Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a common sight in backyards and gardens, although it is often selected and tossed aside, sometimes even avoided due to its stinging properties.
The first documented use of this herb was for Roman soldiers to fight the cold by rubbing the leaves in their hands to cause inflammation and irritation. It has spread throughout the world, and has been used by doctors since the 19th century due to its abundance of chemicals and compounds that can help the body function optimally. The plant originated in Northern Europe and Asia, and nettle now grows throughout the world as a wild plant, growing to about 1 meter in height.
Nettle can be distinguished from other plants by its leaves. The leaves are oval in shape with deeply serrated edges. These leaves also have long stinging hairs that inject chemicals into the skin when a person accidentally touches or brushes them. These hairs often cause pain and can even cause inflammation of the skin in the affected area, commonly referred to as hives. Even though nettle is often shunned and considered a useless plant, it has been the subject of numerous studies confirming its value.
What is endometriosis
Before treatment, you need to understand the specifics of the gynecological disease. The human uterus consists of a body, cervix and tubes, and is lined inside with a special layer - the endometrium. Its main function is reproductive. During pregnancy, tissue grows on the inner surface of the uterus, the egg penetrates the thickness of the mucous membrane and attaches. Vessels appear that, with the help of the placenta, ensure the vital activity of the fetus. If pregnancy does not occur, the mucous surface of the uterus peels off and comes out with blood, that is, the woman begins her period.
The disease can occur when blood from the uterine cavity enters other pelvic organs. Endometriosis is a pathological process of growth of the endometrium. There are two forms of the disease;
- Genital endometriosis – affects the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and cervix. Occurs in 85% of cases.
- Extra-genital endometriosis - postoperative scars, intestines, bladder, and internal organs are affected. A rare form, it occurs due to the fact that blood clots can enter the abdominal cavity. Normally, they should resolve, but it happens that endometrial cells take root outside the uterus and begin to grow. The probability of this form of the disease is 5-15%. Treatment can only occur surgically.
Endometriosis causes internal inflammation in the abdominal cavity. Changes in the structure of organs lead to disruptions in their functioning. Very often this disease is confused with fibroids. Endometriosis leads to damage to the surface of the uterus, the appearance of nodes and adhesions, which can lead to the inability of the embryo to attach, i.e. causes infertility. Modern gynecology has not studied all the causes of the pathological disease. The most likely ones are immune and hormonal disorders, hereditary factors, nervous disorders, and stress.
Main active ingredients
Nettle leaves contain plant pigments such as chlorophyll, xanthophyll, beta-carotene, vitamins: , , , B vitamins (B2, B5 and), as well as tannins, amines (for example, serotonin, histamine), acetylcholine, organic substances. acids (including formic, glycolic and glycerol), flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oil, compounds that increase resistance to infections, trace elements, incl. calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, silicon, phosphorus, iodine, sulfur and sodium. Hair also contains volatile substances (methylheptanone and antophen).
The roots contain lipid and sterol compounds, lecithin, lignans, polysaccharides, soluble silica, organic acids, and mineral salts.
Symptoms of endometriosis
An insidious disease is fraught with the appearance of symptoms only at a late stage. The patient may suffer from the disease for a long time without even knowing about it. Symptoms of endometriosis:
- Enlargement of the uterus up to 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. It takes on a round shape.
- Feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
- Stomach ache. They can occur during menstruation, sex, defecation and urination.
- Infertility.
- Menstrual irregularities (occurrence earlier or later than scheduled). The discharge becomes abundant and changes color.
Procurement of raw materials
Plant materials are nettle leaf ( Urticae foilum ) and nettle root ( Urticae radix ).
Most often they are obtained from the natural environment. Dry whole cut shoots in a dry and ventilated place, most often in attics. The leaves decompose in a thin single layer after wilting (then burn less).
The roots are dug up in the fall before frost or in early spring before germination. In addition, they are cleaned of soil, the ground parts are cut off and dried in a dryer heated to 40 degrees Celsius.
How quickly does endometriosis develop?
Depending on environmental factors, genetic predisposition, age, endometriosis develops differently in each woman. With good immunity, the cells of the uterine mucosa will not take root in another environment or it will take a long time. In case of difficult childbirth, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis may take less than 6 months to develop. A gynecologist will be able to accurately diagnose, treat the disease and monitor the occurrence of relapses. An experienced doctor will prescribe the following methods for diagnosing endometriosis:
- Examination and palpation on a gynecological chair. The doctor may notice an enlarged size of the uterus and appendages.
- Ultrasound is effective only in the last stages of the disease, when lesions can be clearly seen. It can be used to identify cysts.
- Laparoscopy. The painless procedure will allow you to examine the endometrium, pelvic organs, and pathological formations through a small hole.
