Nettle Leaf

Nettle Leaf

Latin name: Urtica dioica 

Health Benefits of Nettle Leaf

Nettle is a very nutritious plant also known as Stinging Nettle. It strengthens and tones the entire system and is a very versatile herb.  It can also be used in foods much like spinach, and it makes a tasty tea.  Nettle is one herb you never want to be without.  Health benefits include:  

• Contains bitter compounds that help increase the flow of urine. This makes it a great herb for liver and kidney health. It increases the efficiency and function of these organs. For this reason it is often used to treat urinary tract infections.
• Like many bitter herbs, nettle is a blood purifier. This makes it a great treatment for anemia.
• Is widely known for stimulating hair growth, and can be used to restore natural color to hair when used in as a shampoo. It makes a great hair and scalp tonic.
• Contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues and stops bleeding. This makes it great for many inflammatory skin conditions.
• Has been used to treat inflamed prostate or “prostitis.”
• Because it is a great diuretic, it is good to treat water retention (edema) and also gout.
• Contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (including quercetin), that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages.  Nettle is the best herb for seasonal allergies and hay fever.  
• Useful for growing pains in children.
• Alleviates the symptoms of PMS and menopause.
• Excellent reproductive tonic. 

Nutritional Benefits of Nettle Leaf

• Contains good amounts of Vitamin C and A.
• Is very high in chlorophyll content.
• Contains many bio-available minerals such as iron, calcium, silicon, potassium, magnesium, protein, and dietary fiber. 

How to Use Nettle Leaf

• Use in tea and tincture combinations.  It makes a great tasting tea.
• It is great when added in small amounts to culinary dishes such as salads, meat dishes, stir fry, vegetables, to add nutritional value to the foods. 

Fun Facts About Nettle Leaf

• A good remedy for nettle sting is fresh bruised Yellow Dock.