finally ripe.

For cosmetic and culinary needs, the leaves can be plucked in early spring. Harvesting should not be carried out near iron or highways, in industrial zones, cities, near landfills.

Nettle burns are relatively harmless. But a nettle tree growing in New Zealand can kill anyone who touches it.

The composition of the medicinal plant and its nutritional value

Nettle leaves contain many useful substances:

In 100 g of fresh raw materials:

0.1 g organic acids;
1.5 g proteins;
5 g carbohydrates;
0.5 g dietary fiber;
90 g water;
4 g mono- and disaccharides;
no fat at all;
0.5 g starch;
1 g of ash.

The number of calories in 100 g of fresh product does not exceed 24.8 kcal.

There is no information on the glycemic index in available sources.

What are the health benefits?

Nettle is used in folk and official medicine in medicinal and for preventive purposes. Its beneficial effects have been proven by centuries of experience in use and modern experimental research.

Here are the medicinal properties of preparations made from fresh and dried nettle:

general strengthening;
diuretic;
tonic;
wound healing;
anticonvulsant;
anti-inflammatory;
choleretic;
antifever;
expectorant;
hemostatic;
improving carbohydrate metabolism in the body;
antiseptic;
laxative effect.

The plant and preparations obtained from it successfully cope with anemia, constipation, rheumatism and muscle pain, sore throats, etc.

They heal purulent ulcers, wounds, and remove lichen. Calms the nerves and has an anti-stress effect.

Benefits and harm to humans

For treatment, various preparations with nettle are used - decoctions, infusions, teas, powders.

For women and men – in gynecology and for potency

The medicinal properties of nettle are used in gynecology. For women with heavy periods, treatment with plant juice is suitable.

Pure fresh juice is drunk throughout menstrual cycle a teaspoon three times a day. It's better to do this before eating.

The juice is suitable for the treatment of cervical erosion. A tampon is soaked in it and placed in the vagina. Keep it overnight treatment course- month.

What are the medicinal properties of nettle for men? Positively influencing genitourinary system, nettle tea improves male potency , healing effect There is also prostate hyperplasia.

Thanks to its tonic effect on blood vessels, it improves erection.

The best effect in treatment men's problems gives a mixture of fresh plant seeds in equal proportion With bee honey. Take a tablespoon of the composition daily.

Is it possible for pregnant and lactating women to drink decoctions?

At 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, you can take nettle tea. He serves prophylactic against anemia, will help resist infections, strengthen the body. It is enough to take one glass of tea, half diluted with water, per day for a week. Then take a break for a week and repeat the cycle.

How to use nettle for lactation, enhancing production breast milk? Increasing blood hemoglobin, tea can increase milk supply in nursing mothers. For a noticeable effect, it is worth alternating nettle teas.

Is it harmful for children?

A mixture of one part freshly squeezed plant juice and two parts honey will help strengthen your baby’s immunity. The product can be given to children over five years of age. Dosage - one teaspoon twice a day.

For diathesis in children aged two years and older, you can use a decoction of the roots of the plant. More infusions and decoctions are good in the spring for childhood vitamin deficiency.

Any use of decoctions or mixtures should be under the supervision of a pediatrician.

For the elderly

The use of decoctions improves memory, creates a surge of energy and vitality . To prevent sclerosis, you can prepare alcohol tincture from fresh shoots. To do this, you need to fill them with vodka and let them sit in a dark place for at least a week. You can take a teaspoon before breakfast and before bed.

For diabetes and sports nutrition

Using infusions or fresh juice plants help reduce. This is important for diabetic patients.

For diabetes, you can prepare an infusion from a liter of boiling water and six tablespoons of crushed leaves. You can insist in a thermos for two hours. Drink the infusion three times a day, half a glass.

The medicinal properties of nettle root are used by athletes and bodybuilders.

200-500 g of root extract per day, drunk on an empty stomach, increases the level of free testosterone in the body, causes growth muscle mass.

Possible danger

There are a number of contraindications when using drugs containing nettle:

The plant contains a large number of vitamin K, which helps improve blood clotting.
Cannot exceed daily norm consumption. Avoid use if there is increased blood clotting, risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.
The plant can cause allergies. It is recommended to use in small cycles.
Decoctions and infusions tone smooth muscles, including the uterus. They are prohibited for use by pregnant women in the first trimester. This can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
Drugs can provoke an attack of colic if there are stones in gallbladder or liver.
Prohibited use when serious illnesses kidney, during treatment with antidepressants.

Rules of use

Nettle is consumed in the form of:

How to use: healthy recipes for dishes from young leaves

During wars, in severe lean years, she more than once saved people from hunger. Its beneficial properties are especially valuable in the spring, when the body lacks vitamins after a long winter.

The plant resembles the taste, but has a more sour taste. Its leaves are included in many salads, soups, sauces, cabbage soup, and pie fillings. Tea is brewed from young inflorescences, and kvass from spring nettles perfectly quenches thirst and saturates the body with vitamins and beneficial microelements.

Seasoning from the dried plant is added to pancakes, sauces, omelettes, soups, and cereals.. Added to the dough, it can give freshly baked bread a pleasant taste and aroma.

The most famous dish with nettles is spring cabbage soup. To prepare them it is enough:

The cabbage soup is ready. All that remains is to pour into plates, adding sour cream and half an egg.

Surprisingly tasty and aromatic seasoning for tea. Its recipe is simple:

Seasoning is added to tea.

Nettle leaves can replace a refrigerator in hot weather. Added to milk, they will prevent it from turning sour, and fish or meat wrapped in hot leaves will remain fresh for two days.

How to use fresh leaves for weight loss: method of application

The use of decoctions, infusions and dietary dishes from nettle will make many people with extra pounds slimmer.

As a diuretic and choleretic drug she will remove toxins, unnecessary liquid from the body, will get rid of excess water reserves.

It has a beneficial effect on metabolism, intestinal function, which contributes to weight loss, timely cleansing of the excretory tract.

The benefit of nettle is also that, relaxing nervous system helps cope with stress and stress that arise from food restrictions and grueling workouts. Use fresh leaves The plant suppresses appetite.

One of the most accessible recipes for weight loss:

the leaves are poured with vodka in a ratio of 1:2.5;
cap the bottle and leave it by the window for a day;
leave for a week in a dark place;
filter;
Take one teaspoon before meals and before bed.

Another simple recipe:

In a juicer, squeeze the juice from clean and dried leaves of the plant;
drink 10-15 minutes before meals, 1 teaspoon diluted with one-fourth glass of milk (water).

Three doses per day are enough.

Indications for use in traditional medicine and treatment features

Unlike traditional medicine, which mainly uses the leaves of the plant, herbalists use both roots and fruits with flowers. Time-tested and people's experience prescriptions can, along with medications prescribed by doctors, help with many diseases:

An effective remedy for solving problems with potency can be prepared from nettle seeds. Pour boiling water (one glass) over a teaspoon of seeds and leave for at least an hour. Drink within one day. The infusion is taken for 10 days, then a break is taken for 10 days. If the effect is not achieved, then repeat the course.
Garlic-nettle tincture helps get rid of colds. It consists of 4 tablespoons of roots and 4 tablespoons of crushed. The mixture is poured with ten parts of strong vodka or homemade moonshine. Store in the dark for 14 days, then begin treatment. The tincture is consumed three times a day, a teaspoon.

In cosmetology: masks for facial skin and hair strengthening

Cosmetologists successfully use preparations with nettle to strengthen hair and care for facial skin.

When caring for the face, use dry and fresh herbs. Preparations with nettle cannot harm any skin type, but are useful at any age.

Homemade masks can rejuvenate and refresh the fading epidermis of the facial skin. For example, a rejuvenating mask will help remove oxidants and toxins:

85 ml of nettle decoction (15 g of raw material per 100 ml of water);
40 ml taman oil;
25 g clay (white).

