Nettle

[BlndeInDisguise]

I was reading that taking nettle internally (in the form of capsules) can promote hair growth. Anybody tried this?

Also, has anyone used nettles externally? If so, how did you use it? Did you use the leaves or the root or the stem or all three?

[kathyblack1]

I was reading that taking nettle internally (in the form of capsules) can promote hair growth. Anybody tried this?

Also, has anyone used nettles externally? If so, how did you use it? Did you use the leaves or the root or the stem or all three?

I've heard the same thing and suppossedly it's should help for that it's not limited to that:


http://www.gaias-garden.co.uk/Herbs/herb_imgs/nettle1.gifThe common Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the first edible wild plants to emerge in the spring and can be found growing in rich soils in forest clearings, stream banks, old fields or wastelands and disturbed soil. The stem is ridged, bristly and hairy, the leaves grow opposite one another and are oval or heart shaped at the base, narrowing to a long point, with toothed edges. Tassel-like clusters of greenish flowers appear in the Summer, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The stem and leaves are notoriously covered in stiff stinging hairs, the tip of which breaks off when touched, leaving a hollow hair which injects the skin with a fluid containing irritant poison. The juice from the stem of the stinging nettle actually makes a remedy to the plants' sting - next time you're stung try breaking the stem and applying the juice to relieve the stinging sensation. Failing that you'll usually find the faithful Dock Leaf growing nearby, the leaves contain chemicals which will neutralise the sting and cool the skin.
A valuable plant for a wide range of wildlife, the stinging nettle harbours an incredible number of insects and invertebrates - some of which, like the nettle weevil, exist solely on nettles. Red admiral, small tortoiseshell, painted lady, comma and peacock butterflies are all attracted to stinging nettles, where they will lay their eggs, the resulting caterpillars having an immediate source of nutritious food. Nettle patches also tend to support over-wintering aphids, which provide an early food source for ladybirds and their larvae and lacewing larvae. The honeydew produced by aphids will also provide food for ants - and in return the ants will protect the aphids from other predators. Not surprisingly the nettle patch is a magnet for birds and other insect-eaters, whilst seed eating birds will be attracted in the late summer when the nettle produces a huge quantity of seeds. .
Nettles are also useful for plant life as well and a rich plant feed can be made from steeping nettles in water to make a 'nettle tea' which can be used neat to spray on foliage to deter pests and prevent fungal diseases, or used diluted to water the plants or soil. Alternatively nettles can be added to the compost heap where its nitrogen will assist in the breaking down of other plant matter. It has been reported that herbs with stinging nettles as neighbours tend to be healthier than those without and have a higher concentration of essential oils, making them more resiliant to pests.
Nettles tend to rob the soil of nutrients, resulting in a plant rich in minerals and vitamins, including iron, sulphur and silicon, beta-carotene, vitamins C, D and A and chlorophyll - for a healthy addition to your meals try steaming or cooking the fresh young nettle-tops, in much the same way as Spinach, and serve as a vegetable garnished with butter, use as an ingredient for a healthy soup, or add to a vegetarian lasagne or pasta bake. The French are so passionate about the stinging nettle that they make it not only into the classic soup, but also omelettes, sauces, jam and icecream (!), syrups, ales and liqueurs.
If you are harvesting your own nettles for consumption be sure to pick only young, fresh tops, ideally in the Spring, although you should be able to harvest fresh tops throughout the Summer - wear some thick gardening gloves to avoid being stung, or snip the tops off so that they fall into a basket. Ensure that you only pick nettles which are free from crop spray and avoid ones found growing by the side of busy roads or in built up areas. If you are harvesting the root the best time is in the Autumn.
The practice of urtication (generally as a remedy to rheumatic and arthritic aches and pains) dates back at least 2,000 years - fresh nettles are used to sting the affected area. This practice still continues today, and those that use it do report considerable relief from arthritic pains, but if you'd prefer a gentler option try drinking a nettle infusion on a regular basis - which will help clear out toxins in your joints. Nettle has a long history of use for arthritis, rheumatism and gout, and is effective at treating other inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and bursitis.
A cleansing tea, especially beneficial to the liver and kidneys and the circulatory system, can be made by infusing 1 teaspoon of dried nettle to one cup of freshly boiled water - leave to infuse covered for at least 5 minutes. Blends particularly well with lemon balm and tastes delicious with a dash of fresh lemon juice. A nettle infusion is helpful in anaemic cases, especially where the anaemia is a result of heavy menstrual bleeding, and is an ideal cuppa for the 'time of the month', when it will help remedy bloating and breast tenderness, as well as heavy periods - and its iron content is an added bonus.
Nettle tea is also an effective remedy for dust and pollen related allergies / hay fever and asthma - in fact the stinging nettle is highly beneficial to the respiratory system in general, and has a long history of use in treatments for bronchitis, whooping cough, colds, tuberculosis and related lung problems. Culpeper recommended the use of nettles to ’...consume the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moisture of winter has left behind.’
I mentioned earlier that nettle is beneficial to the kidneys - so it should come as no surprise that it's a remedy for [and preventative of] kidney stones. It's also a remedy for bladder infections - and it's a gentle and safe herb so you can happily drink several cups of nettle tea a day. It will help flush out toxins and support your kidneys, liver and circulatory and respiratory systems (which will in turn help remedy respiratory problems, clean out toxin build ups in joints and inflamed joints and tendons etc..)
For skin conditions dried nettles make an excellent healing ingredient to facial steams, and a nettle infusion or cream is good for acne, boils, and oily skin. Nettles are great for the hair (and have been cited as a remedy to thinning hair and baldness). If you're cooking any nettles up to eat, reserve the water you use to cook them in and use it as a hair rinse. Or you could just brew up a strong infusion of dried nettle leaves [and / or roots] and use as a hair rinse / scalp friction, or make up a herbal cider vinegar by steeping nettles in cider vinegar for a few weeks. Of course, drinking (or eating) nettles will also help improve hair condition.
Plant fibres from the stem of the nettles have a long history of use in the making of everything from ropes and papers, clothing and tablecloths, to sails and fishing nets and makes a surprisingly strong and smooth-textured fabric - reputedly stronger than cotton and finer than Hemp. A Bronze Age burial in Denmark revealed a shroud created from such fabric. During World Wars I and II the tough plant fibres were made into textiles and during WWII nettles were collected in quantity to prepare a dye for military uniforms. This role as a plant dye was not a new one, it has a long history of use as a popular wool and yarn dye - the leaves a yield a green dye, whereas the roots boiled with salt or alum yield a beautiful yellow dye. Modern research into Nettle as a crop suggests that although it gives a lower fibre yield than flax, it represents a much more environmentally friendly fibre crop compared to cotton - not only does it require less agrochemicals and irrigation, but as previously stated also supports numerous species of wildlife. Long live the Stinging Nettle!

