Nettle: benefits, uses, side effects and recommendations in 5 min!
Nettle has certainly surprised you during your walks in the forest!
This plant known for its stings has very interesting benefits for our health.
You will find in this video and in this article :
- The active substances of the nettle
- The benefits of nettle leaves
- The benefits of nettle roots
- What are the uses of nettle?
- The side effects of nettle
- Contra-indications of nettle
- Recommendations
To begin with, you should know that nettle is also called urtica dioica
The parts that are used in this plant are the leaves and the roots. These 2 parts have different properties, they are used in dry form.
Nettle leaves contain active substances such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid.
They also contain sitosterol (fatty acid of vegetable origin) and flavonoids (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory).
Nettle has a diuretic action, it promotes the elimination of urine. It is also detoxifying, draining (allows the flow of water), depurative (purifies the body).
Thanks to its various virtues, it helps to prevent urinary infections and to reduce the risk of appearance of urinary stones.
Nettle can also be used to relieve joint pain or rheumatic pain such as osteoarthritis, reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (runny nose).
It is interesting to know that nettle leaves are rich in iron and minerals.
They can be used in fresh form in salads or soups.
Now, let's move on to the nettle roots!
They are rich in lectins (proteins that interact with carbohydrates), tannins (antioxidant), glycans (carbohydrate grouping) and lignans (estrogen-like action).
Nettle roots are used to limit prostate disorders by facilitating the release of urine in people who are affected by benign prostatic hypertrophy (increase in the volume of the prostate).
These different parts are also known to limit the release of sebum (fatty substance that protects the skin) and relieve oily or acne-prone skin.
Finally, nettle is also known for its benefits on the health of hair and nails.
However, you should know that these different effects are controversial due to the lack of studies that really demonstrate the effectiveness of nettle in these indications.
It is available in the form of dry powder, capsules, dry extracts or liquid.
To consume it in infusion, it is necessary to put 2 to 3 spoons of the dry powder in a large glass of hot water and to let infuse a few minutes.
It is strongly recommended to take it during the day to avoid waking up in the evening to urinate.
Moreover, it is imperative to drink at least 2 liters of water per day during the consumption of this plant to compensate for the diuretic effect which supports the release of water, but also electrolytes and minerals (sodium, potassium,?).
Regarding its use against prostate disorders, it is imperative to ask the advice of your doctor before taking it, because he must be sure that there is no prostate cancer.
I would like to inform you that the consumption of nettle is contraindicated in case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children under 12 years old. Its use is also not recommended for people with heart or kidney problems.
The side effects of nettle are mainly nausea, diarrhea, digestive disorders and allergy.
Taking nettle root can also cause erectile dysfunction in some people.
Nettle can interact with iron, it is recommended to leave a 2 hour delay between taking iron and nettle.
If you wish to consume it, it is preferable to ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Dr Noura Marrai (Doctor of Pharmacy, YouTuber Health, creator of the health well-being Pharmaquiz application),
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