Stinging Nettle Benefits and Side Effects
There have been plenty of wellness trends in recent times. Alongside other trends, such as ashwagandha and milk thistle, stinging nettle is also becoming quite popular. And there are good reasons why. Stinging nettle has a long history of being used in the medical field. Even in medieval times in Europe, it was used to treat joint pains and to get rid of any excess water in the body.
Stinging nettle has a long history of being used in the medical field
This plant helped ancient Egyptians to treat lower back pain as well, while it helped the Roman troops stay warm by rubbing it on themselves. Whether you boil it for tea, make it into a soup, or take it as a supplement, you won’t be sorry. Nowadays, many studies show us that stinging nettle has more benefits than we’ve even imagined. Today, we will explore all the potential benefits stinging nettle has, as well as any side effects, dosage, and history.
Roman troops kept warm by rubbing nettle on themselves
What Is Nettle?
Stinging nettle is a herbaceous flower plant. It has stinging, sharp, heart-shaped, pointed leaves with white, yellow or pink flowers. It can typically grow up to two or four meters tall. Both the roots and above ground parts can be used for different treatments. It is originally from the colder regions of Asia and Northern Europe, however in today’s day and age it can be found all around the world. It blooms between the June and September. Stinging nettle’s leaves and stems have fine, little hairs that contain chemicals, such as histamine and formic, which get released when the nettle gets into contact with skin. They are extremely irritating to the skin and painful to the touch, and cause redness, and itching. However, if they come into contact with a part of the body that was already in pain, the nettle may actually lower the pain level.
Stinging nettle’s leaves and stems have fine, little hairs that contain chemicals
Benefits Of Stinging Nettle
Other than irritating chemicals, nettle also has a range of good ones such as serotonin and acetylcholine. Okay, so now that we know what stinging nettle is, let’s see what are all of these amazing benefits we have been mentioning.
Benefits of stinging nettle
Detoxifies the Body
Stinging nettle has many great nutrients which make it an incredible detoxifier. It cleanses the body gently and since it is a diuretic it also ensures the toxins are neutralized and then eliminated. Since it improves the nutrient uptake, it consequently helps the gut. The gut helps the digestive process go nice and smooth, which prevents any accumulation of bad toxins. Not only that but nettle also stimulates the lymphatic system which gets rid of any surplus of toxin found in the kidneys.
It improves the nutrient uptake, so it consequently helps the gut
Nutritious Properties
Stinging nettle is full of great nutrients. It’s filled with vitamins such as A, K, C, as well as many B vitamins. Minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium are all found within the plant. It’s also filled with healthy fats, amino acids, polyphenols, and pigments such as beta-carotene. But the best part is that a lot of these nutrients act as antioxidants for your body. Antioxidants as we know are crucial for defending your cells against any damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals cause aging, caner, as well as other terrible diseases.
It’s also filled with healthy fats, amino acids, polyphenols, and pigments such as beta-carotene
Promotes Feminine Health
The plant contains many active components that have a benefit to feminine health. It can help with hurtful PMS symptoms, and can help smooth bloating and cramps. It also minimizes the blood flow during the period thanks to its astringent abilities. Not only that, but it’s also go great for women in menopause. Furthermore, it can help give a smoother transition and be a restorative. This way the hormonal shift won’t be as dramatic.
It can help with hurtful PMS symptoms, and can help smooth bloating and cramps
Aids in Pregnancy
Whereas supplements such as spirulina aren’t always safe for pregnant women, stinging nettle is often recommended by midwives and herbalists. It can help women who are undergoing painful labor, as it helps in protecting against surplus bleeding. This is because it is a coagulant. Not only that but it may also help with milk production and make lactation easier. Make sure to speak to your doctor for dosage beforehand.
It can help women who are undergoing painful labor
Improves Prostate Health
When men age prostate cancer and enlargements become serious threats. Stinging nettle seems to be an effective mean to stop prostate growth. However, keep in mind due to specific chemical pathways, nettle cannot reverse growth factors, but rather prevent them.
Stinging nettle seems to be an effective mean to stop prostate growth
Skin Care
Stinging nettle extract can help prevent bacterial infections, blackheads, and acne when applied to the skin. Thanks to the plant’s antioxidants it helps wounds heal faster, can help reduce acne scars and blemishes appearances. Nettle also promotes the reduction of age spots, wrinkles, and has great anti-aging effects. When used in ointments it can help treat burns as well.
