Clairol uses more than 40 tons of nettles a year as a hair conditioner. Stinging nettle is incredibly easy to add to your daily routine. The sting from the nettle was traditionally used as the treatment for arthritis. In addition, stinging nettle has compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax your heart by reducing the force of contractions (21, 23). Scientists aren’t sure what causes BPH, but it can lead to significant discomfort during urination. Below, we cover the alleged health benefits of stinging nettle. That said, studies suggest that the following doses are most effective for certain conditions (14, 17): If you buy a stinging nettle supplement, it’s best to speak to your doctor before trying it and to follow the instructions that come with it. Scientists are not yet sure how it has this effect, though some suggest it is because the nettle can reduce allergy-related inflammation in the body. Stinging nettle is a popular treatment for seasonal allergies. It grows in damp soil, such as near lakes or in open forests. Inflammation is your body’s way of healing itself and fighting infections. Here are 6 evidence-based benefits of stinging nettle. A person should see a doctor if they suspect prostate problems, so the doctor can rule out or treat any serious issues. Stinging Nettle Is Used For: The leaves and stems of stinging nettle possess anti-inflammatory actions and have long been used to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, and gout, as well as anemia. Additionally, participants felt they could reduce their dose of anti-inflammatory pain relievers because of this capsule (10). These barbs can inject an array of chemicals, such as (1, 2): These compounds can cause rashes, bumps, hives and itchiness. Hippocrates recorded 61 medicinal uses of the plant in the fourth and fifth centuries BCE. In rare cases, people may have a severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening. Fight Skin Diseases. Don’t use stinging nettle if you have kidney problems. In modern herbal medicine, the unique benefits of nettle root are used to support prostate health. In a three-month study in 46 people, taking 500 mg of stinging nettle extract three times daily significantly lowered blood sugar levels compared to a placebo (30). The wide rang… Stinging nettles stimulate nitric oxide production, which is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels. Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extracts help treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects (14, 15). Seasonal allergies occur when a substance such as pollen triggers the body to produce histamine. The results of a 2016 mouse study suggested that a herbal gel containing Urtica dioica had pain-relieving and anti-edema effects without irritating the skin. Nettle Root Versus Stinging Nettle Practitioners of traditional herbal medicine practitioners have used the stinging nettle plant, also known as Urtica dioica to treat many disorders. Pregnant women should avoid consuming stinging nettle because it may trigger uterine contractions, which can raise the risk of a miscarriage (40). The stinging nettle plant has grown across Northern America and Europe and is known for the sharp hairs on its leaves. An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In doing so, blood pressure can be reduced, which protects against heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Some of the claims are better supported by research than others. Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting) or nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae.Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, it is now found worldwide, including New Zealand and North America. Stinging nettle has a long history of use as a medicinal herb and is still used in folk medicine for a wide array of disorders, though there is limited clinical evidence supporting its efficacy. Stinging nettle plants are often compared to spinach because they can be used in the same ways that you would normally use spinach. You can also turn nettles into a liquid fertilizer by filling a barrel with the leaves and branches. This can be a problem, especially for people with kidney disease. You can also turn nettles into a liquid fertilizer by filling a barrel with the leaves and branches. Uses for Stinging Nettle Root. For example, the Arthritis Foundation suggest taking up to 1,300 mg of stinging nettle as a tea, capsule, tablet, tincture, or extract. Nettles are actually quite fussy about the soil in which they will grow. Health benefits of stinging nettle. For example, Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle infusions to treat arthritis. Antioxidants help defend your cells from damage. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We include products we think are useful for our readers. The plant is named “stinging nettle” because its stems and leaves have hairy structures called trichomes, which cause a stinging sensation on touching. Stinging Nettle helps in body detoxification. It is important to consult a doctor before using stinging nettle to treat any condition, as it may interact with medications. This includes stinging nettle products. Stinging nettle can be used in a variety of ways. You can buy dried/freeze-dried leaves, capsules, tinctures and creams. Hay fever is an allergy that involves inflammation in the lining of your nose. This unique book explores the diverse uses of this fascinating plant - in the garden and the kitchen, for their medical and fibrous properties and so on. Stinging nettle is usually safe, but it can cause some side effects. Anemia 6. Find out about natural and pharmaceutical…. What Is Nettle? Historically, stinging nettle has been used to cause abortions. However, once it is processed into a supplement, dried, freeze-dried or cooked, stinging nettle can be safely consumed. That said, future studies may uncover other ways to use it. However, stinging nettle’s effects on blood pressure in humans are still unclear. After fermenting it for 5-6 weeks the nettle fertilizer will be ready to use. Otherwise, people can take 1–4 mg per day as a tincture, or they can apply creams directly to the skin. More research is necessary. A stinging nettle rash can be uncomfortable and itchy. Stinging nettle has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties making it a perfect natural remedy for that dry, itchy rash known as Eczema. You may use it in omelettes, soups and stews, cooked greens with a drizzle of apple cider vinegar, or mixed into pasta dishes. Stinging nettle may help slow the growth of the prostate in people with BPH by affecting hormone levels or interacting with cells in the prostate. These hairs contain chemicals, such as formic acid and histamine, that can irritate the skin and cause stinging, itching, and redness. The tender tips of young nettles have been used as a cooked potherb in salads. Here’s what the research says. The dried leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a delicious herbal tea, while its leaves, stem and roots can be cooked and added to soups, stews, smoothies and stir-frys. However, avoid eating fresh leaves, as their barbs can cause irritation. Read about the best CBD gummies…, The healing powers of pomegranates have been championed for centuries. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Researchers need to do more studies before they can confirm the health benefits of stinging nettle. Cover the barrel with a lid because this liquid will have a strong smell! Although known for its stinging properties, the nettle plant has been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, antispasmodic, and expectorant, as well as in the treatment of asthma. Here are 10 healthy herbal teas you'll want to try today. Here are some pregnancy-safe…, Packed with nutrients but low in calories, leafy greens are crucial to a wholesome diet. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate the ingredients, strengths, and claims of herbal remedies or supplements. Extracts of the leaves have been used topically for the treatment of rheumatic disorders. All parts of the stinging nettle are beneficial, and edible, in their own ways. Stinging nettle may offer other potential health benefits, including: Consuming dried or cooked stinging nettle is generally safe. For this reason, both groups should avoid using stinging nettle. The important health benefits of stinging nettle include its ability to detoxify the body, ease seasonal allergies, boost immunity, increase circulation, improve energy levels, manage menstruation, minimize menopausal symptoms, and aid in skin care.. Stinging nettle has a range of uses, and many people find it to be an effective remedy. Support for seasonal conditions. These are foods containing CBD, which comes from the marijuana plant. Stinging nettle hairs also contain a range of other chemicals that can affect humans, including acetylcholine and serotonin. There is limited research to suggest that stinging nettle is an effective remedy. Arthritis 4. People can also purchase stinging nettle products that use the stems, leaves, and roots of the plant in health food stores and online. The most important health benefits of stinging nettle include its ability to detoxify the body, improve metabolic efficiency, boost immunity, increase circulation, improve energy levels, manage menstruation, minimize menopausal symptoms, and aid in skin care. Various extracts of stinging nettle have shown to be effective in treating diarrhea, edema and urinary disorders, as well as prostate diseases. Ancient civilizations used stinging nettles to treat various ailments. Animal research reveals that this powerful plant may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — a more powerful form of testosterone (12). Tendonitis Although researc… Stinging nettle also acts as a calcium channel blocker, which relaxes your heart by reducing the force of contractions. Damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases (3). People have also used stinging nettle as a diuretic -- a treatment used for high blood pressure that causes the body to shed more water in the urine. For instance, the plant’s potential diuretic effect may strengthen the impact of diuretics, which can raise your risk of dehydration. Stinging Nettle health benefits includes fighting inflammation, alleviating allergic reaction, aids UTI infections, promotes radiant look, act as face cleanser, fight skin diseases, increase circulation and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Studies indicate that stinging nettle extract can raise blood antioxidant levels (4, 5). One of the most popular uses of stinging nettle is treating arthritis symptoms. However, it’s unclear how effective stinging nettle is compared to conventional treatments. Stinging nettle is a popular natural remedy with a wide range of uses. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, commonly grows in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Nettle has been used in alternative medicine to treat hay fever, asthma, diarrhea, osteoarthritis, circulation problems, diabetes, fluid retention, symptoms of enlarged prostate, and other conditions. Animal and test-tube studies illustrate that it may help lower blood pressure in several ways. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, used stinging nettle infusions to treat arthritis, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) from 2009, National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 76.8 million, Study reveals UV LED lights effectively kill a human coronavirus, Study offers a mental well-being 'tool kit' anyone can use, Study reveals how exercise improves metabolic health. There is some early evidence to suggest that stinging nettle could also help with the treatment of diabetes. It is used by the personal hair care industry in anti-dandruff products and scalp conditioners. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland in men. It is also best to avoid stinging nettle if you are breast-feeding. Other nettle root benefits also including helping to maintain joint functions and manage seasonal conditions. There is some evidence to suggest that the herb may be useful in treating arthritis. Its property not only restricted to facial treatment but it also helps you to fight … When purchasing remedies over the internet, be sure to check the reviews and find reputable brands. High potassium levels The nettle plant is herbaceous with fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain a chemical. This will regenerate hair growth and restore original hair color. Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against damage from free radicals. Nettle Tea. That said, I think they have a more subtle, lighter flavor, especially when used raw. Urinary tract health. Despite their small size, microgreens pack a nutritional punch. 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