The broth is mixed with clay. Melted butter is added to the main composition. The mixture is evenly applied to the steamed skin of the face. After half an hour, wash off the residue with tonic.

The benefit of nettle for hair is that rinsing with a decoction of the plant stops hair loss, gets rid of dandruff, improves hair structure, and enhances its growth. Carry out the procedure after each hair wash. The effect is noticeable after 2-3 applications.

How to use nettle for hair loss? For emergency assistance hairline use juice. It is rubbed into the roots and distributed over the scalp. Wrap your head in cellophane and a warm towel and leave for one hour. The result will be visible after three to four procedures.

For most people, nettle, the harm and benefits of which are not known to many, is an absolutely useless and scalding weed. Due to this, people mercilessly destroy him. But in fact, the plant has become famous for its interesting ability to “sting”, it is also an excellent food product and an excellent medicine.

Story

People said in ancient times that the benefits and harms of nettle for the body can be replaced by 7 healers. ABOUT miraculous properties Our ancestors knew this plant for sure. Nettle is medicinal universal remedy from a huge number of diseases; it is a raw material for the production of ropes, fabrics, ropes, excellent food product, capable of enriching the diet with necessary and useful substances. The plant deserves close attention as an excellent remedy for human health. In it, nature has collected a vitamin-mineral rich complex, due to which it has become almost omnipotent and very useful.

Compound

Possessing a vitamin-mineral rich composition that nature has endowed the plant with, nettle helps the human body cope with all sorts of inflammatory processes that occur in the body, in addition, replenish the deficiency of substances that are required to maintain its performance. It is a source of manganese, calcium, phosphorus, aluminum, selenium, sulfur, iron, zinc, barium and other elements, in addition, it contains:

vitamins B, E, C, K, U;
vitamins;
tannins;
folic acid;
acetic acid;
pantothenic acid;
caffeic acid;
formic acid,
gallic acid;
chlorophyll;
phytoncides;
betaine;
lycopene

Young leaves and greens of nettle contain more vitamin C than lemon, but are not inferior to sorrel, sea buckthorn and carrots in terms of the amount of carotene. It should be noted that medicinal unique properties plants are not lost during heat treatment, while dry grass is a natural first aid kit.

Effects of nettle on the body

It is difficult to list all the beneficial substances that spring nettle contains (the benefits and harms of the plant are described in this article). It is endowed by nature with an anti-inflammatory, general strengthening effect, in addition, it helps improve blood clotting, which is very valuable for cuts, ulcers and wounds as a hemostatic agent.

Use for anemia

The herb is also used as a remedy for anemia. Nettle decoction (its benefits and harm are due to the beneficial substances contained in the plant) facilitates menstruation and helps eliminate dark circles that occur under the eyes. It should also be noted that a powerful hemostatic effect can bring both benefit and harm. Persons who suffer from thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, and everyone who has very thick blood However, it is strictly forbidden to consume nettle, as this may cause blood clots.

Besides everything else, this plant used as a healing agent for muscle pain, diseases Bladder and liver, against radiculitis. Nettle stimulates protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and also helps improve heart function. Carotenoids contained in the grass have a beneficial effect on vision function.

Boosting immunity

The benefits and harms of nettles for the body have been of interest to people for a long time. Present in the plant organic acids help improve immunity, general strengthening body. Nettle helps restore the body after surgery, can resist radiation, and also protects tissues from oxygen deficiency.

Fight dandruff

Nettle is also used as a remedy against dandruff. The harm and benefits of the plant are simply amazing - if you rinse your head with nettle decoction every day for 2 weeks, hair loss will stop.

Compresses

As we have already found out, not everyone knows the health benefits and harms of nettles. Often the herb is used in the form of compresses, applied to ulcers, abrasions, cuts and wounds. A decoction of it is used in the treatment of bleeding - it promotes the active production of red blood cells. Among other things, this plant also contains secretin, a substance that can normalize blood sugar levels.