A passage from Les Miserables concerning the lovely Stinging Nettle :
'One day he (Monsieur Madeleine) saw some peasants busy plucking out Nettles; he looked at the heap of plants uprooted and already withered, and said - "They are dead. Yet it would be well if people knew how to make use of them. When the nettle is young, its leaf forms an excellent vegetable; when it matures, it has filaments and fibres like hemp and flax. Nettle fabric is as good as canvas. Chopped, the nettle is good for poultry; pounded it is good for cattle. The seed of the nettle mingled with fodder imparts a gloss to the coats of animals; its root mixed with salt produces a beautiful yellow colour. It is besides excellent hay and can be cut twice. And what does the nettle require? Little earth, no attention, no cultivation. Only the seed falls as it ripens, and is difficult to gather. That is all. With a little trouble, the nettle would be useful; it is neglected, and becomes harmful." '

Umm, yeah... Copied and pasted, but a truly good read:cool:.

[SimplyLonghair]

That is interesting, I have heard that the stinging nettle is the herb that was desired by the mother of Rupunzel of the witch, and that the girl Rupunzel ate the nettles all of her life and had glorious hair. But there is an herb called rupunzel as well. :shrug:

[HairColoredHair]

I've used CV's Nettle shampoo bar for a while, it worked wonderfully.

[AutumnSky]

Marking... I have a bunch of notes and skin/haircare recipies for nettle...but I'll have to dig it out & post anything useful tomorrow....

[Urban]

I've been using a tea rinse that has nettle in it... but I've been using a lot of other things ... so I can't say for sure if nettle is helping.

