Stinging Nettle Benefits
Stinging Nettle or Urtica dioica is a perennial plant with a rich history in traditional medicine that has a widely recognised capability of stinging due to its fine structure, the most notable of which is the stinging hair. It has been used for many centuries by different civilizations for the purpose of benefiting the health of the consumer.
From sinusitis and arthritis to anaemia, stinging nettle is an astonishing plant whose potential merits more attention. Thus, this article aims to consider various health benefits of stinging nettle and the ways it is utilised which would explain why stinging nettle should be included in your daily regimen.
Do you eat Stinging Nettle? Watch our video, “How To Forage Stinging Nettle”, to learn more.
Historical Use and Cultural Significance of Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been described in historical documents, and used by different civilizations over many centuries. With potent stinging hairs and being used therapeutically, this plant has been used widely in traditional medicine and most societies.
Ancient and Medieval Use
Traditional Medicine
Stinging nettle has been used for over 2000 years. It has been primarily used as a wound healing agent. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for medical purposes such as alleviation of joint pain and inflammation.
Food and Textiles
In the middle ages, people of Europe consumed nettles and used them in the making of clothes. The strong fibres of the plant were used to make cloth.
Native American Practices
Cultural Uses
The native American tribes used the nettle in several ways, for food, as a dressing for wounds, and in rituals. Its leaves and fibres were used for weaving and also incorporated in food preparation.
Folk Medicine
Herbal Remedies
In Europe, the nettle has been used to treat ailments as part of folk medicine for centuries. It has been used as a remedy for arthritis, respiratory diseases, and urinary tract diseases. In modern medical practices, the plant is still used to cure such ailments as acknowledged by modern herbal medicine.
Modern Revival
Cultural Resurgence
Nowadays, people pay more attention to the historic application as well as the medical properties of nettle. It has found acceptance among today’s herbalists and other proponents of the natural health care systems, who have found it useful to research and substantiate the uses that people of old had given it.
The use of stinging nettle in earlier periods and in varied cultures proves that this plant has immense importance and is priceless even today. It has application in medicine, textiles, and as a material of daily use, which provides evidence of its versatility and close connection with human history.
Do you drink tea? Learn from our recording of our weekly Facebook live Wellness tip, “Health Benefits of Tea”.
Have you tried everything to help control your diabetes and lead a better quality of life?
Do you sometimes wonder, how other people who have diabetes, are able to live a much more fulfilled life? Then our FREE Best Ways to Treat Diabetes Guide is must for you to learn the best proven ways to treat your diabetes.
Check out our Introductory and Advanced Diabetes Courses.
These courses are suitable whether you wish to prevent or manage Diabetes.
Nutritional Profile
Nutritionally, stinging nettle contains a long list of nutrients that qualify it as a food that is great for enhancing nutrition in the human diet. It also has vitamins – A, C, K, B vitamins and the minerals – iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc. The plant is also a good source of protein and dietary fibre which can enhance the nutrition value and the function of the human body.
Health Benefits
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Stinging nettle has been most prominently studied as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has flavonoids, phenolic acids, and glycosides that are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Some of these properties may be of immense benefit to patients who have chronic inflammation diseases such as arthritis and gout. Stinging nettle may be effective for joint pain and inflammation, so it can be useful in relieving arthritis.
Relief from Seasonal Allergies
Stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects that can help in the treatment of seasonal allergies. Nettle may reduce histamines in the body which cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, itching and stuffy nose. It can then be used as a natural remedy for people with hay fever or any other allergy-related complications.
Support for Blood Sugar Control
Research claims that stinging nettle can help with regulation of blood sugar levels. It has been found to possess hypoglycemic properties; such properties are useful in the management of diabetic patients or patients with unstable blood sugar levels. Stinging nettle may have a supporting role in diabetes control because it enhances the insulin sensitivity and decreases blood glucose concentration.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Stinging nettle is also known to assist in controlling blood pressure and this is due to the potassium content that is found in this plant. This mineral is known to play a major role in regulation of fluid levels and proper functioning of the heart. Stinging nettle can be rather beneficial when it comes to cardiovascular health since it helps to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Pain Relief
It also has uses in pain relief as according to traditional uses of stinging nettle. It may also be useful in cases of muscle and joint pain, inflammation and gout. It is believed that this plant acts as anti-inflammatory and helps reduce pain.
