6 health benefits of nettle infusion

Most of us probably associate nettles with quite painful experiences. After all, who hasn’t been stung by nettles while walking in the countryside? The leaves have sharp hairs that pierce the skin and inject formic acid. Equipped with good gloves, scissors and a cloth bag, we can collect the young leaves to prepare them later at home. It is worth it, because the nettle It has great nutritional and medicinal value.

nettle properties

The nettle is full of nutrients to the tips of the leaves. As food, it is a vegetable with remarkable nutritional content.

Nutritional composition of nettle (100 g):

Protein: 7 g Calcium: 713 mg Potassium: 475 mg Vitamin C: 333 mg Vitamin B1: 200 mcg Vitamin B3: 800 mcg

Here you can check how to use nettles in the kitchen and, in the following video, different ways of how to take it.

6 health benefits of nettle infusion

1. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic

Dried nettle leaves contain many flavonoids. These phytochemicals are responsible for the coloration of many fruits and vegetables. Grapes, green tea or aubergines contain many flavonoids. are antioxidant compounds that eliminate free radicals in the body, which helps reduce inflammation and prevents tissue damage.

Flavonoids also have an analgesic effect. Therefore, Nettle infusion is popular as a home remedy for the relief of joint pain during severe rheumatic or arthritic flare-ups.

2. Helps with urinary tract infections

The active principles of the nettle have a diuretic effect. If you suffer from a urinary system infection, nettle infusion can help you improve naturally, as infectious bacteria are carried away by the urine stream.

3. It acts against stomach pains

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the active principles of nettle can be effective for lower abdominal pain and gastric cramps. A cup of fresh nettle infusion can also be useful for menstrual back pain.

4. Stimulates digestion

Nettles and the infusion made with the dried leaves contain bitter substances, which stimulate salivation and promote digestion. Gastric juice production is accelerated in the stomach, while increased bile production ensures healthy digestion.

5. Works against cellulite

Almost all women have cellulite, some more, some less. Orange peel has a largely genetic cause. However, exercise and a healthy diet are helpful ways to prevent and counteract it.

Nettle infusion can help thanks to its draining effect, since it ensures that the stored water is transported out of the cells. Combined with a healthy, low-calorie diet, it can help tighten connective tissue.

6. Beneficial effect on the prostate

The active ingredients in nettle leaves are not only effective in treating conditions of the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys, but also may have positive effects on the prostate. Among other things, the prostate gland is responsible for producing seminal fluid in which sperm can move during ejaculation.

One study found that nettle extract improved symptoms in patients with benign enlarged prostate. As part of a holistic treatment for prostate diseases, nettle infusion can be a good contribution.

What needs to be done so that nettles do not sting?

We just have to leave them in the cloth bag where we have kept them for 12 hours. After that time they no longer bite. If you don’t want to wait, they can be crushed (with a rolling pin, for example) and in a few minutes they will be deactivated. They also stop stinging when cooked.

Nettle is safe, but you should not overdo it. More than 250 milliliters per day is not recommended, even if you have symptoms. Regular or even daily consumption is not recommended as it can lead to stomach ache, heartburn or diarrhea.

Scientific references: