If you ask most backyard gardeners what they think about stinging nettles, you’re probably going to get a lot of eye rolls and complaints. It’s easy to see why—they spread like wildfire and, as the name suggests, they pack a painful sting if you accidentally brush against them. But before you pull them all out, you might want to hear the other side of the story. These “weeds” are actually packed with medicinal properties that can help with a ton of health issues.
Two Ways to Use Them
If you want to tap into the natural healing power of nettles, there are two main ways to go about it. First, you can extract the juice from freshly picked plants. Alternatively, you can harvest the plants and dry the leaves. Once they’re dried, they make a fantastic herbal tea when steeped in hot water.
A Natural Remedy for Many Ailments
Once you start incorporating nettles into your routine, the active compounds go to work on your body in some pretty amazing ways. They help with blood formation, act as a natural detoxifier, and give your metabolism a nice little kickstart. In the world of natural medicine, nettles are a go-to for several conditions, including:
- Rheumatism and joint pain
- Inflammation
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Prostate issues
But the benefits don’t stop there! Drinking nettle tea or juice can actually improve hair growth and help get rid of dandruff. Many people also find relief from menstrual cramps and use it as a natural way to keep high blood pressure in check. It can even be a helpful supportive treatment for managing diabetes.
Packed with the Good Stuff
Sure, nettles have that “venom” that causes those itchy welts on your skin, but they’re also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and iron. This actually makes them an incredibly healthy leafy green! If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, try adding them to soups or using them as a substitute for spinach—the flavor is surprisingly similar. Just like any other veggie from your garden, nettles are at their healthiest when they’re freshly harvested.