For children
Nettle is also used to treat children. The use of infusions and decoctions improves immunity and facilitates the absorption of iron. And also used for:
- diathesis and allergic itching . Rubbing the skin with a decoction of nettle leaves, as well as nettle baths, helps;
- prickly heat, diaper rash and skin irritations. The affected areas should be wiped with nettle decoction or infusion;
- colic. A decoction of nettle leaves is prepared for children to take orally.
How to treat endometriosis
Treatment for endometriosis is selected individually depending on the form of the patient’s disease. The conservative method is used in women of childbearing age. It includes taking medications (hormonal painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs). If the patient’s condition does not improve, surgical treatment is used. The operation is performed in cases of large blood loss, adhesions, and pain. You can find out more about how to treat uterine endometriosis with medication or surgery from your doctor.
Treatment of endometriosis with drugs
For a young woman, it is important to preserve reproductive function, so treatment of endometriosis with drugs is used for the age category of 25-45 years. An integrated approach and various schemes make it possible to get a good effect in a short period of time. In addition to hormonal drugs, symptomatic therapy is used. Treatment consists of relieving pain, nausea, and spasms.
Hormonal drugs
Tablets for endometriosis make it possible to control the duration of the menstrual cycle, and as a result, the growth of the endometrium. Drugs are prescribed for the treatment of endometriosis after a thorough analysis of hormonal levels. When used correctly, they will not cause negative effects. The doctor selects the duration of administration and dose individually. Hormonal drugs for endometriosis:
- Single-phase COCs (combined oral contraceptives). These include Janine, Femoden, Logest, Regulon.
- Preparations containing one gestagenic component - Progesterone, Duphaston, Utrozhestan. This treatment helps restore reproductive function.
- Levonorgestrel-based intrauterine devices. Mirena is popular; it is placed for different periods (from 3 to 7 years).
- Preparations containing male hormones androgens (Methyltestosterone).
- Gonadotropic drugs (Danol, Danazol). With this treatment, the body's production of its own sex hormones is suppressed.
Treatment regimen for endometriosis
The correct treatment regimen for endometriosis is the one prescribed by your gynecologist after a comprehensive examination. The doctor selects all remedies individually, especially when it comes to hormones. The regimen includes not only taking tablets and injections according to the prescribed course, but also washing, douching, special tampons, compresses, and traditional methods. These methods can allow a woman to get rid of the problem. On average, treatment will last from 6 to 9 months.
Tampons for endometriosis
Tampons are used in gynecology for endometriosis. They are especially effective when the disease affects the cervix and vagina. Tampons are factory-made, impregnated with herbal extracts, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid. Their action is aimed at restoring functionality and reducing the pain of sexual intercourse. You can also make tampons yourself. To do this, take a roll of cotton wool and a sterile bandage, fold it into 6-8 layers. Soak well in oil or infusion. Leave the tampon in the vagina overnight. The course of treatment is 5-6 weeks.
Douching
The use of douching for endometriosis can be prescribed by a doctor to reduce the growth of the endometrium in the uterus and beyond, and reduce inflammatory processes. Treatment is carried out using a syringe for irrigation or a regular syringe with a soft tip. Pharmaceutical preparations (powders, ready-made solutions: Tantum Rose, Furacilin) and decoctions of medicinal herbs are used for endometriosis.
Surgery
A radical method of treatment is surgery. It is prescribed after a thorough examination. To preserve the possibility of reproductive function, laparoscopy is widely used. Surgical treatment of endometriosis with this method is minimally invasive, involves rapid removal of endometrial tissue and has a good cosmetic effect. The surgery involves small incisions through which the doctor can remove lesions in the uterus and other organs. Or curettage is performed according to the mechanics of abortion.
In what form is it used?
The benefits of nettle for humans have long been known, so it is often used in the treatment of boils, acne, and also as a remedy for rheumatism and gout. To do this, it is recommended to use it in the form:
- water infusion,
- briquettes with crushed leaves,
- liquid extract.
This herb grows everywhere in the northwest and central Russia, so collecting it yourself is not difficult for many residents of the country. Therefore, in times of famine, the healing properties of stinging nettle saved many people from vitamin deficiency. The main thing is to choose, collect or buy a plant from ecologically clean regions of Russia.
Important information! If you decide to collect the grass with your own hands, then know: it is best to use leaves that are collected from May to June for treatment. The collection must be dried in a uniform layer up to 5 cm thick.
You can use modern dryers, in which it is necessary to set the temperature to 50°. The shelf life of this product is two years. You can also dry nettle roots, which have beneficial qualities. The roots are collected and stored from late autumn to the first days of spring, the flowers of the plant - in the summer, and the seeds - from late summer to early autumn. To make nettle juice, you only need young shoots and stems before the inflorescences form.
