Today we will talk about the benefits of nettle - this truly unique plant, which is available to us in any quantity, starting in May. Summer is in full swing, and it's time to take advantage of all its gifts to nourish your skin and hair with vitamins, give them radiance, health, and careful care after a long winter.
The beneficial properties of nettle are so enormous that traditional medicine uses it in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract to the female genitourinary system. However, it can also act as an excellent, almost universal cosmetic product for the care of any skin type.
Benefit
Nettle contains a pungent liquid of acetylcholine, histamine and formic acid. It not only provides the plant with the ability to burn, but also determines its main beneficial properties.
When heated, the acid breaks down into water (it does not evaporate from the cells, moisturizing dry skin) and carbon dioxide. The latter has cleansing properties, frees pores from debris, gets rid of blackheads, and removes greasy shine.
But the benefits of nettle for facial skin are not limited to this. The remaining vitamins and microelements in its composition also improve the condition of the epidermis, guaranteeing the following results:
- rapid healing of microdamages, thanks to the natural restorer - vitamin A;
- additional production of collagen fibers, which makes the skin smoother, firmer, more elastic, as well as improved blood circulation, and all this is due to the high content of vitamin C;
- reduction of age spots, evening out complexion - this is the merit of vitamin K;
- carotene provides active hydration and control over the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- reduction of inflammatory foci and irritations, calming and anti-inflammatory effect, smoothing of the skin texture - tannins have this effect;
- the protective function and strengthening of local immunity is the prerogative of flavonoids;
- Slowing down the aging process and smoothing out fine and deep wrinkles occurs thanks to organic acids.
It really turns out that nettle is a universal remedy for many cosmetic problems. But despite this, its extract in masks or lotions can be used for a specific purpose. For example, if you add lemon juice or kaolin to the mixture, a whitening effect will be ensured. And if you mix it with oak bark or black tea, you will get the exact opposite effect - your face will become slightly darker and the pallor will go away. So everything is in your hands.
Other names . Nettle has many different colorful names among the people: witch's grass, fire grass, bachelor's kiss, stinging grass, Siberian resident.
Nettle for the face - recipes for cosmetic masks
Brief description and chemical composition of the plant
Nettle is a green herbaceous plant that is familiar to everyone; we have all been stung by it at some point. The plant usually grows in the forest, along roads and rivers.
It is not uncommon to see grass near residential premises, so it is considered a weed, and people try to destroy it.
However, not many people know that nettle can also be used as a component of effective cosmetic masks, as it has a useful chemical composition.
The composition is unique, it is even compared to multivitamin complexes, since the plant includes a huge amount of useful substances:
- Ascorbic acid. The “stinging” plant contains a lot of ascorbic acid, many times more than in citrus fruits. This element stimulates collagen metabolism, helps strengthen tissue, and heals microtraumas well.
- Retinol: ensures cell regeneration, eliminates inflammation and nourishes with moisture.
- Vikasol: is a natural bleach, eliminates swelling, eliminates foci of inflammation, treats acne on the skin of the face.
- Carotene: the plant contains many times more of this substance than carrots, sorrel and sea buckthorn. Thanks to carotene, the skin is saturated with necessary moisture.
- Flavonoids: fight age-related changes.
In chem. The composition of the medicinal plant, as it turned out, also includes the following elements and minerals:
- B vitamins.
- Vitamin E.
- Tannins.
- Phytoncides.
- Glycosides.
- Chlorophyll.
- Organic acids.
- Tannins.
- Mg.
- Fe.
- Cu.
- Ca.
The composition is rich in other microelements, so the plant is widely used in the preparation of homemade masks.
Branded products
Of course, such an amazing plant could not go unnoticed in cosmetology. Today, almost every concern has separate phytoline products containing nettle extracts - stinging nettle, stinging nettle, white nettle and other varieties. The range is wide, so there shouldn’t be any problems with choosing. Judge for yourself based on the small rating.
- Universal cleansing mask with white nettle, kaolin and burdock. Barex Italiana (Italy). $41.
- Nettle hydrosol. Zeitun (Jordan). $14.8.
- Cleansing lotion - cleansing milk for the face. Klapp (Germany). $26.1.
- Cream soap for face. Fitoland (Russia). $8.7.
- Bioenergy Antistress Antiage is a cream-emulsion for problematic facial skin. Dr. Nikonov (Russia). $7.1.
- Mild soap. Zhivitsa (Russia). $5.9.
- Tonic to even out complexion. Siberina (Russia). $5.6.
- Pore Vacuum - facial lotion for blackheads. Propeller (Russia). $1.7.
- Phytocream for face from FleurEnzim Phito (Russia). $1.6.
- Salt-nettle facial scrub. Old Witch Doctor (Russia). $1.5.
Want to find nettle in your favorite facial product? In this case, the composition of the package should read: “urticae” (in Latin) or “nettle” (in English). The higher it stands than other ingredients, the greater its quantitative content in the product.