Use in cooking

Nettle wide application I found it in cooking. It is added to soups, drinks and salads. In addition, chefs have learned to cook very aromatic and delicious fillings for pies, in addition, other forms of baking.

Nettle: harm and benefit

We have already talked about the beneficial properties of this interesting plant, now let's find out what harm it can cause. Most people believe that the worst thing it can do is burn the skin. Burns are caused by hairs white, covering the plant. Upon contact with human skin, they release a rather caustic substance, which causes severe itching and redness. Unpleasant sensations can be smoothed by rubbing the inflamed area of skin with a solution of water and apple cider vinegar.

Eating fresh herbs without cooking will also lead to burns. When preparing salads, greens should be scalded with boiling water, otherwise there will be great harm to the esophagus or stomach.

Plants that were collected along dusty roadsides and roads are also contraindicated for internal use. They completely lack medicinal properties. In addition, they absorb heavy metal salts, all dirt and other harmful substances, thereby making possible consequences for our health unpredictable.

Nettle (the harm and benefits of this plant are described in detail in this article) can sometimes also cause allergies. But mainly they relate to the use of decoctions. Wherein herbal teas they are not so concentrated with it, therefore, they are quite harmless.

Nettle can cause serious harm to a pregnant girl’s body, causing premature contractions or miscarriage. At the same time, the plant, famous for its tonic and vasoconstrictor properties, will help to recover during the postpartum period. It will prevent anemia, reduce labor bleeding, and also restore the tone of the uterus. There are no contraindications during lactation.

People try to avoid nettles because touching them is painful and causes itching on the skin. long time. However, this plant has a number of beneficial properties for the human body. Since ancient times, it has been used as a remedy to treat a number of diseases, because it contains a large amount of valuable vitamins and minerals. In addition to preparing medicines, nettle is also used for food - salads are made from it, soups are prepared, and eaten fresh. Read about the benefits of nettle soup in our material.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Nettle is a perennial herbaceous plant, which has about 50 species. In our latitudes, the two most common are: dioecious and stinging.

This herb can grow up to 2 m in height, with an average stem reaching 60 cm. It is known for the fact that touching its foliage burns human skin. This happens because the nettle leaves have hairs that contain formic acid. This way the plant protected itself from animals eating the grass.

Did you know? The nettle eating championship has been held in England for over 20 years. In the same country from herbal plant make wine. To make three liters of alcoholic drink, you need to collect 40 kg of leaves.

Nettle is a treasure trove useful vitamins and minerals. We propose to take a closer look at its diverse chemical composition.

Among the vitamins it contains:

beta-carotene - 7-10 mg per 100 g;
- 0.1 mg;
- 0.07 mg;
- 10 mg;
- 3.4-4 mg.

Nettle contains the following micro- and macroelements:

Fe (iron) - 41 mg per 100 g;
Cu (copper) - 1.3 mg;
- 8.2 mg;
B (boron) - 4.3 mg;
Ti (titanium) - 2.7 mg;
- 0.03 mg.

In addition, the plant is rich in chlorophyll, sugars, tannins, phytoncides, organic acids, and porphyrins.

Thanks to such valuable components, the burning herb is credited with a number of beneficial effects:

hemostatic;
choleretic;
anti-inflammatory;
immunomodulatory;
general tonic.

Here are some other benefits of nettle for the human body:

establishing carbohydrate and protein metabolism;
respiratory systems;
prevention and treatment of anemia;
acceleration of regeneration of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs;
increased digestion;
improvement of metabolism;
excretion harmful substances from the body.

Did you know? The “bites” of nettles, which grow in our latitudes, are harmless. But in New Zealand there grows a nettle tree, touching which you can die.

The nutritional value of this herbaceous plant is as follows:

proteins - 1.5 g per 100 g of product (1.5% of daily norm person);
fat - 0.4 g (1%);
carbohydrates - 5 g (3%).

