The Nettle is a plant with great benefits for the human being and for the vegetation itself. Thanks to its multiple properties known since ancient times, it is currently of special importance in alternative medicine. Plus, it's backed by some scientific research. In this sense, we invite you to read this interesting article so that you have more information about it.
the nettle
Nettle is a type of vegetation that is grouped into a category called Urtica, coming from Europe and widespread in Central and South America. It usually grows as an abundant weed between 1 and 1,5 meters high, it is recognized for being a perennial plant densely covered with stinging hairs with leaves up to 12 centimeters with serrated edges that concentrate many minerals. Its roots are thick and its stem is quadrangular and ribbed, it also bears tiny green-yellow flowers during the last months of the year.
Another of its characteristics is that it grows in moist, nitrogen-rich soils. It is easily found in gardens and tends to proliferate in vacant lots, on the edge of embankments and dumps. At the same time, it is a plant that fortifies and stimulates the microbial flora of the earth and the vegetation itself, accelerates composting, strengthens the plants, supplies the lack of mineral salts in some soils and helps the photosynthesis process in its environment.
Benefits
It is a plant that provides many health benefits, so much so that it is used to combat allergens thanks to its antihistamine properties and is valued for being an anti-inflammatory agent for conditions of the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory and digestive system. It can provide quick relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, sneezing, itching, and upset stomach. For these reasons and many more, below we present the chemical components found in each of its parts.
Its leaves contain chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, organic acids, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, silica and vitamins a, b, c and k. They also contain mucilage, scopoletoside and sitosterol. In plant hairs it has acetylcholine, histamine and serotonin. Likewise, tannins, titosterols, ceramides, phenylpropanes, lignins, among other components, are present in the roots. Its organic acids and chlorophyll give it diuretic benefits, making it easier for the body to release the toxins that cause so much damage.
It has bactericidal properties that are favorable in case of skin conditions. In addition to this, the secretins they have contribute to the proper functioning of the intestines, pancreas and liver. Among its medicinal contributions is also its depurative capacity, in addition to being astringent, hemostatic, mineralizing and stimulating the circulatory system. There are those who ingest it in infusions or in juices for conditions of the urinary tract, internal or external bleeding, treatment of anemia, rheumatism and gout problems.
It can also be cooked for use as local applications or baths to relieve discomfort. This plant is considered ideal for reversing problems related to the scalp due to the appearance of dandruff and hair loss, so its results can be enhanced by combining it with rosemary leaves and lemon balm. It is important to note that the use of this shrubby plant has had scientific recognition for its effects in improving kidney and prostate conditions. Similarly, in clinical phytotherapy it is used as a hepatic drainer and volumetric diuretic and uric acid eliminator.
Aspects on the cultivation of Nettle
This type of plant has a great capacity to grow anywhere regardless of the weather. Although it is recommended that it be in an environment between 17 and 27 degrees, knowing that a higher temperature level would be fatal for it. To optimize its evolution, it is recommended to grow it in semi-shade, avoiding direct exposure to the sun. It should also be noted that when planting nettles, this plant needs moisture, since it does not like dry weather. Although it has nutrient-rich soil, it can survive drought for some time, but it is not recommended.
The soil to be used is a very important point for its cultivation, as it must contain a high percentage of nutrients. That is why the fertilizer is of the utmost importance, since it needs extremely fertile soils with a high presence of nitrogen and phosphates. Nitrogenous organic matter has direct and positive effects on the growth of nettles. Composting with earthworms is an essential part of soil fertilization, as it must be done every 4 months.
Procedure to grow it
It should be noted that it is a vegetation with a very short development process. In the event that the conditions are optimal, that is, it has fertile soil, with good fertilizer and proper drainage, this period will be 45 days, it is also important to leave this plant in the partial shade. If you have an already developed plant, to get the seeds you need to cut the flowers when they are dry. You will notice it by its dark coloration. Although you can remove them first and let them dry in the environment, this is the most recommended.
