Nettle - superfood and herb

Nettle is a plant known for its leaves covered with specific hairs that, when in contact with a person's skin, can cause irritation and the formation of an irritating sebaceous substance that causes the characteristic hump and hypersensitivity. This plant is also known for its various health benefits and culinary uses. It is considered a superfood and herb with many uses and benefits. In this article, we will look at more information about nettle, its history, and how to grow it at home.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial plant that reaches a height of about 1 to 2 metres. The leaves and stems of the plant are covered with small hairs that contain formic acid and histamine. When human skin comes into contact with these hairs, they penetrate the skin, causing irritation, rashes and hypersensitivity. However, this effect is not inherent in all species of nettles.

Nettle has been known to be used by humans for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, nettles were used to treat various ailments. In the Middle Ages, it was popular in European medicine for treating arthritis, joint problems and skin damage. In various cultures, nettle has also been used as a food. The leaves can be eaten after processing or cooking, which removes the hairs and makes the plant safe to eat.

Nettles are hardy plants and are usually grown without problems in many locations. In temperate and cool areas it is a perennial, while in warmer areas it can be an annual. Here are some steps to successfully growing nettles:

• Site selection:Nettles prefer sunny and semi-shady sites. Avoid strong winds as they can damage its delicate leaves.
• Soil preparation: prepare well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Loosening can be intense, so allow plenty of room for growth.
• Planting: you can plant seeds or propagate the plant by seedlings. Plant the seeds or seedlings about 1 cm deep and water them well.
• Maintenance: nettles like regular watering. Smooth the soil around the plants to retain moisture and prevent the growth of weeds.
• Harvesting: Nettle leaves can be harvested when the plant reaches a certain height. Choose young leaves from the top of the plant as they are more tender and tasty.

Nettle is an herb with a variety of health benefits that have been known and used by people throughout the ages. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Nutrient rich: Nettle leaves are extremely rich in vitamins (e.g. vitamins A, C, K and B-complex), minerals (e.g. iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium) and antioxidants.
• Helps digestion:Nettles contain enzymes that can help the body break down food and improve digestion.
• Improves the immune system: the richness of vitamin C and other antioxidants in nettles can improve the immune system and help the body cope with illness and infection.
• Regulates blood pressure: Nettles contain compounds that help dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
• Supports heart health: Because of its action in regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels, nettle can improve heart health.
• Anaemia: The richness of iron in nettle makes it useful in the treatment of anaemia and helps to raise red blood cell levels in the blood.
• DetoxA: Nettles have diuretic properties that help the body remove toxins and excess fluid.
• Helps skin health: External application of nettle can help treat various skin problems such as rashes, eczema and acne.
• Supports hair health: nettles are traditionally used to strengthen and improve hair growth.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Some studies suggest that consuming nettle may help with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The benefits of nettle are due to its composition, which is extremely rich and diverse, including numerous nutrients and biologically active compounds. Here are the main ingredients that can be found in nettles:

• VitaminsA: Nettles contain vitamins A, C, K and various B vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) and folic acid (B9). Vitamins are important for maintaining general body health.
• Minerals: Nettles are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese. These minerals are essential for bone, muscle and nervous system health.
• Antioxidants:Nettles contain various antioxidants such as carotenoids, flavonoids and vitamin C. Antioxidants help the body protect itself from free radicals and oxidative stress, which can prevent the development of various diseases.
• Phytochemicals: Nettles contain a variety of phytochemicals, such as quercetin, lutein, zeaxanthin and histamine. These biologically active compounds have various health benefits and are associated with the prevention of certain diseases.
• PhytosterolsA: Nettles contain phytosterols, which are plant compounds similar to cholesterol. They can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood and improve heart health.
• Peptides: Nettles contain specific peptides that can have a positive effect on the immune system and help with certain diseases.
• Hairs: nettle leaves are covered with hairs containing formic acid and histamine. On contact with the skin, these hairs cause irritation and the formation of an irritating sebaceous substance.

Nettles, as a source of many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support the health of the body, are used in cooking in a number of delicious and healthy recipes.
It is most often used in salads, sauces, baked goods and soups, but you can also take advantage of its proven qualities through decoctions and herbal syrups.

Despite its many health benefits, nettle also has some contraindications. Before using nettles for medicinal purposes, especially if you suffer from any medical condition or are taking medication, it is a good idea to consult a health professional. Some of the contraindications of nettle include:

• Allergic reactions:Some people may exhibit allergic reactions to nettles, both when consumed and when applied to the skin.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not recommended to use nettle during pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially without first consulting a doctor.
• Kidney problems: Because of its diuretic properties, nettle use can be dangerous for people with kidney problems.
• Diabetes: Nettles can affect blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be careful.

Nettle is a unique plant with specific properties and health benefits. Its history stretches back thousands of years, being used in both medicine and the food industry. If you are interested in growing it at home, following the tips above, you can enjoy fresh and delicious leaves throughout the growing season.
Bulgarian Tea Company offers a range of herbal Teascontaining nettles.