Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal by de la Forêt Rosalee

Author:de la Forêt, Rosalee
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: gnv64
Publisher: Hay House, Inc.
Published: 2017-04-03T22:00:00+00:00

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES AND ENERGETICS OF NETTLE

Nettle is effective for such a wide variety of ailments that herbalists recommend it for supporting general good health. Taken internally, it relieves pain by relieving muscle spasms caused by nutrient deficiencies.

Feeling sluggish? Herbalists often recommend taking nettle regularly to help increase energy levels. While nettle assuredly works in many ways, I surmise that its high nutrient level is what helps create more energy.

FOR HEALTHY BONES, TEETH, AND HAIR

Nettle is full of nutrients that are important for healthy bones, teeth, and hair. Many women have improved their bone density levels after drinking nourishing herbal infusions made with nettle (see the recipe in this chapter).

Nettle has approximately 2,900 mg of calcium for each 100 grams of the dried leaf.2 The naturally occurring calcium found in nettle is easily absorbed by our bodies (which is not the case when it comes to calcium supplements). Nettle is also high in magnesium, another critical nutrient for bone health.3

FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES

Iron deficiency is a common problem during pregnancy, but iron supplements can be hard to digest and may result in constipation. Nettle to the rescue! Many women have told me that they were able to improve their iron levels during pregnancy by drinking a daily infusion of nettle.

Nettle can also support healthy menstruation. It is commonly used by herbalists for amenorrhea, or lack of menstrual cycles. Regular nettle infusions can help decrease menstrual cramping; this is probably due in part to this herb’s high magnesium content.

FOR DECREASING SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Another common effect of drinking nettle regularly is a reduction in seasonal allergy symptoms. Researchers aren’t entirely sure of the mechanism behind this, but they surmise it may be due to the plant’s histamine content, which reduces an inflammatory response.4,5 For best results, start drinking nettle infusions daily at least a month before the allergy season starts. To alleviate acute seasonal allergy symptoms, I prefer freeze-dried nettle.

FOR INSULIN RESISTANCE AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

Nettle is yet another herb with a myriad of positive effects on metabolism and blood glucose. Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of nettle on inflammation and hyperglycemia, both of which are complications of insulin resistance and diabetes.6,7,8

Clinical trials using nettle in people diagnosed with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes showed significant improvements in levels of fasting blood glucose, HA1c (a marker that shows average blood glucose levels over time), and inflammation.9

FOR DETOXING

Many people think of detoxing as something you do on rare occasions, perhaps with the aid of green smoothies and a restrictive diet. In truth, detoxing is a critical function that happens every moment of every day in the cells of your body. The best way to promote healthy detoxing is to give regular support to your major detox organs to do their job well.

Nettle supports many detox organ systems, including the liver, lungs, and urinary tract. Herbalists often use it to treat signs of poor elimination, such as eczema or constipation. It is also used to strengthen the lungs and is beneficial for people with asthma or shortness of breath.

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