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May 22, 2024 · Stinging nettle: wild plant with many benefits in the kitchen (nettle soup), in the garden (nettle liquid plant food), and as a natural remedy (nettle allergy tea). See how to harness the power of nettles!
Jul 4, 2024 · stinging nettle, ( Urtica dioica ), weedy perennial plant of the nettle family ( Urticaceae ), known for its stinging leaves. Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
- Melissa Petruzzello
- Overview
- 1. Contains Many Nutrients
- 2. May Reduce Inflammation
- 3. May Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
- 4. May Treat Hay Fever
- 5. May Lower Blood Pressure
- 6. May Aid Blood Sugar Control
- Other Potential Benefits
- Potential Side Effects
- How to Consume It
Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. It may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.
Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm (1).
Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact.
The leaves have hair-like structures that sting and also produce itching, redness and swelling (2).
However, once it is processed into a supplement, dried, freeze-dried or cooked, stinging nettle can be safely consumed. Studies link it to a number of potential health benefits.
Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including (1):
•Vitamins: Vitamins A, C
and K, as well as several B vitamins
•Minerals: Calcium, iron,
magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
•Fats: Linoleic acid,
Inflammation is your body’s way of healing itself and fighting infections.
However, chronic inflammation can inflict significant harm (6).
Stinging nettle harbors a variety of compounds that may reduce inflammation.
In animal and test-tube studies, stinging nettle reduced levels of multiple inflammatory markers by interfering with their production (7, 8).
In human studies, applying a stinging nettle cream or consuming stinging nettle products appears to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
For instance, in one 27-person study, applying a stinging nettle cream onto arthritis-affected areas significantly reduced pain, compared to a placebo treatment (9).
Up to 50% of men aged 51 and older have an enlarged prostate gland (11).
An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Scientists aren’t sure what causes BPH, but it can lead to significant discomfort during urination.
Interestingly, a few studies suggest that stinging nettle may help treat BPH.
Animal research reveals that this powerful plant may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — a more powerful form of testosterone (12).
Stopping this conversion can help reduce prostate size (13).
Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extracts help treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects (14, 15).
Hay fever is an allergy that involves inflammation in the lining of your nose.
Stinging nettle is viewed as a promising natural treatment for hay fever.
Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies (16).
This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms (16).
However, human studies note that stinging nettle is equal to or only slightly better at treating hay fever than a placebo (17, 18).
While this plant may prove a promising natural remedy for hay fever symptoms, more long-term human studies are needed.
Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure (19).
High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it puts you at risk of heart disease and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide (20).
Stinging nettle was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure (21).
Animal and test-tube studies illustrate that it may help lower blood pressure in several ways.
For one, it may stimulate nitric oxide production, which acts as a vasodilator. Vasodilators relax the muscles of your blood vessels, helping them widen (21, 22).
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).
Both human and animal studies link stinging nettle to lower blood sugar levels (26, 27, 28, 29, 30).
In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin (31).
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).
Despite promising findings, there are still far too few human studies on stinging nettle and blood sugar control. More research is necessary.
Summary While
stinging nettle may help lower blood sugar levels, more human studies are
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 (32, 33).
•Liver health: Nettle’s
antioxidant properties may protect your liver against damage by toxins, heavy
Consuming dried or cooked stinging nettle is generally safe. There are few, if any, side effects (40).
However, be careful when handling fresh stinging nettle leaves, as their hair-like barbs can harm your skin.
These barbs can inject an array of chemicals, such as (1, 2):
•Acetylcholine
•Histamine
•Serotonin
Stinging nettle is incredibly easy to add to your daily routine.
It can be purchased in many health food stores, but you can also grow it yourself.
You can buy dried/freeze-dried leaves, capsules, tinctures and creams. Stinging nettle ointments are often used to ease osteoarthritis symptoms.
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.
Currently, there is no recommended dosage for stinging nettle products.
That said, studies suggest that the following doses are most effective for certain conditions (14, 17):
Nov 15, 2023 · Stinging nettles are plants with sharp hairs on their leaves. Potential health benefits include arthritis relief, reduction in seasonal allergies, and diabetes management. However, there is...
- Aaron Kandola
Discover the myriad of stinging nettle uses, from supporting reproductive health to boosting energy, alleviating allergies, and strengthening bones, hair, and teeth.
Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, burn 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.
Jan 30, 2024 · The important health benefits of stinging nettle may 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.