[mellie]

There are some safety issues regarding nettle during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or when trying to become pregnant. It may alter the menstrual cycle. Here's some more info:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=377014&postcount=2

[mellie]

Also here's some more info that Ktani researched:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=400997&postcount=115

[AutumnSky]

Found these in my notes from an herb class I took years ago... I've never used either of these, and of course you'll want to do your own research.... Seems like an oil infusion would be a nice thing too..... nettle is rich in silica (like horsetail).


*********************
Stinging Nettle Hair Tonic

1/2 ounce/15 g of dried nettle, leaf, stalk and/or seed
1 Tablespoon/15ml of nettle root tincture

Pour boiling water over nettle in jar, cover and let steep overnight.
The next morning, strain into a plastic bottle, add tincture (optional).
Keeps only a day or two. Use as a final rinse after shampoo and
conditioner, leaving it in hair. Thickens hair texture, helps eliminate
dandruff, aids in preventing hair loss during chemotherapy and in
restoring hair growth afterwards.

***

Nettle Hair Lotion - mild enough for everyday use

4 ounces/120g fresh nettle or 1 ounce/29g of dried nettle
4 cups/1 litre of water, boiling
1/4 cup/60ml of vinegar
3 drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil

Prepare an infusion of nettle by pouring the boiling water over the
nettles, cover and let steep at least four hours or overnight. Stain out plant material. Add oil and vinegar to infusion. Keep in refrigerator between uses. To use: Pour a handful of nettle lotion on wet hair after shampooing. Rub in well. For best results, don't rinse.

[kathyblack1]

Found these in my notes from an herb class I took years ago... I've never used either of these, and of course you'll want to do your own research.... Seems like an oil infusion would be a nice thing too..... nettle is rich in silica (like horsetail).


*********************
Stinging Nettle Hair Tonic

1/2 ounce/15 g of dried nettle, leaf, stalk and/or seed
1 Tablespoon/15ml of nettle root tincture

Pour boiling water over nettle in jar, cover and let steep overnight.
The next morning, strain into a plastic bottle, add tincture (optional).
Keeps only a day or two. Use as a final rinse after shampoo and
conditioner, leaving it in hair. Thickens hair texture, helps eliminate
dandruff, aids in preventing hair loss during chemotherapy and in
restoring hair growth afterwards.

***

Nettle Hair Lotion - mild enough for everyday use

4 ounces/120g fresh nettle or 1 ounce/29g of dried nettle
4 cups/1 litre of water, boiling
1/4 cup/60ml of vinegar
3 drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil

Prepare an infusion of nettle by pouring the boiling water over the
nettles, cover and let steep at least four hours or overnight. Stain out plant material. Add oil and vinegar to infusion. Keep in refrigerator between uses. To use: Pour a handful of nettle lotion on wet hair after shampooing. Rub in well. For best results, don't rinse.
Very interesting!
I love herblore:cheese:...

[BlndeInDisguise]

Very interesting! I didn't know there were so many uses for nettle. I'm going to have to try some stuff with it next summer, since we have quite a bit of it around. Hopefully I can do it without getting stung by the nasty stuff! :)

[Fairlight63]

I was wanting to try a Nettle tea rinse on my hair so was wondering where is the best place to order the Nettle tea from on line? what is the web site?

Thank you!

[Neoma]

I love nettles. mira-chan gave me some stinging nettles from Russia. I made a very concentrated "tea" from them last night by putting them in a glass jar and covering them with water overnight.

This a.m., I mixed some of the tea with my white vinegar/EO rinse, which I used after shampooing with a shampoo bar.

I have waist-length, baby fine hair, which tangles very easily. When I use nettles, the tangles fall right out when I shake sections of my hair to facilitate drying. And nettles make my hair extremely soft, too.

[Gothic Lolita]

The herb Rapunzel is actually a salad and is an old German word for lamb's lettuce or field salad. It contains much folic acid, potassium, iron and iodine, many factors that can promote hair growth. And it tastes so yummy!


The stinging nettle recipes are really interesting and I'd love to try some of them out or create new ones. Hopefully there're still nettles left in my garden or I'll have to rob the forest....

[Deborah]

Watch out for eye sting when using nettles. I used the CV nettles shampoo bar for a while, and boy it sure did sting if any got in my eyes! :bigeyes:

[mira-chan]

The herb Rapunzel is actually a salad and is an old German word for lamb's lettuce or field salad. It contains much folic acid, potassium, iron and iodine, many factors that can promote hair growth. And it tastes so yummy!