Once removed, you should shake the flowers slightly so that the seeds fall out. After that, you need to place it in a shallow container, in already fertilized soil, before planting it in the final place. You should also keep in mind that few seeds germinate, so use several seeds per pot. In this way, you will need to cover them with a thin layer of soil. As additional information, this container should be located in a place with a warm and dark environment.
The seed will begin to germinate after the first week. When the shoots are ready, they are transplanted directly into the ground or into the pot where they will grow. Remember that the pots should be in a semi-shaded position. If you choose to transplant directly into the ground, the space between the shoots should be 30 centimeters. Although its cultivation has to be carried out preferably in pots, in order to control the growth of the nettle, as it is a very invasive plant. Once the shoots are transplanted, we can cover them with compost and water them to help reduce the stress of transplanting.
Maintenance
If you are growing nettles, you need to be careful when handling them and take certain precautions. It is recommended, and mandatory at some point, to wear leather gloves when in contact with the plant. This will avoid touching the leaves as this can cause rashes and a sharp pain on the skin. If you come into contact with nettle, you can neutralize the pain or rashes with a mixture of baking soda and water. Once the nettle is cooked or dried, these problems no longer occur.
Watering and pruning: When transplanting, it is extremely important to water thoroughly and maintain this frequency during the initial growth stages. Subsequent watering should be done to keep the soil moist. Regarding pruning, this type of plant is not very demanding. However, you should trim and remove any withered leaves to encourage its growth.
Pest and disease control: This plant is known for its resistance to pests and diseases thanks to its active ingredients. Nettle is used as a biological insecticide to protect other crops from pests and prevent disease. To prepare this insecticide, you will need 10 liters of water and 1 kilogram of nettles. The mixture should be left to ferment for 5 days. Once the fermentation process is complete, you can apply the preparation to all your crops using a sprayer.
Harvesting : This process takes place after the plant has flowered, although it can also be done in early spring or early autumn. It's important to note that only the tenderest leaves should be harvested. These are at the top of the plant. The roots of younger plants can be harvested in late autumn. The leaves can be harvested and used fresh, or they can be stored in a dry place to begin the drying process.
PREMIUM QUALITY
Several specialists in the field point out that to date there is a great variety of species of this plant in the world. Some of them will be explained below. The nettle, is an herb of the urticaceae family, is found throughout the territory that includes respectively the northern and southern borders of Mexico and the United States. The growth zone of this shrub is characterized by wooded slopes, disturbed land, river and lake banks, and meadows; in rich, moist soil.
There is also the ongaonga, which is a perennial shrub, native to New Zealand, where it grows in the forests and coastal plains of the South Island at 35° latitude. Its leaves are hairy and spiny; the slightest contact can produce a painful prick that lasts for several days. There have been cases of death from mass contact with them, both in humans and in dogs and horses. It can reach 5 meters in height and according to experts it is the main source of food for the larvae of the red admiral butterfly.
Another example that can be mentioned is the Urtica incisa, a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to the tropical forest of southwestern Australia and is also found in the Colombian Andean mountains. It is a shrub with triangular and opposite leaves 5 to 12 cm long and jagged edges. The indigenous people eat the leaves after cooking them between hot stones. It is considered a pleasant vegetation with which the settlers made a tonic to "purify the blood".
In turn, there is the so-called membrane, which is an important species of this large group of plants, native to the Mediterranean region. We can say that it is an annual plant, generally monoecious, that has simple male racemes, with a wide axis and leaves with only prickly hairs. It is generally a ruderal nitrophilic plant that establishes itself in crops, roads and vacant land with a little humidity and shade. It is found at an altitude of 190 to 1000 meters.
On the other hand, there is the urens, which is a perennial herb with a quadrangular branch, large opposite leaves and lilac flowers. It blooms from autumn to spring and bears fruit in this same season. The most well-known characteristic of this plant is the presence of stinging hairs whose caustic liquid (acetylcholine) produces irritation with intense itching on the skin when touched. It can also be called achume, moheña, pica mano, picasarna, ronchona, weed of the blind.
