Nettle: Herbal Remedy for Arthritis, Anemia, Hay Fever and Enlarged Prostate

Nettle, also known as stinging nettle or Urtica dioica, is a plant that grows wild in both Europe and North America and has been used for centuries for its medicinal purposes. The nettle plant has jagged leaves, grows 2 to 4 feet tall and has small, fine hairs on the stems and leaves that sting when touched or rubbed against and can cause irritation or rash. However, the leaves, stems and roots of the plant are used for medicinal purposes for many disease and conditions including arthritis, anemia, hay fever, high blood pressure and even for an enlarged prostate. Although there are several varieties of the nettle plant, Uritca dioica is the one most commonly used by herbalists for healing.

Nutritional Benefits of Nettle

Nettle plants should be harvested for use when they are young and before the flowers appear. Plants that are used after the flowers appear can cause urinary tract infections. The leaves of the plant can be steamed or simmered in water and eaten in salads, soups or sandwiches. The leaves can also be dried and made into a tea. The root is also used for certain medicinal purposes; however the majority of the vitamins and minerals are in the leaves.

Nettle leaves contain a variety of healthy vitamins and minerals as well as other active components. These include:

• Vitamin C
• Carotnoids
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Polysaccharides
• Histamine
• Acetylcholine
• Silicic acid
• Chlorophyll

The root of the plant contains lignans and sterols, including beta sitosterol. The root is generally used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Nettle has little to no known side-effects which makes it a safe herb to use. Some people experience stomach upset, but this can be resolved by taking the herb with food. Nettle leaves are a natural diuretic, so people taking medication for high blood pressure or taking a diuretic should not use nettle.

Treating Arthritis with Nettle

Nettle leaf can be used both externally and orally for reducing inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The leaves can be rubbed on swollen and painful areas to lessen the pain. Nettle supplements can also be taken for pain relief. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one study found that taking nettle supplements along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) helped the users to lower their dose of NSAIDs. Nettle is also useful for treating sore muscles. Talk to your doctor before taking nettle leaf supplements along with your prescription medication.

Nettle for Anemia

Nettle leaf is a successful herbal remedy for anemia. Nettle contains high amounts of chlorophyll and iron which help build up red blood cells in the body and treat anemia. Nettle leaf is also packed with vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system.

Treating Hay Fever with Nettle

One study on humans of nettle leaf for the treatment of hay fever found that this herb works 58 percent of the time on reducing itching and sneezing. Researchers believe that nettle is able to reduce the amount of histamine in the people with allergies. Doctors recommend taking nettle long before allergy season begins. They also suggest using freeze-dried leaves, however taking supplements will also work. It has been found that hay fever sufferers can start out taking two nettle supplements, three times a day until symptoms are under control and then reduce their intake after that.

Nettle for Treating Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Nettle root has been found to be effective in treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is used widely in Europe. Studies have found that when used with another herb, such as saw palmetto, nettle root is effective in relieving BPH symptoms of constant urge to urinate, reduced urinary flow, post urination dripping and incomplete emptying of the bladder. These symptoms are due to an enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra. Another study found that a combination of nettle root and saw palmetto was able to shrink the growth of prostate cells as effectively as the medication finasteride. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking nettle root or saw palmetto.

Other Health Benefits of Nettle

Nettle leaves are used as a detoxifying tonic because it is an effective diuretic and also builds up the blood. Nettle is also effective in treating other conditions including:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Lowering blood sugar
• As a diuretic
• Edema
• Gout
• Fatigue
• Build immune system
• Detox kidneys

Nettle leaf is available in capsule, tincture and tea form. Nettle root is also available in capsule form. Talk to your doctor before taking either nettle leaf or nettle root.

Nettle is a little-known herb that is packed with vitamins, minerals and other healthy components. Adding nettle supplements or tea to your diet may be the perfect way to build up your immune system, fight fatigue, conquer hay fever, detox your kidneys or regulate blood pressure or prostate concerns. Talk to your doctor about adding nettle to your health routine.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center "Stinging Nettle". Retrieved June 10, 2010

The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler, ND

Published by Prentice Hall Press 2001 & 2010 Pages 336-338