The stinging nettle recipes are really interesting and I'd love to try some of them out or create new ones. Hopefully there're still nettles left in my garden or I'll have to rob the forest....

Make sure to get the younger leaves/ plants for food. Older ones are ok for hair but too tough to eat. They are best to eat before they flower. :flower:

Don't forget gloves when picking them though. There is a reason why I used them to chase neighborhood kids away from our berries. :smirk:

Nettle soup, yum!

[rose_in_bloom]

I was wanting to try a Nettle tea rinse on my hair so was wondering where is the best place to order the Nettle tea from on line? what is the web site?

Thank you!

I get mine from Mountain Rose Herbs www.mountainroseherbs.com and they have a very nice flavor, and work well for hair rinses. Good quality herbs, too. HTH! :)

[wahmof9]

There are some safety issues regarding nettle during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or when trying to become pregnant. It may alter the menstrual cycle. Here's some more info:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=377014&postcount=2


Actually nettles are wonderful for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/stinging-nettles.html
(http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/stinging-nettles.html)
:cheese:

[ktani]

I cannot find an original source for the nettle warning about uncooked old plants and kidney damage.

Nettle
2009
" plant should not be consumed raw because it can irritate mucous membranes. Leaves of the young plant can be safely consumed when cooked as a nutritional potherb. Boiling the young leaves and stems disarms the stinging hairs. Drying the herb also disarms the stinging hairs. .... uncooked, mature nettles should not be eaten." (http://www.answers.com/topic/nettle)

2009?
"Plant Constituents of Nettles Contains: (http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/nettles.htm#Plant_Constituents)an acrid fluid [venom], active principle bicarbonate of ammonia, which causes irritation and inflammation, carbonic acid, chlorophyll , ethyl alcohol, formic acid, iron (very high source of digestible iron), mineral salts, mucilage, phosphates, protein, starch, sugar, Vitamin C , water (http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/nettles.htm#Plant_Constituents)
Precautions Caution: (http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/nettles.htm#Plant_Constituents) Do not use old plants uncooked as they can cause (http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/nettles.htm#Plant_Constituents)kidney damage, symptoms of poisoning, Severe irritation and blistering can occur from contact with the fresh plant " (http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/nettles.htm#Plant_Constituents)

2007
"Active constituents (http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/cam/hn-2135002.htm)
There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the identity of nettle's active constituents. Currently, it is thought that polysaccharides (complex sugars) and lectins are probably the active constituents. Test tube studies suggest the leaf has anti-inflammatory actions. .... thought to be caused by nettle preventing the body from making inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins." (http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/cam/hn-2135002.htm)

2003
"Composition & Application: Nettle Leaves: Flavonoids (isoquercitin, rutin); acrid components, particularly in the stinging hairs (including histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, formic ac id, volatile and resinous acids); silica, glucoquinone, tannins, ascorbic acid an d other minerals and vitamins in appreciable levels. (http://www.ccba.bc.ca/discuss1/_disc1/0000111a.htm)
Nettle Root (http://www.ccba.bc.ca/discuss1/_disc1/0000111a.htm): polysaccharides, sterols and sterol glucosides, lignans, cerami des, fatty acids, monoterpene diols and glucosides." (http://www.ccba.bc.ca/discuss1/_disc1/0000111a.htm)
(http://www.ccba.bc.ca/discuss1/_disc1/0000111a.htm)

[mira-chan]

It's never eaten as is, unless you are a serious masochist. Even for salads the leaves (part that's eaten) are blanched.

[SimplyLonghair]

The herb Rapunzel is actually a salad and is an old German word for lamb's lettuce or field salad. It contains much folic acid, potassium, iron and iodine, many factors that can promote hair growth. And it tastes so yummy!

Okay now I wonder if this is what we call lambs quarter. It is a yummy salad mix when young. Has more calcium than spinach. I went to google and it isn't but it is cool!

[Heavenly Locks]

nettles scare the begeebers out of me! :scared: I have gotten stung by them on my hands before out in the pasture and I could have screamed. It's like touching a hot wire or having fire ants bite you.

