Stinging nettle, which is found almost everywhere with its versatile uses, is included in many areas of our lives, from our kitchens to our cosmetic products. So, how well do you know stinging nettle, which has been used for centuries with its miraculous properties and wonderful taste?
If you have touched stinging nettle with your bare hands before, you have probably gotten to know it closely through a painful experience. Stinging nettle, almost entirely covered with needle-like hairs, is known to have the power to irritate the skin even with the slightest contact. If you are asking "Where does the name stinging nettle come from?", you can see that the answer is obvious! The plant's ability to cause irritation, swelling, and redness upon contact naturally has a scientific explanation. Studies show that stinging nettle hairs contain a chemical mixture. This mixture causes skin irritation even with a small touch.
Despite its hairy structure, stinging nettle is a very sensitive plant, and due to its many positive effects, it has found its place in various alternative treatments from the past to the present. This plant attracts attention not only with its contributions to the human body but also with its slightly sour and bitter taste. So, it's time to get to know stinging nettle much better, discover its areas of use, and learn about its effects! Here's what you need to know about stinging nettle:
1. WHAT IS STINGING NETTLE?
Stinging nettle is a member of the Urticaceae family. This herb, whose Latin name is "Urtica" and means "to burn", is among the flowering herbaceous plants. Stinging nettle, which has been used for various purposes in many different societies for centuries, is known to have been one of the most commonly used herbs in Ancient Rome. Historical research shows that Roman soldiers wrapped their bodies with stinging nettle to keep warm in winter and got rid of rheumatic pains with this herb.
2. HOW IS STINGING NETTLE CONSUMED?
Stinging nettle can be consumed in many different ways in the kitchen. This herb, which has a high nutritional value, can largely retain this content even when cooked. In this way, stinging nettle dishes and soups find their place on the tables of those who want to benefit from the effects of the herb. Stinging nettle, used in various recipes according to personal taste, also goes very well with pastries. This plant, preferred in delicacies such as borek and pide, also adds a different aroma to salads.
3. WHAT ARE THE USES OF STINGING NETTLE?
Stinging nettle grows almost everywhere in our country. However, we can say that the Mediterranean Region is its homeland. Stinging nettle, which loves humid and warm regions, does not care about soil type. This wild plant, which blooms towards the end of May, is harvested in summer and made ready for use.
4. WHAT ARE THE USES OF STINGING NETTLE?
Stinging nettle, in addition to its unique taste, has many different uses due to its positive effects. The uses of this special plant are gathered under the following headings:
4.1. Stinging Nettle as Food
Stinging nettle finds its place in different recipes according to various cultures. This herb, commonly made into a dish, comes to tables with varieties such as rice and meat. In cold winter days, many people consume stinging nettle as soup or tea. In addition, fresh stinging nettle is used in salads and is also highly preferred in the filling of pastries.
4.2. Stinging Nettle in Cosmetics
Stinging nettle, used in the content of shampoos and hair serums, allows people experiencing hair loss problems to achieve visible results. Today, stinging nettle shampoos and soaps are sold in many places.
4.3. Stinging Nettle as Fertilizer
The mineral varieties in stinging nettle make it an effective organic fertilizer. It has been observed that stinging nettle, especially used in organic plant cultivation in recent years, positively affects soil quality.
5. WHAT IS STINGING NETTLE GOOD FOR, WHAT ARE ITS EFFECTS?
● Containing 6 times more vitamin C than oranges, stinging nettle makes it possible to benefit from the positive effects of vitamin C.
● This herb, containing approximately 3 grams of protein per 100 grams, is an ideal protein source for vegans and vegetarians.
● Stinging nettle, which also has a strong iron content, meets the human body's daily iron requirement by 1.64 milligrams.
● Stinging nettle, which contains flavonoids with antioxidant properties necessary for the body, helps the body
6. WHAT SUBSTANCES DOES STINGING NETTLE CONTAIN?
Stinging nettle leaves contain glycosides, formic acid, flavonoids, potassium, secretin, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, C, K. Stinging nettle seeds contain fixed oils, proteins, mucilage, carotenoids, and chlorophyll.
7. WHAT IS THE CALORIE CONTENT OF STINGING NETTLE?
100 grams, or approximately one serving, of stinging nettle contains an average of 42 calories. The nutritional value of stinging nettle, which has a very rich content, is as follows:
8. HOW MUCH STINGING NETTLE SHOULD BE CONSUMED DAILY?
While there is no specific limit for stinging nettle consumption, it is not recommended to consume too much of this herb. It is very important to consume stinging nettle consciously to benefit from its positive effects. Additionally, individuals with a sensitive constitution, breastfeeding mothers, or those with chronic diseases are advised to consult a physician before consuming stinging nettle. Drinking up to two cups of stinging nettle tea or eating one serving of stinging nettle dish per day is considered sufficient for daily consumption.
You can add Balparmak natural honey varieties to your delicious stinging nettle tea for a soft touch to your drink!
Disclaimer: The information on this page has been compiled from various scientific sources and should not be taken as medical advice in any way. Before starting to use stinging nettle and stinging nettle-containing products for any purpose, you should definitely learn from your physician whether this food is suitable for you and whether it can provide the effect you desire.
You can add Balparmak natural honey varieties to your delicious stinging nettle tea for a soft touch to your drink!
Disclaimer: The information on this page has been compiled from various scientific sources and should not be taken as medical advice in any way. Before starting to use stinging nettle and stinging nettle-containing products for any purpose, you should definitely learn from your physician whether this food is suitable for you and whether it can provide the effect you desire.