Thanks to the plant’s antioxidants it helps wounds heal faster
Improves Circulation
Thanks to stinging nettles high iron and vitamin C content makes it great for red blood cell production stimulation. When the red blood cell count in the body increases, blood circulation increases. Consequently, healing time for wounds speeds up and energy levels increase since the body is receiving essential oxygenation. That is why people suffering from anemia and fatigue, with symptoms such as exhaustion, muscle weakness, headaches, and cognitive problems should take stinging nettle.
Stinging nettle has high iron and vitamin C content
Anti-inflammatory
Stinging nettle has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to its rubefacient and stimulant properties, stinging nettle, is used for eczema, joint pains, arthritis, and during medieval times even gout.
Stinging nettle has amazing anti-inflammatory properties
Prevents Kidney Stones
As we mentioned, stinging nettle is a great diuretic. However, it also affects the kidneys differently. Stinging nettle has remarkable nephritic qualities. This means it can break down kidney stones and stones in the gallbladder. By taking nettle you can prevent such painful concerns and stop them from becoming worse. The stones can be passed easier with it.
The plant has remarkable nephritic qualities
Osteoporosis and Bone Health
Boron is a very important mineral that can be found within the plant. Boron is linked to maintaining the calcium levels in the bones. Consequently, that means that this will help slow down osteoporosis.
Boron is a very important mineral
Reduces Seasonal Allergies
Stinging nettle is famous for its great effect on all kinds of respiratory conditions. This includes asthma, hay fever, and other seasonal allergies. While research still can’t show ow stinging nettle has a calming effect, though according to some it is all thanks to its ability to reduce inflammation that is allergy related in the body.
Nettle is famous for its great effect on all kinds of respiratory conditions
Hair Care
Stinging nettle leaves is filled with sulfur and silica. Both of them can help prevent hair loss and aid in hair growth. Research shows that nettle blocks the hormone DHT. When overproduced, this hormone damages hair follicles. Not only that but stinging nettle’s leaves can reduce any inflammation of the scalp, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows that nettle blocks the hormone DHT
Managing Diabetes
Some sources suggest that the plant can help in diabetes management. Especially in people with type 2 diabetes. While stinging nettle should not be used as a substitute for diabetes medications, it can help aid in managing sugar levels. Speak with your health care provider beforehand.
Stinging nettle should not be used as a substitute for diabetes medications
Side Effects Of Stinging Nettle
Just like with anything in nature, like kombucha, stinging nettle also comes with its own sets of side effects and precautions you should take into considerations. While nettle is considered safe for most people, there are some exceptions. If you apply to any of them, it’s best to avoid taking it. Always consult your doctor for advice if you feel unsure about taking this supplement. Here is what you should know before taking stinging nettle.
While nettle is considered safe for most people, there are some exceptions
You may be allergic. Keep in mind you may be allergic to nettle. If you have never tried it, before proceed with caution.
Nettle rash. If you touch stinging nettle with your skin, you will experience redness, itching, bumps and most likely pain.
Can cause some side effects. This can range from constipation, sweating and diarrhea, and may upset some people’s stomach.
Nettle comes with some side effects
Menstrual cycle alterations. In some cases nettle may alter the menstrual cycle which can cause miscarriages. Pregnant women should take with caution as it may trigger uterine contractions.
It may interact with certain medication. If you are taking any high blood pressure medication, blood thinners, diabetes, or heart disease medication.
Make sure to not consume uncooked leaves. While cooked leaves are safe to eat by most people, however avoid fresh leaves. They will most likely cause irritation.
Eat only cooked leaves
Stinging Nettle Dosage
While there isn’t enough set and stone information on how much the appropriate dosage of stinging nettle is, there are some guidelines. Make sure to always read the labels and guidelines on the products and always consult with your doctor beforehand. For a general rule of thumb, trials have used a dosage of 360 milligrams of the extract for over six months.
There isn’t enough set and stone information on how much the appropriate dosage is
We hope you enjoyed our ultimate guide to everything stinging nettle. Benefits, side effects and everything else you need to know about this magic plant. Now you have all you need to know all in one place. With the growing popularity of different wellness and health foods, such as sea moss, it’s good to be informed.
Benefits, side effects and everything else you need to know about this magic plant
