Nettle

A nettle is any herb that has a flowering plant. There are almost 30 different nettle plants. Nettle is found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere and the flower, stem, and leaves are used by people for medicinal purposes. Some folks even eat the nettle leaves or use them in a stew. Nettle contains high levels of potassium and flavanoids.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle is the most well known plant in the nettle family. It grown in Europe and North America, and similar to poison ivy, it grows wild. The herb got its name from its prickly leaves, which when brushed up against will release a combination of serotonin, a histamine, and acetylcholine. These three chemicals combined create a burning rash on the skin.

Uses of Nettle

Nettle is commonly used to relieve arthritic pain, coughs, to stimulate hair growth, and even helps tuberculosis. It has proven effective as an anti-inflammatory, and calms sneezing and itching. Nettle also aids the blood in coagulation and formation of red blood cells. It has high iron content so it’s good for treating anemia. Nettle juice or powder can also be applied to a cut to stop the bleeding.

For men, nettle is an important part of treating BPH, an enlarged prostate, to restore the prostate to its regular size with its anti-inflammatory properties and allows urine to flow normally with nettle’s diuretic properties.

Nettle Leaves

Some people have rubbed fresh nettle leaves on their skin to reduce itching or arthritis. While this can be helpful, it can also be painful for a period of about an hour. The nettle leaves leave a burning sensation on your skin, so use with caution.

Nettle Tea

The tea is given to women with an excessive menstrual flow. Nettle tea can stimulate circulation of the blood and can be used to calm skin irritations like acne and eczema. To make nettle tea, soak 4-6 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves or root in about 6 ounces of water. Drink 2 to 3 cups of tea a day for relief from urinary tract infections, skin irritations, and blood coagulation and circulation.

Proper Nettle Dosages

Nettle is often found in pill form with saw palmetto for prostate enlargement treatment. In this case 120 mg of concentrated nettle root can be taken two times a day. Four to six grams of nettle in capsule form is a usual daily dosage. Three to four drops of nettle juice can be applied to the skin for eczema, acne, and other skin irritations.

Nettle Precautions

Since nettle is a diuretic, and may cause electrolyte imbalances, nursing women should not take nettle. Some studies have shown that nettle causes uterine contractions so pregnant women should stay away from nettle. As mentioned previously, nettle stings so handle with care or use gloves when in doubt.

Nettle is a fantastic herb to treat: