Why not take advantage of this generous plant that grows wild everywhere? Behind a reputation that earns it the title of annoying weed that stings and burns lies a medicinal plant with many qualities. Consider that this plant can also be used as a natural pesticide in the vegetable garden.

Spring is the right season to gather it in the countryside, make infusions, prepare delicious recipes and discover the many uses this plant has to offer. All parts of it can be used: the plant, the seeds and the root; in addition, commercially prepared products based on nettle leaves are available in the form of fresh juice, liquid extract and tablets.

Nettle properties and benefits

Nettle is the star of numerous detoxifying treatments, thanks to its ability to eliminate acids and waste products from the body.

It dissolves deposits, reduces hyperacidification, eliminates useless metabolic by-products from the body, cleanses the intestine, activates the immune defences, thoroughly cleanses the kidneys and flushes away everything that should not be in the body. It also supplies the body with sufficient vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Pharmacists still know very little about the active compounds of nettle, despite it being well known, popular and officially recognised as a medicinal plant.

For rheumatic conditions

Against rheumatic conditions, and arthritis in particular, nettle appears to be a highly effective remedy. In Greek folk medicine, it is recommended to rub the fresh nettle plant on painful joints until the skin burns. Another option is to gather a bunch of fresh nettles and pass them over the aching areas so that the venom penetrates the skin, generating a pleasant sensation of warmth. If you prefer ready-to-use remedies, preparations based on nettle plants can be found in most herbalist shops.

For the skin

Nettle-based preparations stimulate blood circulation, so that the skin is better supplied with oxygen. In folk medicine, nettle compresses were applied to wounds to stop bleeding, to soothe rheumatic pain and to treat boils. A nettle bath is ideal and performs a deep purifying action throughout the body: place a handful of leaves and flowers in a litre of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Then strain and pour the decoction into a hot bath.

For hair

Nettle is also effective in hair care, thanks to its high percentage of B-group vitamins and silicic acid, which strengthens the hair and gives it a beautiful shine. Nettle extract capsules are available on the market as an alternative to infusions and recipes, although rinsing with nettle infusion after the usual hair wash immediately adds lustre to the hair and proves to be an effective treatment for those who suffer from dandruff as well as a restorative: boil 200 g of freshly picked nettles in 1 litre of water for half an hour, then strain. Apply to the hair and scalp before going to bed.

For kidney and bladder stones

Fresh nettle plant juice has proved particularly effective; one tablespoon of fresh plant juice should be taken three times a day. Over the course of a 14-day treatment, the volume of urine increases, body weight decreases thanks to dehydration, and blood pressure drops slightly. As an alternative to the juice, a nettle infusion can also be used; a freshly prepared cup of infusion should be drunk three or four times a day.

Nettle in the kitchen

Infusion of nettle leaves

Nettle leaf infusion is the simplest and most natural of all: pour 3 or 4 teaspoons of nettle into a warmed cup, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, then strain. Throughout the day, drink 3 or 4 cups of freshly prepared infusion.

Spaghetti with wild herbs

Nettle gnocchi with saffron sauce

Spring offers an abundance of edible wild plants, rich in flavour and virtues. Here is a recipe that will inspire you to take a trip out of town in search of a precious ingredient: nettles, with which to prepare some extraordinary gnocchi.

Science also confirms nettle's properties