Urinary Tract Health
Nettle may help reduce prostate size and improve urinary flow by stopping the growth of prostate cells and modulating hormonal activity related to prostate health. In addition, to manage and prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), the diuretic properties of stinging nettle can increase urine production, which helps flush out bacteria and toxins from the urinary tract.
Nutrient-Rich Herbal Supplement
The stinging nettle can be used as a herbal supplement and contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body. It comes in different forms namely teabags, tinctures and capsules, or even the plant itself, and can be added to one’s diet in a number of ways to improve on its nutritional value.
Have you ever heard of Stinging Nettle? You can grow these naturally in your backyard! Watch our video, “HOW TO HEAL DIABETES WITH STINGING NETTLE” to find out more about Stinging Nettle!
Uses and Applications
Stinging nettle can be used in various ways to harness its health benefits:
Tea
Nettle can be ingested in many forms but the most common and probably the easiest is through drinking nettle tea. It can improve digestion, boost the immune system and has a calming impact.
Tinctures
Nettle tinctures are strong liquid mixtures derived from the plant that can be taken for distinct cases.
Capsules
For those who wish to have more measured and controlled consumption, stinging nettle is available in capsule form as a dietary supplement.
Topical Applications
It can also be used externally for skin problems such as dermatitis or even to soothe a painful area of the skin.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While stinging nettle offers many health benefits, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions:
Allergic Reactions
Stinging nettle can cause some people to have allergies for example skin rash or feeling of nausea after taking the plant.
Interactions with Medications
It is also important to note that while taking stinging nettle, one has to be careful and avoid other drugs such as blood thinners and antihypertensive. Always consult with your physician before taking any new supplement into your system.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Stinging nettle supplements are also not advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women since the effects of the supplement during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is unknown.
Watch our insightful video to learn more about “Stinging Nettle Benefits”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stinging nettle is a plant that has a rather long history with beautiful roots in ancient world knowledge and modern healthcare. These uses include its application in traditional and modern medicine, as a food source, and a textile material, which gives proof of its importance in history. Stinging nettle even to this day is regarded as being endowed with highly therapeutic influence on the human body and can be used in helping to heal inflammation, diabetes, urinary tract infections, and hay fever among other ailments. This herb provides numerous amounts of nutrients and possesses healing properties; yet, its consumption should be moderate and done under the supervision of a doctor or a nutritionist, especially for those who have chronic diseases or are pregnant. Stinging nettle, if incorporated into a health and wellbeing plan, could add value to one’s general health.
Are you ready for the first step towards a more healthy and vibrant you? Our wellness clinic offers a free 15-minute discovery call designed to understand your unique health needs and goals. During this call, our experts will listen to your concerns and guide you on how to achieve your healthiest self. Book a free consultation with us now!
To maintain and further enhance wellbeing, experience the benefits of health and wellness for your body with USANA Health Sciences’ highly-rated health products and supplements! One of their supplements we highly recommend is the USANA CellSentials: a highly developed system of cellular nutrition that provides full-spectrum support for your body with 40+ vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that are essential to protecting and feeding your cells. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your well-being—click the link now to order your USANA CellSentials and their other top-quality products and start your journey to better health today: bit.ly/petrinatenusana!
To learn more about Health and Wellbeing, check out our other related blogs:
Benefits Of Having An Iridology Consultation
Health Benefits Of Vitamins And Minerals
The Why and How to Alkalise Your Body
Health Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Juice
NEXT STEP
Book in a complimentary 15 minutes Zoom call with us (valued at £99) to enable us to clarify questions you may have on a specific health concern.
