Nettle leaves, very nutritious, are what one could call a panacea. They act as well on the joint as on the digestive, skin or hair spheres. Their astringent and hemostatic properties give them the ability to stop or reduce all types of bleeding. Finally, Nettle helps promote lactation. Latin name: Urtica dioica L. Part of the plant: leaves.

This article was updated on 08/02/2023
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In case of Dandruff, Hair loss, Brittle hair

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In lotion

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Allow to cool then apply to the affected area, or use as a hair rinse, 2 to 3 times a week. 

Plants often associated

Borage, Officinal Sage, Sea buckthorn

In case of' Brittle nails

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In lotion

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Allow to cool then apply to the affected area, or use as a hair rinse, 2 to 3 times a week. 

Plants often associated

Borage

In case of' Asthenia, Fatigue

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Coriander, Ginger, Hibiscus, Thyme, Rosemary, Savory, Ash

In case of' Respiratory allergy, Rhinitis

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Cassis, Tarragon, Plantain

In case of' Acne, Oily skin, Seborrhea

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In compress

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Leave to cool then soak a compress or a clean cloth in the preparation to apply to the affected area.

In lotion

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Allow to cool then apply to the affected area, or use as a hair rinse, 2 to 3 times a week. 

Plants often associated

Wild thought, Burdock

In case of Kidney stones, Cystitis, Urinary tract infection, Nephrolithiasis

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Cassis, Goldenrod, Woodruff, Dandelion, Quackgrass, Heather, Bearberry, Chicory, Linden (Sapwood)

In case of Nosebleed, Bleeding

Recommended modes of use

In compress

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Leave to cool then soak a compress or a clean cloth in the preparation to apply to the affected area.

Plants often associated

Yarrow, Worry, Red Vine, Arnica

In case of Diabetes

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Pepper mint, Pasteur Scholarship, Dandelion, Quackgrass, Licorice, Eucalyptus, Chicory, Burdock, Horsetail, Olivier

In case of Diarrhea

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Alchemilla, Lemongrass, Oregano, Oak, Loosestrife, Blueberry, Marshmallow, Mauve

In case of' Eczema, Psoriasis

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In compress

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Leave to cool then soak a compress or a clean cloth in the preparation to apply to the affected area.

In lotion

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Allow to cool then apply to the affected area, or use as a hair rinse, 2 to 3 times a week. 

Plants often associated

Matricaria Chamomile, Hibiscus, Borage, Oak, Fumitory, Birch, Wild thought, Burdock

In case of' Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatism, Gout attack, Joint pain

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

In compress

Make a decoction with 2 tablespoons of dry leaves for 50 cl of water. Boil for 10 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Leave to cool then soak a compress or a clean cloth in the preparation to apply to the affected area.

Plants often associated

Cassis, Juniper (Juniper), Ginger, Meadowsweet, Rosemary, Dandelion, Quackgrass, Burdock, Linden (Sapwood)

In case of Heavy periods, Menopause

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Yarrow, Alchemilla, Pasteur Scholarship

In case of' Canker sore, stomatitis, gingivitis

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Gargling

Make an infusion or decoction. Leave to cool and use the preparation as a gargle.

Plants often associated

Alchemilla, Matricaria Chamomile, Officinal Sage, Marshmallow, Laurel, Mauve

In case of' Difficult breastfeeding

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Caraway, Milk thistle, Fennel, Green Anise, Cumin, Hop, Fenugreek

In case of Gallstones, Cholelithiasis

Recommended modes of use

In infusion

Pour 3 to 4 level teaspoons of dry leaves, or about 4 g, into a 150 mL cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

In decoction

Pour 1 tablespoon of dry leaves per cup of cold water. Boil for 3 minutes then leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day.

Plants often associated

Dandelion, Linden (Bracts)

Properties and active components

Properties

  • diuretic (flavonoids)
  • anti-inflammatory (flavonoids)
  • antirheumatic (flavonoids, vitamin E)
  • tonic
  • hemostatic
  • astringent (tannins)
  • depurative
  • hypoglycemic
  • galactogogue

Active components

  • Minerals: iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, silica
  • Vitamins (a, b, c, k)
  • Chlorophyll
  • Flavonoids
  • Tannins
  • Formic acid
  • Phenolic acids
  • Coumarins
  • Histamine

Precautions for use

  • Nettle is contraindicated in people with heart or kidney disorders, with or without edema formation as well as in cases of hemochromatosis.
  • It is not recommended to use Nettle in case of anticoagulant treatment such as anti-vitamin K.
  • In the event of an allergic condition, seek medical advice.
  • Nettle root is not recommended in case of pregnancy.

Botanical

From the family of Urticaceae, Nettle is an annual plant with a fibrous, whitish taproot. The erect stem reaches up to 1.5 m in height and bears large opposite leaves, stipulated, elongated, pointed and toothed. Leaves and stems are covered with stinging hairs. THE small greenish flowers in clusters bloom from June to September. They are unisexual and carried on different feet.

Its name "dioica" refers to the presence of male and female flowers on different plants. She has opposite leaves arranged in pairs, very characteristic since they are particularly serrated. Depending on the species, they can be more or less elongated but all have an oval shape and a beautiful green. The nettle is equipped with 2 types of hair : some rather "soft", and others very spicy and sharp whose brittle tip releases a mixture composed among other things offormic acid and D'histamine. Depending on whether it is the small or the large nettle, the plant can measure between 50 cm and 1 m high. The small green flowers that they will give will produce when mature brown seeds.

The Nettle is found a little everywhere in France and elsewhere. The ideal climate for this plant is one mild climate, even if Nettle can be found in tropical regions. On a global scale, the main producing countries are located in North America then in Europe. It likes moist soils rich in nitrogen, and tends to grow close to homes.

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Bibliography

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