How to cure endometriosis with folk remedies
Doctors can tell you how to cure endometriosis with folk remedies. Women are afraid to use hormonal drugs, fearing side effects; herbs, animal products and beekeeping come to the rescue. Find out how to treat uterine endometriosis at home from your doctor using simple recipes. Combining different methods gives excellent results and prevents relapses.
Herbal treatment
Treatment of endometriosis with herbs, proven over the years, gives a lasting effect. Many herbal medications are taken for gynecological disorders. The remedy from boron uterus and red brush is taken orally in the form of herbs or alcohol-based drops. Collections with elderberry, raspberry and blackberry leaves help prevent the growth of the endometrium in the uterine cavity.
Nettle
The unique properties of nettle - cleansing the blood of toxins and restoring hormonal disorders - have been known for a long time. The herb can be taken internally and externally (douching, tampons). Nettle for endometriosis relieves pain and reduces the amount of discharge. Treat only with freshly prepared decoction. To do this, pour 2 tablespoons of nettle with a glass of boiling water and leave for half an hour.
Celandine
The beautiful celandine plant is a natural bactericidal and fungicidal healer. It can inhibit tumors in the human body. Celandine should be used with caution for endometriosis. If the specified dosage is exceeded, the patient may develop side effects. Recipes with celandine:
- Internal infusion, use 50 ml 3 times a day for 7-14 days. To prepare it, you need to brew 15 g of celandine herb in a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for about 2 hours in a thermos.
- The infusion for douching is used 2 times a day for 45-65 days. To prepare it, take 20 g of herb and pour ¾ cup of boiling water. Strain the resulting liquid to remove solid particles.
Treatment with propolis
When traditional and medicinal methods do not help, treatment of endometriosis with propolis gives a good effect. The unique composition of this beekeeping product helps slow down the proliferation of epithelium. Any use of it is effective: tinctures, compresses, suppositories, tampons. Propolis tincture with alcohol can be bought at a pharmacy and diluted (1 spoon per glass of water) to douche and make compresses.
Description of nettle
People have known for a long time that this plant contains many useful substances, but the popularity of this plant does not decrease even today.
It is used in:
- cosmetology;
- dermatology;
- gynecology.
Nettle is divided into:
- burning;
- dioecious.
The second type is more beneficial. It grows everywhere: in forests and parks, near a house or river, in wastelands. It has a long stem and equal- sided green leaves
The burning type has dense hairs on the leaves. She is also very helpful. You can purchase it at a pharmacy or assemble it yourself.
Important! The plant must be collected in a place far from the road.
The herb nettle has a beneficial effect on the entire body. It has a unique chemical composition. It contains many healing elements. Doctors mainly use only the leaves. seeds , and are also taken .
Prevention
To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist. Prevention of endometriosis includes the following:
- Taking folk remedies and medications that increase immunity.
- Abstaining from sex during menstruation.
- Timely treatment of gynecological diseases.
- The right choice of contraception to avoid abortion.
It is necessary to be observed by an experienced doctor who will promptly detect the disease, provide assistance, and prescribe treatment. The disease also appears in women who do not have problems conceiving, sometimes it is discovered completely by accident. If your menstruation is painful, occurs more than once a month, but more or less frequently, or does not have a specific cycle, this is a reason to consult a doctor.
Chemical composition
If you ask the question “how is nettle useful for humans?”, then the first answer will be its chemical composition, because it contains a huge amount of microelements.
Nutritional value per 100 grams:
- proteins - 4 grams,
- fats - 0 grams,
- carbohydrates - 5 grams,
- calorie content - 24.8.
What vitamins are in nettle?
Since this herb is a multivitamin plant, its leaves contain twice as much ascorbic acid than blackcurrant, lemon or apple.
, and the carotene index is higher than in carrots. The plant contains vitamins A, C, group B
(B1, B2, B3), E and K, macro- and microelements. The presence of vitamin K is responsible for the hemostatic effect of stinging grass.
Also available:
- glycoside urticine, ergosterol, carotenoids, phytosterols;
- chlorophyll, violaxanthin;
- pantothenic, formic, silicon, gallic acids.
For women
The nettle plant is very useful for the female body. The medicinal properties of the plant in gynecology make it possible to successfully treat the following conditions:
- mastopathy, hormonal disorders of the genital area - internal administration of syrup with nettle and boron uterus extract;
- uterine bleeding (including postpartum and postoperative) - taking a decoction of nettle leaves;
- to relieve symptoms of thrush - baths of aqueous infusion of nettles;
- to neutralize the hot flashes of menopause - systematically take tea or infusion of nettle leaves;
- during lactation, to increase milk production - teas and decoctions from the leaves of stinging nettle.