Note. Nowadays, hydrolates are becoming very popular - flavored liquids that are obtained by distilling plants to produce essential oils from them. Nettle is no exception. It is useful as a lotion, and will also become the basis for the preparation of many homemade cosmetics.
Masks
Common homemade nettle masks are varied. Options are selected based on the identified problem, taking into account the type of skin.
For acne
Nettle masks, supplemented with components that promote acne healing, additionally eliminate inflammatory foci, tighten and rejuvenate the dermis.
- One-component mask
Freshly picked nettle leaves are rinsed and turned into a paste using a blender or mortar. Place it on a gauze napkin and distribute it over the areas where the pimples are located. Remove after 20 minutes.
Features of application
If you use nettle cosmetics from a famous brand, there will be no problems or difficulties. Read the instructions - and use it to your health.
It’s another matter if you take a risk and cook something similar at home. There are a lot of advantages: much cheaper + natural + the composition can be varied at your discretion. So in the summer you can try and feel the difference between masks from Barex Italiana, for example, and your own preparation with the same composition - kaolin and burdock.
Blank
- Nettle facial cosmetics can be prepared from a collection that is sold in pharmacies. But the maximum benefit can be squeezed out only from raw materials collected with one’s own hands.
- Harvesting is done in May–June, while the grass is young, light green, with soft leaves and stems.
- It is better to use a dioecious variety for cosmetic purposes (tall, dark green, with sparse, burning villi). The pungent is often collected by mistake. It is smaller, bright green, incredibly painful to the touch and can cause a severe allergic reaction on the face.
- Don't forget to wear gloves when doing everything to avoid getting burned.
- Collection is carried out in dry weather. Do not harvest a plant if it is wet or damaged by diseases or insects.
- If the stem is tall, only the tops are cut off. If it’s small, go to the root.
- If you plan to use raw materials, they are rinsed under cold water and used for their intended purpose immediately.
- If dry herbs are needed to prepare cosmetics, the collected raw materials should be kept in a room with good ventilation and away from the sun for 1-2 weeks.
- It all needs to be turned over several times a day.
- As soon as the raw materials begin to crumble in your hands from abrasion, the leaves are separated from the stems and placed in paper bags (cardboard boxes as an option).
- Shelf life - no more than 2 years.
Application
- Dried nettle is less beneficial than fresh herb due to the much lower content of active substances in it. Therefore, it is better to engage in such skin therapy in late spring and early summer.
- There are contraindications: individual intolerance, tendency to allergies, sensitive and thin skin, rosacea. Formic acid can cause not only a rash and hyperemia, but also a real burn.
- Before using any facial product, try it on your wrist first. If no discomfort occurs, use for its intended purpose.
- To treat acne, the decoction and infusion are also taken orally: 100 ml three times a day after meals for 10-14 days.
- The duration of the course is 1 month, the interval between them is 2-3 weeks.
If the mask causes a burning sensation, and the hyperemia on the skin does not go away long enough after it, either reduce the concentration of nettle, or apply a thinner layer or even locally for a short amount of time. If the problem does not go away in this case, you will have to abandon the product.
Beneficial features
The benefit lies in the rich chemical composition of the leaves. Moreover, the beneficial properties are preserved in dried raw materials, which allows them to be prepared in advance.
Composition and beneficial properties:
- Vitamin A - has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps fight acne and pimples;
- Vitamin C - strengthens skin cells and makes them elastic, while wrinkles are smoothed out and the face is tightened. Blood vessels are strengthened, which prevents the formation of varicose veins.
- Vitamin K - relieves swelling and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Helps get rid of circles under the eyes.
- Carotene - moisturizes and nourishes the skin, gives a healthy and ruddy complexion.
- Potassium binds water and maintains a stable level of moisture in cells. Useful for dry skin types.
- Flavonoids and tannins - tone and rejuvenate the skin.
- Organic acids - strengthen and nourish cells, smooth out wrinkles and protect the skin from external influences of an aggressive environment (dust, dirt, cold, wind).
Indications for use of nettle:
- dry skin;
- aging and fading skin;
- freckles and blackheads;
- blackheads (acne) and pimples;
- freckles;
- expression wrinkles;
- lack of nutrition.
Methods of application
Nettle can be used in many different ways. First, you need to learn how to prepare liquids from it, based on which you will then create homemade cosmetic masterpieces.
- Decoction
The most useful in cosmetology is considered to be a nettle decoction, which can be prepared from both fresh and dried plants. The first one will contain more nutrients. Based on it, you can prepare any anti-aging and anti-inflammatory remedy: mask, cream, tonic, etc. Pour 100 grams of herb into 500 ml of boiling water. Place on the stove and simmer over low heat for half an hour. Cool, strain.
- Infusion
An infusion is slightly more useful than a decoction, which, without being subjected to heat treatment, retains the maximum beneficial properties of its composition. Pour 100 grams of herb into 500 ml of boiling water, cover loosely with a lid, leave for an hour, strain. It makes excellent cosmetic ice, which perfectly draws out blackheads and tightens enlarged pores.
- Oil
If you know how to prepare homemade creams, you can use nettle oil as a base oil, which will help get rid of any rashes and large pimples. You can buy it at the pharmacy, or you can take a chance and make it yourself. Pour 50 grams of dry raw material with a glass of olive (heated) oil. Leave covered at room temperature in a dry place out of direct sunlight. After 2 weeks, strain. Store in a dark bottle for no more than a month.
- Juice
The most concentrated remedy of all of these is nettle juice. Despite the fact that it is most often recommended for acne, you need to be extremely careful with it and follow the exact dosage. Grind the fresh herbs (you can use a meat grinder or blender), squeeze out the resulting pulp. This concentrate should never be applied to the face in its pure form: either diluted with water (equal proportions) or included in any other cosmetic product.
- Tincture
Finely chop a glass of fresh herbs, put it in a jar, pour a liter of vodka. Place gauze over the neck. Leave it like this for a day at room temperature. After this, put it in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Strain, use for wiping against acne, blackheads and to eliminate greasy shine.
Nettle for oily skin
Those with oily skin will benefit from preparing a nettle mask. You need to take a spoonful of nettle and lemon juice, add protein. Mix the product and apply to the skin for 15 minutes.
The mask will be effective for acne-prone, oily skin. It will dry out pimples, make pores less noticeable, and brighten the face. For clear facial skin, this nettle product is perfect.
Nettle infusion
If you prepare a decoction of fresh leaves, then you need to take 2 tablespoons of the raw material and add hot water (200 ml). Leave for 30 minutes and strain the infusion. If you use dried nettle, take 1 tablespoon, pour boiling water over it and cook for 30 minutes over low heat. Before use, cool the broth and strain.
It is recommended to wipe your face with this decoction in the evening before going to bed, and it is also good to add to masks. It is useful for men to use as a softener after shaving. Cosmetic ice is also made from this decoction.
The lotion is prepared in almost the same way. 6 tablespoons of dry leaves are poured into 1 liter of water, do not cook, but only bring to a boil. Then the mixture must be cooled and strained. The gruel can be used as a mask. It is useful to wipe the areas of inflammation with the resulting lotion 3-4 times a day. The prepared product should only be stored in the refrigerator.
Ice Nettle
Ice is widely used in cosmetology. It refreshes, rejuvenates, and gives a healthy glow. Infusions of medicinal herbs from which it is made increase the beneficial properties. The broth is poured into molds and frozen. These cubes are used in the morning and evening while washing. Wiping is carried out without pressure, and you should not keep the ice in one place for a long time to avoid hypothermia.
This cosmetic product should not be used for certain diseases. For example, if you have sinusitis, you should not cool the areas of the maxillary sinuses to avoid inflammation. If you have chronic diseases of the ears, eyes, nasopharynx and pathology of the trigeminal nerve, it is better to consult a specialist before starting use.
The effectiveness of the procedure can be increased by adding medicinal herbs to the ice. This way, an oil solution of vitamins will provide nourishment to the skin. If you add green tea to the composition, the tonic effect of nettle cubes will increase. Peppermint will help reduce inflammation. By adding sage and oak bark, a tightening effect will be provided, which will have a beneficial effect on aging skin.
Cosmetic ice can be made not only from plant decoctions. The juice also makes an excellent remedy. But this will be a very concentrated composition; you can wipe your face with this only 2 times a week.
A little conclusion
Artificial cosmetics will quickly solve the problem that has arisen on the face. But products based on natural raw materials will do this more reliably, without causing allergic reactions, bringing only benefits to the body. It's hard to find a better remedy than nettle for the face. It is available for preparation, easy to prepare, and convenient to use. After cosmetic procedures with nettle, your face will become healthier and fresher, as if after a good rest.
Nettle for the face: how it is useful and how to use it correctly
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How to make nettle infusion and tincture for hair
The infusion is even easier to prepare because it does not need to be boiled. Take fresh or dried nettle leaves and pour hot water over them. It is not recommended to brew with boiling water, as it will destroy some of the beneficial substances. Let the mixture sit for at least 6 hours. Rub the infusion into the roots after each shampoo or use as a rinse.
The tincture is prepared in the same way. Only instead of water, vodka is used. Collect young nettles and fill an empty bottle with it, then simply top it with vodka. Leave for a month, strain and use, rubbing into the hair roots.
How to make a nettle hair scrub
From nettle pulp you can easily prepare not only a mask, but also a scrub. Just add salt to it, preferably sea salt. This scrub is especially useful for oily hair. It normalizes increased sebum secretion, protects against hair loss and gives it shine.
Wash your hair before using the scrub. The mechanism for using it on the head is simple: take a little mixture in your hands and rub it into the skin in a circular motion.
