Stinging Nettle Herb Profile

Stinging nettle is natures multi-vitamin, jam packed with vitamins and minerals in perfect balance. Throughout history, nettles have been used for many purposes. The benefits are many, including healing urinary tract infections, as a diuretic, an immunity booster, relief of rhinitis, rheumatism and arthritis, diabetes and cardiovascular support. Whew!

If you’ve ever encountered stinging nettle you’ll definitely remember it. Trickily, it blends well with other weeds in the wild, therefore, it’s easy to overlook if you don’t know what to look for.

This weed is called stinging nettle for a reason. The sharp little hairs on the stems and leaves are likened to hypodermic needles. Lots and lots of them. If you’re unfortunate enough to come in contact you may develop a burning pain that can last for hours.

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Tidbits About Nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is found in temperate climates all over the world. A perennial growing to a height of 5 feet, it has lance-shaped leaves and green flowers with yellow stamens.

From Ancient Greece to the present day, nettle has been used for arthritis, coughs and as a hair tonic. For herbal medicine both the leaves and the roots are used, however, the 2 have very different uses.

Stinging nettle leaf is an anti-inflammatory and can be used for allergic skin reactions. Examples include relief of hay fever and allergy symptoms, like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. In other words, it can take the ‘sting’ out of allergic reactions. Additionally, stinging nettle is used as a diuretic and for treat urinary tract infections.

In European Folk Medicine stinging nettle leaf is used to treat seborrhea of the scalp and as a remedy for greasy hair.

Benefits of Stinging Nettle

Allergies and Hay Fever

Stinging nettle root extract in low doses decreases allergic reactions due to the increase in the production of T cells. These immune cells act as a controlling mechanism on other immune cells. A study was done on adult male Wistar rats, testing the anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of nettle extract. Results confirmed stinging nettle administration might be responsible for the protective effects against airway inflammation. (1)

Stinging nettle can be more effective than a placebo in treating allergic rhinitis according to a study done at The College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland Oregon. Therefore, nettle has become a very popular choice for treating allergies due to its impressive anti-inflammatory properties. (2)

Find quality stinging nettle herb at Starwest Botanicals

Stinging Nettle Relieves Hives

Stinging nettle speeds the healing of rashes due to caffeic magic acid which inhibits inflammation. It does this by stopping a series of chemical steps that cause histamine to release inflammation-causing chemicals. Additionally, it is especially useful for relieving symptoms caused by reactions to shellfish.

Stinging Nettle Supports Sex Drive

When testosterone is low, in men and women, sex drive can suffer. Stinging nettle helps to keep testosterone in an active form due to ‘lignans’. These alcohol-soluble substances interact with ‘sex-hormone-binding globulin’ keeping it from binding testosterone and removing it from the system. Most noteworthy for men, testosterone is maintained & libido is strengthened. Even more, it prevents the enlargement of the prostate. (3)

Stinging Nettles Effects on Anemia

Nettle contains many compounds that are beneficial for helping with iron deficiencies and anemia including iron, chlorophyll, and vitamin C. Anemia is caused by the reduction of red blood cells making it difficult for the blood to deliver sufficient oxygen to the tissues. Nettle assists with reenergizing the blood by providing iron for the production of red blood cells. (4)

Prostate Health

The extract from the root of the stinging nettle plant decreases the rate of cell division in the prostate gland. Stinging nettle interferes with the enzymes necessary for prostate cell growth. Additionally, it binds to receptor sites that would otherwise receive growth hormones. The result is less pressure on the urethra with easier urine flow due to slower prostate cell growth. (5)

Stinging Nettle & Bone Health

Promising research is being done to determine if stinging nettle is beneficial to help with rejuvenating bone. This is good news for those who are suffering from osteoporosis and other weakened bone states. In a study done on 28 male Wistar rats, it was found that new bone formation and the number of capillaries were significantly higher in the stinging nettle groups than in the other groups. Furthermore, the statistical analysis also showed numbers of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and capillaries were highest in the nettle as well as the stinging nettle group. (6)

Make a tea with stinging nettle

Uses

Stinging nettle can be taken in capsule or juice form. Or, my favorite way is to take as a relaxing tea. Brew a pot of stinging nettle tea to sip throughout the day.

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Precautions

Those with fluid retention due to congestive heart failure or kidney disease should not use stinging nettle.
Men with urinary problems should get a medical examination to rule out serious conditions such as prostate cancer before using stinging nettle.
In rare cases, stinging nettle can provoke an allergic reaction. If this occurs discontinue use.
Avoid stinging nettle if you think you may be coming down with the flu.
Drug interactions may occur. If you are taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure or are taking sedatives, consult with your qualified healthcare professional. Always err on the side of caution to avoid unfortunate interactions.

Disclaimer

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical-free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that herbs can trigger side effects and interact with supplements, medications or other herbs. Herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a qualified herbalist or doctor well versed in the field of botanical medicine.

I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. Always talk with your doctor or qualified health care professional before taking any herbal remedies to ensure safety, especially if you are already on medications. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare providers.

Carla

I have a background in Real Estate and construction, giving me insight on business and financial health. I passionately pursue natural ways to support physical health with the help of natures medicine. Here I am sharing what I have learned and am continuing to learn about gentle ways to enhance your health along with tips to keep your finances healthy.