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Nettle is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Nettle is now widely distributed throughout the world. Nettle is a member of the Urticaceae family, which includes as many as 500 species worldwide. Many species of Nettle are tropical. The stinging Nettle - Urtica dioica grows wild in nitrogen-rich soil. It grows abundantly in waste ground, hedgerows, ditches and gardens. Often considered a nuisance and weed it is important to the life cycle of many insects and holds great value as a “Natural Healer”. Nettles have a long history of use in the home as a herbal remedy and nutritious addition to the diet.
The Nettle has long been valued as a medicinal and nutritional treasure.
Nettle is rich in chlorophyll, and a good source of beta carotene; vitamins A, C, and E; tannins; iron; calcium; phosphates; and various other minerals, especially silica. Nettle has astringent, expectorant, galactagogue milk producing, tonic, anti-inflammatory,
homeostatic, and diuretic properties. The active ingredients of Nettle include water-soluble polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system, and large protein-sugar molecules known as lectins. The entire plant of Nettle may be used in various medicinal preparations.
The active constituents in Nettle are many and include 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, formic acid and gallic acid, plus much readily assimilable iron. Research by Drs Herrmann and Neumann established that an increased metabolic rate took place over a period which lasted from the sixth to the twenty-second hour after taking a glassful. They said that Nettle is very helpful when used in conjunction with therapies for removing -toxins from the blood, and for rheumatism. Bioflavonoids in Nettle leaves and roots are generally anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine. The magnesium in Nettle may help upper respiratory symptoms, if asthmatics are magnesium-deficient. Magnesium relieves bronchial muscle spasms and reduces the histamine response. The boron in Nettle may be helpful in treating osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because it helps the bones retain calcium and influences the body's endocrine
system since hormones play a crucial role in helping the body maintain healthy bones and joints.
Nettle has a long history of medical use. The Romans used to rub the leaves of Nettle on their bodies to restore circulation to limbs numbed by the winters. Nettle also contains vitamin C and iron, and increases the absorption of the latter. This makes it useful in cases of iron deficiency related illnesses according to research. Studies show that nettle is a circulatory stimulant, helps prevent haemorrhaging and can be used in treating nose bleeds. Nettle tea offers great relief to hay fever symptoms. This is probably due to the nettles antihistamine qualities. Nettle is also been known to mildly lower blood sugar levels. Nettle root blocks two enzymes, 5a-reductase, which makes the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and aromatase enzyme, which makes estrogens. Studies showed that Nettle root extract was efficient in inhibiting these two enzymes. An infusion of the plant is very valuable in
stemming internal bleeding. Nettle is also used to treat anaemia, excessive menstruation, hemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints, especially eczema. Externally, the plant is used to treat skin complaints, arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, hemorrhoids and hair problems. The fresh leaves of Nettle have been rubbed or beaten onto the skin in the treatment of rheumatism. This practice, called urtification, causes intense irritation to the skin as it is stung by the Nettle. The formic acid from the Nettle is believed to have a beneficial effect upon the rheumatic joints. For medicinal purposes, the plant is best harvested in May or June as it is coming into flower and dried for later use. Nettle leaf has recently become a popular treatment for allergies based on one preliminary study. Nettle leaf is highly nutritious, and in cooked form may be used as a general dietary supplement. Today the herbal practitioner has found many uses for the humble Nettle. The extract of Nettle with alcohol is a stimulating hair tonic. Urtication, or beating with nettles, is sometimes used as a counter irritant for rheumatic sufferers. Nettle is given to lessen bleeding in the mouth, in the form of a juice, and the juice will apparently greatly relieve painful piles or haemorrhoids.
Nettle is particularly helpful for treating urinary tract problems. Nettle has also been used internally to stop bleeding. Nettle has been used for increasing urination and for kidney/bladder problems. Nettle root has been shown to have a beneficial effect upon enlarged prostate glands. German research suggests that active ingredients in the Nettle root may reduce prostate swelling. Nettle helps control diarrhea and is at the same time act as a diuretic which aids the elimination of uric acid. Fresh Nettle herb was thrashed across the skin to induce a stinging, burning sensation used to relieve the deeper pain of rheumatism. Clinical studies have confirmed Nettle's benefit to men in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Nettle used to combat and relieve allergy symptoms especially hay fever, as a general health tonic, blood-builder and purifier, anti-arthritis or anti-rheumatic agent, to relieve benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, as a lung tonic for ex-smokers, to help skin heal from eczema, for hives, bursitis, tendinitis, laryngitis, kidney stones, as a diuretic, to lower blood sugar naturally, even to relieve the symptoms of sciatica and PMS.
Nettle may cause irritation to the urinary tract. Do not self-treat for what can be potentially medically dangerous conditions, including prostate problems, without the advice of a competent healthcare provider. Possible side effects of Nettle include decreased urine flow, hives, stomach irritation, diarrhea & swelling. Nettle also can cause digestive tract irritation. Allergic reactions to Nettle are rare. However, when contact is made with the skin, fresh nettles can cause a rash.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.
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