Tag: beauty

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Nettle for your Hair

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nutritional powerhouse. More than 100 chemical components have been identified in nettle, including minerals (iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper) as well as the vitamins A, C, K, and B. Nettle also contains phytonutrients: chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lutein, quercetin, all of which are incredible for hair, nails and skin. Because of its nourishing, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, nettle is a natural beautifier herb to skin, nails and hair. 

Let’s have a closer look at how nettle can help your hair!

Nettle enhances blood circulation, so your hair roots get more supply of nutrients and oxygen. It has super antioxidants that help to get rid of hair-damaging compounds. Carotenoids, flavonoids and vitamin C in nettle act like a shield and protect hair from damaging free radicals. This stinging herb can inhibit the formation of DHT – the hormone that causes male and female baldness. Because of its astringent nature, nettle can get rid of oily scalp, dandruff, and reduce irritation and itchiness. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties keep the scalp in good health.

Nettle is a safe and natural way to stop hair loss and make hair healthy and glossy. Drinking nettle tea may also help battle hair loss, as iron can help with circulation to the scalp, in turn fueling hair growth. Nettles will also help with an imbalance of sebum (the oil that your pores produce) which can make a difference if you suffer from dandruff or dry scalp.

You don’t need to buy expensive artificial products and pills to grow your hair faster. It’s easy and beneficial to make your own homemade nettle hair tonic.

Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons of dried nettle
  • 2 cups of water
  • A few drops of your favourite essential oil (tea tree oil or rosemary oil works the best)
  • A bottle for storing

Preparation:

Bring water to a boil and then pour over the herb, letting it steep for 20 minutes. If it cooled, strain it, and add your essential oil. Pour your hair tonic into a bottle. To use, pour over your hair in the shower and massage or comb in, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse.

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Nettle Oil

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a popular herbal plant in many parts of the world. It contains protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal all-around tonic. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, antirheumatic, anticonvulsant, antihistamine, hypotensive and anti-anaphylactic properties. 

There are a lot of ways to use nettle for different health issues internally and externally. One way to reap its benefits is nettle oil. The beneficial effects of the herb can be passed on to the oil infusion really well.

Nettle oil is usually extracted from the leaves of the plant that contain provitamin A, vitamins B1 and K, sistosterin and xanthophylls. This mineral-rich nettle oil is a powerful remedy with a wide spectrum of uses. 

Nettle has been used for healthy hair since medieval times. The extract enhances blood circulation that is essential for hair roots to get a sufficient supply of nutrients. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features allow using nettle extract for the treatment of alopecia and a healthy scalp. Massaging the scalp helps to combat hair loss effectively.  Nettle oil is very effective to relieve dry, tense scalp, it helps scalp conditions like psoriasis and dandruff. It also contributes to hair regrowth, nettle leaves contain sulfur and silica that make the hair healthier and shinier.

Nettle oil helps to ease stiff joints as well. People who suffer from inflammation-related disorders like rheumatism, arthritis and osteoporosis can benefit too from nettle oil. Nettle oil extract has also shown promise in helping skin abrasions and burns to heal. Topical application of nettle oil may help ease insect bites, eczema and chickenpox. Thanks to its antihistamine benefit the nettle oil is useful for spring and seasonal allergies such as hay fever.

How to prepare your own nettle oil?

You can make nettle oil by extracting leaves of nettle in any oil of your choice. Extra virgin olive oil is the most suitable for any type of skin. For a “good night” purpose oil, use slow absorption oils such as avocado or sunflower oil, but if you intend to use a “good morning” oil, choose a fast-absorbing oil such as fractionated coconut oil or grapeseed oil.

There are two basic infusion methods: the slow traditional method and the fast infusion method.

If you want to try the traditional infusion, pack dried nettle in a jar and immerse it completely with oil. Cover with a lid tightly and leave on a sunny windowsill for 2-3 weeks. Stir or shake it daily. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Store your nettle oil in a clean and sterilized bottle, in a cool place away from sunlight.

If you want to hurry, you might prefer trying the fast method. Place the uncovered jar with herbs and oil into a double boiler. Watch out for the temperature, it shouldn’t exceed 50 ℃. Let it simmer for 5 hours for the herb to release its medicinal properties. Be careful and make sure that the water doesn’t evaporate. Let it cool to room temperature. Strain the mixture with the cheesecloth, store your nettle oil in a sterilized jar in a dark place away from direct sunlight.

The extracted nettle oil can be used in massage oils, creams, salves, hair conditioners, shampoos or soaps.

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Nettle for your Skin

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nutritional powerhouse. More than 100 chemical components have been identified in nettle, including minerals as well as vitamins. Nettle also contains phytonutrients: chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lutein, quercetin, all of which are incredible for hair, nails and skin. Nettle is a natural beautifier herb. 

Let’s have a closer look at how nettle can help your skin!

Nettle has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects as well as powerful antioxidant abilities that decrease oxidative stress in the body. It has been shown that nettle clears acne and eczema. Nettle is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be exceptionally helpful in easing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It is a wonderful remedy for easing itchy skin due to its action as a natural antihistamine.

Nettle tea has been used for women to treat hormone imbalances during and after pregnancy. It is pretty common among women that the biggest and most painful pimples tend to occur right before their period, at the same time that they are sobbing over subway delays, lack of candy, and world peace. Using nettle tea as a face tonic on those annoying pimples, makes them disappear before the end of the period.

Whether drinking nettle tea, eating a nettle dish or applying straight on your skin, it is beneficial for your body anyway. If you’d like to spend a little “me-time” focusing on your face, here is an easy recipe to make your own nettle powder face mask.

Ingredients:

  • 30 g French green clay powder 
  • 10 g Nettle leaf powder 
  • 3 drops of your favourite essential oil (rosemary, lavender, sage, yarrow or tea tree oil)
  • A jar for storing

Preparation:

Combine all the ingredients together into a jar. Mix well and store it away from sunlight. Be careful with the essential oil as it can be too strong and irritating for your skin. Use only 3 drops!

Use:

Combine 1 tbsp of face powder mix with approx 1 tsp of honey, milk or water or until you get a smooth paste that spreads well on your skin. Leave on for about 5 minutes or until almost dry. Remove by applying a warm, wet flannel over the area and then pressing off gently. 

Nettle tea is a must-have in your herbal apothecary! It is a simple plant with the amazing gift of the whole person’s wellbeing.

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Nettle for your Nails

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nutritional powerhouse. More than 100 chemical components have been identified in nettle, including minerals as well as vitamins. Nettle also contains phytonutrients: chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lutein, quercetin, all of which are incredible for hair, skin and nails. Nettle is a natural beautifier herb. 

Let’s have a closer look at how nettle can help your nails!

Vitamin C is widely regarded as great for nails, so it’s great that nature provides us with nettle which contains a lot of it. Nettle also contains vitamin A, that enhances the production of keratin – the main building blocks of nails – and protects them from the destructive influence of toxins.

You can find nettle based dietary supplements in every health store to promote your nail growth and strength, but if you don’t want to spend too much money on them, you have an easy homemade option to increase nail health.

You can soak your nails in a strong nettle tea. Just brew the tea stronger than when made for drinking (add 3-4 teaspoons) and soak the nails for approximately 15 minutes once a week. You can also add oil and mix it with tea. Olive oil is an extremely moisturising and healing oil and is easily absorbed into the skin making it an excellent choice for nails. Another good choice for nails is grapeseed oil that is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin D. 

After a few weeks of nettle tea and oil treatment, your nails will be beautiful, healthy, and strong.