How can you all handle this stuff? I mean, do you wear gloves? :o

[mellie]

You can buy the leaves dried and chopped and ready to go in the bulk section at herbal stores, so no stinging or hassle.

[mira-chan]

nettles scare the begeebers out of me! :scared: I have gotten stung by them on my hands before out in the pasture and I could have screamed. It's like touching a hot wire or having fire ants bite you.

How can you all handle this stuff? I mean, do you wear gloves? :o
Yup, I use gloves or when picking it I may pull my sleeve over my hand. I grew up with them being everywhere, they especially like to grow in the raspberry bushes. Being stung by them doesn't shock me much anymore. :)

[pdy2kn6]

who would have thought nettle for hair?? do you just go outside and pick some nettles and then boil water and leave over night? this sounds so interesting, i would have never of thought nettles would be so useful.

[mira-chan]

who would have thought nettle for hair?? do you just go outside and pick some nettles and then boil water and leave over night? this sounds so interesting, i would have never of thought nettles would be so useful.
Yes, just make a strong tea from them. Or you can make nettle tea vinegar mix for a hair rinse like neoma does for after washing. This stops the negative effects of hard water too. :)

[Diamondbell]

It's never eaten as is, unless you are a serious masochist. .

Just the thought :scared: !! :D

[LisaMonster]

Bumping this thread to sing the praises of nettle tea!

I've been drinking it and rinsing post-wash with it, and my hair is happy. It's probably not feeling the effects of me drinking it yet, but my body is loving it.

My hair is really soft and happy and flake free. :D

[jeanniet]

I use an herbal rinse that includes nettle (also rosemary, lavender, hibiscus, and horsetail). I've only used it for a month and a half, so I can't make any real conclusions yet, but I think there's a decrease in split ends so my ends may be getting stronger. I really like the rinse, at any rate!

[Deliciosa]

That is interesting, I have heard that the stinging nettle is the herb that was desired by the mother of Rupunzel of the witch, and that the girl Rupunzel ate the nettles all of her life and had glorious hair. But there is an herb called rupunzel as well. :shrug:

As far as I know (well this is what is known in Germany) it is from the Salad that in some regions is called Rapunzel Salad or Rapuenzchen Salad.

But well it would explain a lot wouldnt it. ;)

[Sharysa]

I've been drinking nettle tea twice a week since the beginning of the month. Hoping to move to daily drinking by making it less strong.

It tastes rather bland, but at least it's not bad if I use a bit of honey.

[Auksaplauke]

I use nettle it work for me very good.:)better thian any product that cost alot money.it makes my hair stronger and thicker.I picked nettle leaves in spring and i use it on my scalp.I pour boiling water on nettles leaves .In winter i dried nettle leaves and use it as much i have it.

[Long_hair_bear]

I use nettle as a tea to fight allergies. I'll let you know if I see any hair changes. :)

[pheonixphire]

I know that too much silica can cause a defficiancy in vitiamin B1, so maybe supplement with B vitamins as well. Or just take breaks from it now and then.

[Sharysa]

It's possible that Nettle tea has helped my growth a LOT from November to February, since I gained two inches of length (nearly half my normal growth rate) while others seem to have stalled completely.

[PalomaSincera]

I use an herbal rinse that includes nettle (also rosemary, lavender, hibiscus, and horsetail). I've only used it for a month and a half, so I can't make any real conclusions yet, but I think there's a decrease in split ends so my ends may be getting stronger. I really like the rinse, at any rate!

Today I'm doing my first horsetail rinse but I've been drinking it for a long time and it's definitely making my hair grow and look healthy. I definitely can tell. I have a question... What if the purpose of the hibiscus in your rinse?

[Hairkay]

I use nettle as a tea to fight allergies. I'll let you know if I see any hair changes. :)

I also use it to help with hayfever. I've never thought of it in regards to my hair.

[ReiHino]

I used nettles as a rinse today, I left it in my hair for a while then I rinsed it again with water afraid it would tinge the towel.
I´d say my hair is shinier and I´m curious if it will darken my hair if I keep it as a routine.

[TatsuOni]

I used nettles as a rinse today, I left it in my hair for a while then I rinsed it again with water afraid it would tinge the towel.
I´d say my hair is shinier and I´m curious if it will darken my hair if I keep it as a routine.

It never stained my hair in any way, even when I had my natural light brown hair.