Finally, we can mention the Romana, an annual plant that can reach a meter in height, monoecious and pungent. Opposite leaves, heart-shaped base. Petiole almost as long as the leaf and with a toothed edge. Lower veins very prominent, often somewhat hairy. It has 4 stipulations in each node with small flowers. The male with 4 greenish sepals and trichomes and 4 stamens form clusters on a branched axis. The female in spherical stalked inflorescences, slightly larger than a pea with 2 large and 2 small sepals and an ovary. The sepals are thick and hairy.
History of the Nettle
It is a transcendent plant that has been used as a remedy since time immemorial. In Switzerland, remains dating back to the XNUMXrd century BC have been found. C. in lacustrine deposits of the Neolithic period. The Hellenic civilizations called it "acalyphe" and the Latin "urtica" which means "to burn", because the hairs of the nettle sting and burn due to the harmless poison that the plant gives off when the skin comes into contact with it. Dioscorides particularly appreciated the virtues of the plant and described its use in detail.
In the Middle Ages they were recognized for their therapeutic properties, as well as for their excellent nutritional composition. For a time, the pungent power of the leaves outweighed their benefits: they were classified as weeds and their use in herbal medicine was overlooked. However, the situation has now changed. In recent years, scientific advances have confirmed and demonstrated the strong therapeutic potential of nettles. They are back on the scene and are of great interest to the scientific community.
Nettle infusion
One of the most common uses of the plant is to prepare infusions through its fresh leaves or they can also be dried leaves, since the result does not vary. Add a teaspoon of the mentioned leaves and add about 200 ml of hot water. After that, the components are left to mix for about 5 minutes, in order to savor this rich nettle tea, ready to drink. Professionals recommend taking about two cups of this dose per day and especially before eating.
Nettle in different countries
In the Caribbean zone of Colombia and in some islands it is known as "pringamoza", as in the west of the Venezuelan country, although in the east of the mentioned country it is called Guaritoto. In some parts of South America it is consumed in salads. For its part, in Teruel (Spain) it is called the “pikes”, while in the rest of Aragon it is known as “chordica” and is also widely used in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. In turn, in Paraguay they identify it as Pyno and it is common for them to ingest it because it is an effective restorative infusion when combined with their traditional drink, the tereré.
Nettle in El Salvador and Guatemala is called "chichicaste". This plant is mentioned within the popular expressions in some Latin American countries where in a humorous way, when someone has bad behavior they say: "I'll give you a clean or peel (whip) with a sticky stick." To fight against friction with the plant: In the Pyrenees, the damaged areas are rubbed with rice, pardal or paret leaves. In other places mallow leaves are used, frequent and easy to identify. According to popular belief, urine makes the nettle grow.
Currently, among the uses of the plant for homeopathic medicine, the whip with nettles is cited to treat lumbago, as occurred in ancient times. It is also said that in ancient Rome, a bunch of nettles was whipped below the navel, kidneys and buttocks of men (especially the elderly), to restore their lost vigor, the same thing happens when the peasants want to incubate the eggs of chickens, whip them with the fresh plant on the underside.
The XNUMXth-century physician and alchemist Paracelsus recommended picking it up when the moon is in the constellation Scorpio and wearing it for courage and daring. It is also said that he could tell if a sick person would die or come out of his illness if he placed nettle leaves in the patient's urine and left it for a whole day. If the leaves withered, the patient would almost certainly die, if they remained green, he would survive.
It is also used as a raw material for the extraction of chlorophyll in industrial processes, for the production of paper pulp, as a dye to dye fabrics, and as a source of textile fibers for the production of ropes, nets, sails, and clothing. This last use dates from the First World War since the most common fibers were scarce. In the Mexican city of Coatzintla, the nettle is used every Holy Week for the "race of the Jews".
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