There are two species of nettle - stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and dwarf nettle (Urtica urens). Stinging nettle herb grows up to six feet in height. Dwarf nettle is a one-to two- foot annual.
Both are plants, which are well recognized for their stinging hairs or trichomes. The burning at the site of a nettle sting can last for several hours. The stings are rendered impotent after heating or drying.
Stinging nettle leaf contains a variety of nutrients - vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B1 (Thiamin), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3/B4 (Niacin/Niacinamide), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), vitamin K, biotin, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, formic acid, serotonin, silica (silicon dioxide), glycoside urtitsin. The trichomes contain an irritant made up of histamine and acetylcholine. Nettle leafs is very high in chlorophyll, proteins, iron, copper, calcium carbonate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, titanium and zinc. Nettle contains proteins almost as beans, peas and beans. Nettle root contains steroids, lignins, plant sterols and tannins.
Stinging nettle is used in a variety of recipes (nettle soup, pesto, polenta, herb tea), a source of fiber, as a dye-stuff, producing yellowish green from the fresh leaves, or yellow from the roots, in traditional medicine and also used as an ingredient in hair care products.
There is a huge amount of drugs obtained from extracts of nettle. A simple poultice of fresh nettle leaves used to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. Stinging nettle has been used to treat painful muscles and joints, rheumatoid arthritis, locomotors system, gout.
Iron in nettle builds the blood. Show in anemia, thyroid disease. It is beneficial for heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension, normalizes metabolism, function of the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Stinging nettle may power blood sugar and lower blood pressure. Urtica diocia herb has a diuretic effect on the kidneys. It is also used for urinary tract infections, urinary tract inflammation and kidney stones.
Nettle root extract heals benign prostatic hyperplasia, anti-inflammatory activity, a reduction in cell growth, and antiviral properties.
Stinging nettle useful to women, protect against the appearance of hormone-dependent mammary tumors, mastitis, as haemostatic agent in internal bleeding, including uterine bleeding, preventing the signs of aging, wound healing, promotes lactation.
Externally nettles used to improve hair regrowth, thicken hair, against hair loss (alopecia), reducing oily scalp and dandruff.
Stinging nettles are rich in vitamins, hence promotion a healthy hair growth. Nettle contains zinc. Zinc builds protein that is essential for hair growth. Flavonoids in nettle have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Nettle mask rejuvenates the scalp by flushing out the dirt particles and bacteria.
Here are a few recipes.
Preparation:
1. Squeeze out nettle juice. Massage your scalp with nettle juice for 15 to 20 minutes once-twice a day. Rinse off with cool water.
When you apply the nettle juice to your head, the nutrients in the juice will be absorbed into the scalp and help protect the roots and follicles from exterior damage. Doing massage will stimulate circulation, removes dead skin cells, helps to prevent dandruff and improves hair growth.
2. If you have dry leaves stinging nettle. You can also use nettle infusion to the same end. Place 2 tablespoons of dried nettle in a cup and add 8 oz of boiling water. Cover and let it steep for 40 minutes. Strain out the herb. Once the water is a suitable temperature apply over your scalp. Massage scalp with fingertips in circular motion. Do not rinse. Apply this 2 times per week.
3. Use nettle infusion as a rinse after shampooing.
4. You can use infusion of stinging nettle with apple cider vinegar. 15 ml of apple cider vinegar add in to a cup of warm nettle infusion. After washing your hair using it as the final rinse.
If you don't have access to a fresh plant, you can buy a dry nettle leaf. It is sold in the form of capsules, herbal extract, powder, tea bags, dry nettle leaf. It's also available online from specialty shops and place like iHerb.
Frontier Natural Products organic cut & sifted stinging nettle leaf for only $12.09! (*plus shipping, free shipping if entire order is over $40).
Retail Price = $20.80
iHerb.com Price = $12.09
Retail Price = $20.80
iHerb.com Price = $12.09
