Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a shrub that comes from northern Europe and Asia. Its scientific name is Urtica dioica. The plant boasts pretty, heart-shaped leaves and yellow or pink flowers, but the stem is covered in tiny, stiff hairs that release stinging chemicals when touched.
The leaves from the nettle plant can be crushed and made into powders, tinctures teas, and more. While people have used it for centuries as an herbal medicine, modern research also supports many of the potential health benefits of nettle and nettle tea.
Stinging nettle offers a variety of vitamin, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, polyphenols and pigments — many of which also act as antioxidants inside your body. Stinging nettle may help suppress inflammation, which in turn could aid inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, but more research is needed. Stinging nettle may help reduce prostate size and treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men with BPH. Stinging nettle may reduce hay fever symptoms. Yet, some research indicates that it may not be much more effective than a placebo. More studies are needed on stinging nettle's effects on hay fever. Stinging nettle may help lower blood pressure by allowing your blood vessels to relax and reducing the force of your heart's contractions. Yet, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects. While stinging nettle may help lower blood sugar levels, more human studies are crucial before recommendations can be made.
Stinging nettle above ground parts are used along with large amounts of fluids in so-called “irrigation therapy” for urinary tract infections (UTI), urinary tract inflammation, and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). The above-ground parts are also used for allergies, hayfever, and osteoarthritis.
Stinging nettle may offer other potential health benefits, including:
Reduced bleeding: Medicines containing stinging nettle extract have been found to reduce excessive bleeding, especially after surgery Liver health: Nettle's antioxidant properties may protect your liver against damage by toxins, heavy metals and inflammation Natural diuretic: This plant may help your body shed excess salt and water, which in turn could lower blood pressure temporarily. Keep in mind that these findings are from animal studies Wound and burn healing: Applying stinging nettle creams may support wound healing, including burn wounds
Key Features
Treat Urinary tract health
Treat Arthritis and pain
Osteoarthritis
Blood Sugar Management
The power of polyphenols
Reduce Inflammation. ...
Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms. ...
Treat Hay Fever. ...
Lower Blood Pressure. ...
Aid Blood Sugar Control.
