Nettle
Nettle is a leafy plant, and its Latin name is Urtica dioica. It is known for the hairs on its leaves which produce a stinging or burning sensation on contact. Nettle has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, since medieval times. The root and leaves of nettle are used in herbal medicine.
Nettle may help with
- Anti-histamine
- BHP
- Mild diuretic
- Osteoarthritis
What are the benefits?
1) It may relieve allergy symptoms
“According to research nettle affects key receptors and enzymes which may help to relieve allergies such as hayfever”. (1) In other words, nettle could be beneficial for individuals who suffer from hay fever and allergies.
2) It may help with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), and the associated symptoms, are caused by an enlarged prostate gland which presses on the urethra. The symptoms may include an increased urge to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying, painful urination, dripping after urination and the reduced flow of urine. This condition is usually treated medicinally with finasteride. Stinging nettle may be just as effective as finasteride in treating BHP.
Studies show that nettle contains chemicals which affect the hormones associated with BPH. It also affects directly prostate cells and may slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells. (2)
3) Nettle may help with water infections
Nettle may be useful for water infections and urinary infections as it seems to act as a diuretic which increases the flow of urine. The diuretic action helps flush out things that can cause infections. It may also help to eliminate uric acid, which is the leading cause of gout. Gout happens when there is a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which usually affects the big toe and can lead to further health problems.
4) It may help with osteoarthritis
According to WebMD, research suggests that taking stinging nettle orally or applying it to the skin might reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis. Taking stinging nettle may reduce the need for pain medication. (3)
Nettle works well with
- Celery seed to help with eliminate uric acid
- Dandelion for water retention
- Quercetin and vitamin C for antihistamine-like action
- Saw palmetto for prostate health
Resources
Last accessed online 20/04/2020
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19140159
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10705733
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-664/stinging-nettle