If we consider the nutritional value of nettle soup made from the following ingredients: fresh nettle(300 g), onion (100 g), flour (30 g), butter(25 g), egg (50 g), greens (50 g), water (1 l), then 100 grams of it will contain 31.4 kcal. The recommended serving of 398 g contains 122.1 kcal. This soup recipe is included in the recommendations of some weight loss diets.

Cooked with chicken broth With chicken fillet(400 g), potatoes (0.5 kg), onions (75 g), carrots (75 g), herbs (40 g) and vegetable oil(17 g) nettle soup (150 g) will be less calorie, it the nutritional value will be 29.5 kcal per 100 g. The calorie content of a 251 g serving will be 74.1 kcal.

What are the benefits of soup

In this section we will try to figure out what the benefits of nettle soup are and whether it can cause harm.

Did you know? In the Land of the Rising Sun, nettles in combination with silk were used to make expensive samurai armor, shields and bow strings.

Firstly, The first dish is definitely recommended to be included in the menu in the winter and spring; it will help you easily skip this stage, replenishing the body with missing valuable components. After all, nettle leaves are practically a multivitamin concentrate. A body saturated with vitamins will find it easier to fight viruses and bacteria. This means that his defenses will be strengthened.

Secondly, Nettle soup is recommended for people prone to high blood sugar. There is evidence that the herb has the ability to lower its level.

For those who have minor kidney problems, the diuretic properties of nettle soup will also come in handy. However, if a person is diagnosed with sand or stones, this dish can be eaten only after consultation with the attending physician.

During periods of stress and nervous tension, it is also good to enjoy soup, because it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system.

A nettle dish will definitely help cleanse the blood. However, the main thing here is not to overdo it with it, since it has the properties of thickening it.

Soup can be on the table of almost all people, with the exception of those for whom nettle is contraindicated. Pediatricians advise children to be given nettle soup starting at the age of three. It should be introduced gradually, paying attention to the reaction of the child’s body.

Raw materials for soup can be collected in April-May, as well as throughout the summer. Only the top is used for cooking. During collection, protect your hands with gloves. It is better to grow it yourself or purchase it from trusted people, since grass grown in contaminated areas will only cause harm, not benefit.

Important! Soup should be prepared only from young shoots. Only under this condition will the benefit from it be maximum. In addition, you need to choose plants that grew in environmentally friendly areas.

Nettle soup can be prepared in many ways. There are several recipes on the Internet based on water, vegetable, meat, chicken broth. You can prepare regular liquid soup, or you can diversify the menu with puree soup.

Possible harm and contraindications

Like any plant that has medicinal properties, nettle has contraindications.

Since the herb has a diuretic effect, medicines and dishes containing it should not be in the diet of people suffering from urolithiasis or other kidney diseases.

Nettle is included in the list of herbs that are taboo for pregnant women. The plant can enhance contractile activity uterus, which can lead to premature termination of pregnancy.

But nursing mothers are recommended to enjoy nettle soup. After all, nettle will contribute to the speedy return of the uterus to its previous parameters. IN in this case strengthening contractions reproductive organ it will come in handy.

Children under three years of age are prohibited from eating nettle dishes.

So, nettle is a valuable medicinal and food herb. Her leaves are used to prepare remedies for traditional medicine and cosmetology. It is one of the components of several pharmacological drugs, in particular those prescribed for burns and wounds, gastrointestinal problems, prostatitis, as a diuretic and tonic. Soups, cabbage soup, borscht are made from nettles, and vitamin-rich salads are made.

Important! Raw materials for culinary dishes and medicines should not be collected along roads, landfills, garbage sites, or in urban environments, since the plant can absorb harmful elements environment. Before use, you need to wash it and pour boiling water over it, and then lightly knead it in your hands.

The dishes are often used for dietary purposes, as they are vitamin-rich and low-calorie. Since nettle along with beneficial properties It also has a number of contraindications for use; food with it, as one of the ingredients, cannot be consumed by everyone. Before eating regularly this product, you need to study the list of contraindications.