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Discover the ancient secret that more and more people are rediscovering—the stinging nettle. This unassuming herb, often dismissed as a common weed, is actually a powerful elixir for radiant skin and may even help prevent hair loss. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, nettle has been cherished for centuries for its ability to purify, nourish, and rejuvenate.
Whether you're struggling with dull skin, hair loss, or simply looking for a natural boost, nettle magic might just be the natural solution your beauty routine has been missing. It is budget and eco-friendly too. Discover the many benefits of stinging nettle and watch as it works its botanical magic on your skin and hair!
If you're still not convinced then read on!
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About the humble stinging nettle
Obviously, we have to talk about the history of the stinging nettle. Well, we don’t HAVE to, I just love talking history.
The stinging nettle’s Latin name (they all have one) is urtica dioica. This will be helpful for you when you are looking for natural, plant-based ingredients for your clean beauty routine.
Over 2000 years ago the Romans used the stinging nettle in food and to make clothing (don’t worry it is not itchy). I have made a nettle soup many times, though it was not always popular with the family.
The stinging nettle has been used throughout the ages. During World War One for example it too was used to make clothing due to the shortage of cotton.
You can find stinging nettles growing in messy gardens, like mine, shady and damp places like edges of streams and forests. If you see a stinging nettle growing in your garden leave it be. It is habitat for butterflies for example. The stinging nettle does grow like a weed, but you can control that easily by using it in your natural beauty routine.
Fun fact, the tiny stinging hairs have a fluid containing serotonin, released when you are stung. Serotonin is a hormone needed for your body to help sleep, digestion and mood.
So if you are missing some serotonin in your life, go grasp that nettle!
Benefits of stinging nettle for skin
Beneath its prickly exterior lies a treasure trove of nutrients, including vitamins C, and K, B12 and E along with iron, magnesium and potent antioxidants. Stinging nettle has more iron than spinach, for example.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps reduce inflammation and promotes the production of collagen elastin keeping the skin looking younger.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) helps treat acne and skin blemishes naturally.. Collagen production reduces as you get older, so make sure you get the extra helping of the B vitamins to maintain good levels of collagen in your skin.
The stinging nettle also contains Omega 3, which promotes skin hydration and improves the skin barrier; and plenty of vitamin A, which keeps skin hydrated.
Hydrated skin is less likely to wrinkle too.
Nettle for reducing the impact of hormonal acne
Stinging nettle can also be used externally to help with hormonal acne. Nettle’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it effective for soothing irritated skin and preventing breakouts. Here are simple ways to incorporate it into your skincare routine:
Nettle Tea Toner: Brew strong nettle tea, let it cool, and use it as a facial toner. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing to reduce inflammation, control oil production, and calm redness.
Nettle Face Mask: Mix dried nettle leaves or nettle powder with water or honey to create a paste. Apply it to your face for 10-15 minutes to help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
DIY Nettle Oil: Infuse nettle leaves in a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil) for a few weeks. Use the strained oil as a facial serum to balance hormones and hydrate acne-prone skin.
Nettle Steam Facial: Add fresh or dried nettle leaves to boiling water and allow your face to absorb the steam for a few minutes. This opens pores, helping the skin detoxify and absorb nettle’s nutrients effectively
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Benefits of stinging nettle for hair
Stinging nettle helps prevent hair loss and makes your hair soft and frizz free naturally. Adding a stinging nettle rinse to your natural haircare routine will nourish your hair with all the vitamins and minerals it contains. The vitamins and minerals listed above are beneficial for your hair too.
The vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) contained in the stinging nettle helps promote hair growth. Vitamin B2 contributes to the generation of new cells in the body, including those of your hair. This vitamin also activates vitamins B6 and niacin, both of which are essential for hair growth.
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How to use stinging nettle to make a hair rinse
A stinging nettle hair rinse is so easy to make you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try this earlier.
Go to your garden, the woods or a nature reserve where the stinging nettle would normally grow. Pick some bunches of nettle leaves. You will need to bring gloves so you don’t get stung. I would not recommend you pick stinging nettle from anywhere near a road. The nettle will absorb too many fumes if near a road.
Then boil some water like you would for a nice cup of tea. Get a teapot, which you can use for this. Put your stinging nettle into the pot (leaves and all) and add boiled water. Make enough for a good hair rinse. You can also boil the leaves and stems on the hob for 5-10 minutes.
Let this nettle tea brew and use when the water has cooled. If you are in a rush, you can dilute this nettle tea with some cold water. Pour over your head after shampooing. No need to rinse afterwards. Let the nutrients absorb. You can do this every week of whenever you feel like your hair could do with a little more love.
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How to use stinging nettle for skin
I would recommend to use a simple stinging nettle tea recipe as above. I am all about simple and easy. Once the tea cools, pour the nettle tea into ice cube moulds. Freeze. Use this as your morning or evening toner by applying to your face and neck until the ice cube melts. Not only will you get the nourishment from the nettle tea, the ice shrinks pores and reduces puffy eyes.
Skin icing (as it is called these days) also improves blood circulation to your face and neck. This means that more nutrients are delivered to the skin on your face and neck via the bloodstream.
I do this almost every morning!
Just remember, as with all other natural remedies, consistency is key.
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Conclusion: stinging nettle, the unsung hero of the skin and hair you need to start using
Stinging nettle has been used over many centuries and it certainly has its place in skincare and haircare. It is a budget friendly and natural ingredient that should be used by every natural beauty follower.
What you will often find is that some rarely used and little-known plants have been known for beauty and medicinal purposes. It’s just that the beauty industry is not capitalising on this, yet.
But you do not need the beauty industry, because you have the stinging nettle growing in your garden in its most fresh and natural form.
Great natural shampoo bars and conditioner bars to try
Hedgerow & Moor Conditioner Cubes For Normal To Dry Hair
Why I like this conditioner bar:
- sulphate free conditioner
- vegan and cruelty free
- easy to use small cubes. No more soggy conditioner at the bottom of the shower
- recycled and biodegradable packaging
- handmade in England
Acala Parsley, Kale, Rosemary & Shine Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- organic shampoo bar
- plastic free and biodegradable packaging
- contains nettle for hair volume and nourishing coconut oil for gentle conditioning
Acala Camellia, Kokum and Lemon Conditioning Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- organic and plant-based ingredients
- contains castor oil which promotes hair growth
- soothing chamomile
- Suitable for dry and thinning hair
Hedgerow & Moor Shampoo Cubes For Sensitive Scalp/Dandruff
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- can be used as a shampoo bar and a body wash, which is brilliant for busy people
- divided into little cubes for ease of use and storage
- plastic free and biodegradable packaging for eco-friendly customers
Kind2 2in1 Shampoo And Conditioner Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- great for busy people like me
- shampoo and conditioner in one bar saving you space, time and money
- zero waste so you can be eco-friendly
Kind2 Rebalancing One Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- suitable for all hair types
- contains coffee seed oil to help hair growth
Kind2 Sensitive One Shampoo Bar
Why I like this shampoo bar:
- suitable for dry and sensitive scalp
- contains coconut oil to deeply nourish hair
Why don't you try a stinging nettle hair rinse!
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Why Trust The Clear Sky?
I am an educator and l am passionate about providing people with information about the beauty industry so they can be empowered to make an informed choice when spending their money. I take time to research beauty products. I recommend beauty products that are non toxic, have natural ingredients and often plastic free.
With over a decade of personal experience using natural ingredients for skin, hair and body I also provide many beauty tips which are simple, innovative and sustainable.
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