Dried nettle: useful properties, rules and methods of drying

Nettle has long been considered a useful plant. It has medicinal properties, so it is used in alternative medicine. Dried nettle is an affordable medicine that you can prepare yourself. To do this, it is enough to collect the plant in a timely manner and properly dry it at home.

Medicinal properties

Dried nettles are valued for their high content of ascorbic acid, vitamin A, magnesium and potassium. Up to 2% of the composition is occupied by tannins, characterized by antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effects. Also, greens have a moderate antispasmodic, analgesic and antipyretic effect.

Infusions and decoctions of dried nettle strengthen the immune system, help with infectious diseases and allergies. Inside, medicines based on this plant are taken to normalize the functioning of the digestive tract, remove toxins, and fight parasites.

The roots, stems and leaves of dried nettle are used in non-traditional cosmetology. It is very useful for hair, as it enriches them with valuable trace elements, protects them from the negative effects of environmental factors.

During the drying process, it is necessary to preserve the maximum of useful substances. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the rules for the procurement of plant materials.

Terms and rules of collection

It is necessary to cut the plant for harvesting before flowering. It is better to collect nettles for drying for the winter in mid or late May, when they have not begun to fade due to hot weather.

In the southern regions, flowering occurs earlier, so the collection can be carried out at the end of April

Nettle cut at the root grows back quickly. Therefore, you can collect greens before re-blooming, in the interval from late June to early August.

How to dry nettles

There are several simple ways to prepare. The pre-collected grass is disassembled and thoroughly washed under running water. So that it does not burn the skin, it is first doused with boiling water. In the future, use one of the dry nettle recipes to choose from.

In an electric dryer

The compact and convenient device allows you to quickly harvest dried fruits and herbs. The procedure is very simple and hassle-free.

Main steps:

1. The grates of the electric dryer are filled with nettles.
2. Pallets are placed inside the device.
3. Set the temperature to 40-45 degrees.
4. Dry 4-5 hours, depending on the size of the leaves.

Pallets need to be swapped every 1,5 hours

Some electric dryers have a preset mode for harvesting greens. In this case, you can use it.

In the oven

A great option for those who do not have an electric dryer. The only drawback is that you need to constantly monitor the temperature in the oven. Otherwise, no useful substances will remain in the dried nettle.

Algorithm of the procedure:

1. Spread the collected leaves and twigs on pallets or wire racks.
2. Place in the oven.
3. Warm up to 45 degrees.
4. After 2 hours, take out the nettle, turn it over and send it for another 1,5 hours.

During cooking, the oven door must be kept open at all times.

Ready raw materials must be left in a well-ventilated place, allowing it to cool. After that, the nettle is poured into a container and sent for storage.

Outdoors

The simplest option for drying at home. Greens need to be laid out on a clean fabric product.

For these purposes, fit:

• kitchen towels;
• cloth napkins;
• chintz or linen tablecloth;
• a large piece of multilayer gauze.

Nettles are evenly spread on the fabric with branches

The workpiece is placed in a well-ventilated place on the street. You can dry on the balcony, opening all windows wide and providing a constant supply of oxygen.

Drying in the fresh air lasts two to three weeks. During strong winds or rain, raw materials must be brought into the room.

In air grill

Such a device is quite suitable for harvesting greens. Prepared leaves are placed in the air grill chamber and set to maximum airflow.

The lid of the appliance is not closed to ensure a constant supply of fresh air

Set the temperature to 45 degrees. The drying procedure lasts from 40 to 60 minutes. The dried leaves are then removed and allowed to cool.

In a oven

The traditional way of harvesting greenery, which is suitable for owners of country houses. The only drawback of the method is that it is difficult to control the combustion temperature in the stove, so you can accidentally spoil the plant material.

Correct drying process:

1. Fire up the oven.
2. Let the fuel burn out.
3. Place a piece of paper in a warm oven.
4. If he has not begun to char, you can put the greens.
5. The heat treatment lasts a maximum of two hours.
6. Periodically, nettles are taken out and turned over.

It is more convenient to harvest nettles in small bunches.

It is desirable that during drying, except for greenery, nothing else was in the oven. Otherwise, the raw material may absorb an alien smell.

Storage Rules

Dried nettle leaves are very fragile, with mechanical action they turn into powder. Stems and branches become stiff. It is advisable to store them in small dark glass jars with a tight-fitting lid.

Another option is canvas bags. The plant is stored in a suspended state so that it is not exposed to the negative effects of moisture.

The shelf life of dried nettles is 18 months. The amount of nutrients in the composition gradually decreases.

Procurement technology and storage:

Conclusion

Dried nettle is a valuable vegetable raw material that is used in home medicine and cosmetology. You can prepare it yourself by collecting it in the countryside. Drying of nettles is carried out in different ways, subjecting it to minor heat treatment. A dried plant ready for use is stored in a well-ventilated place for no more than a year and a half.