In Terms Of Health

Finally, a herb especially designed for masochists! In the past the sharp leaves of nettle were the objects of self-flagellation, called urtication, driving the beneficial chemicals in the leaf into the skin painfully! The goal was to treat arthritis and skin disease! Apparently nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories; it has been theorized that the sharp nettle leaves helped to inject this herbal medicine into the body when struck against the affected areas. Fortunately, there are better ways to enjoy the benefits of this herb today.

Stinging nettle is a perennial plant. The stem grows from 2 to 7 feet high and bears serrated, pointed leaves. The small, greenish flowers grow in clusters from July to September.

Nettle contains many helpful ingredients: chlorophyll, vitamin C and vitamin A, bio-available minerals, including calcium, silicon, and potassium chloride, protein, and dietary fiber.

The antihistamines in nettle make it an excellent treatment for hay fever. Nettle is also used to loosen congestion and open the bronchial airways in people with asthma or allergies. In addition it is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions.

Nettle may help arthritic sufferings by reducing their need for prescription drugs. It contains large amounts of boron and silicon and these two minerals greatly help ease symptoms of tendonitis, arthritis, and bursitis. Nettle can increase the body’s production of urine and help with urinary tract infections. Nettle has a mild laxative effect and can actually increase the work of the liver and kidneys. It is a blood purifier and can be used to treat spasmodic dysmenorrheal, ulcers, asthma, jaundice, bronchitis, nephritis, and hemorrhoids.

Nettle’s use makes quite an impressive list: dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhages, gravel, febrile affections, chronic diseases of the colon, nephritic complaints, eczematous affections, eczema of the face, neck and ears, and chronic cystitis. Externally it has been effective in treating burns, scalds, bleeding wounds, nettle rash (yes, you can use nettle to treat nettle pain), nosebleed, and urticaria.

Nettle is well known for its ability to ease discomfort in men with BPH in which the prostate becomes enlarged and causes men to develop problems with urination. Nettle helps men to urinate more in the day and thus less at night. Nettle works by keeping the body from converting testosterone into 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that causes the prostate gland to begin growing again after 40. Nettle does not, however, decrease enlargement of the prostate. Taking nettle in combination with either pygeum bark extract or saw palmetto may be as effective as the drug finasteride. It is also used in hair tonics because supposedly it can stimulate hair growth.

Nettle is also a natural diuretic. It helps the body eliminate uric acid and bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and kidney stones. The diuretic action of nettle may also help lower blood pressure and relieve premenstrual bloating. Much controversy surrounds the advice that pregnant or nursing women should not take nettle. The one side says it might cause uterine contractions. The other says this is not a danger when taken moderately. Perhaps it is related to when the nettle is harvested. If it is harvested before flowers appear, it seems to be safer.

Nettle can be grown yourself, or purchased as a dried leaf to make into tea, or as capsules, tablets, and tinctures. Dried root products, often combined with saw palmetto, are also available for prostate treatment. Some just like to sprinkle the powder on their food. If you store the leaves, do so in a dark, dry, and cool place.

Due to its diuretic action, prolonged use of nettle can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Also, people who take nettle on a regular basis should make sure they get enough potassium in their diet. For more on nettle leaves, visit More Than Alive, a website dedicated to promoting bulk herbs and their benefits to human health.