Nettle is a plant best known for the sting of its leaves. The root of this plant has been used to improve urine flow, ease swelling in the joints, and aid blood glucose control. It can be applied as a cream or oil. Nettle can also be made into a tea or taken as a pill, powder, or extract. However, dosage may be restricted to 300 mg/day, one to two times daily. Don’t take nettle if you take medication for blood pressure. Check with your health care provider before you start taking it.
Below are a few common benefits of nettle and its extracts:
General benefits:
- Nettle leaves and stalks are high in calcium, magnesium, trace minerals, chlorophyll, chromium, cobalt, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, sulfur, protein, manganese, selenium, vitamin C, D, K and B complex, and carotenes. A nourishing herbal infusion with dried nettle leaves may improve overall health.
- Helps in relaxing. As a flower essence, nettle may help in decision-making. It has a calming effect, and it clears up brain fog as well as aids in making clear and concise decisions. Nettle promotes a grounded feeling when we get overwhelmed. Nettle flower essence may also help in healing from unresolved tensions.
- Nettle also promotes better sleep by calming the mind.
Medicinal benefits:
- Nettle as a tonic improves overall body functioning by supplying a powerhouse of easily accessible proteins and nutrients to the body.
- Specific medicinal properties of nettle are it is the kidney and adrenal gland (located on the upper surface of the kidneys) restorative, a diuretic (flushes toxins), a blood purifier, an astringent, an anti-inflammatory. It helps the body to heal wounds by promoting cell growth and repair.
- It is also considered a hormone balancer and natural antihistamine (anti-allergic).
- Nettle is often used or added to formulas for allergies, anemia/blood deficiency, a sluggish thyroid, restoring adrenals tonic, arthritis, rheumatism, growing pains in children, and nourishing pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- It may help during menopause, provides nourishment and kidney tonic after chemotherapy, works as a general tonic for kidney and gout.
- Nettle seed and root provide stronger medicine than nettle leaf. Its seeds are often used for rebuilding adrenal glands and treating prostate (a gland present in males) problems.
- Topical use of nettle results in wound healing because it is an astringent.
- Nettle appears as an ingredient in many hair lotions because it induces hair growth. It fortifies the scalp, cleanses it, and reduces dandruff.
- It restores the elasticity of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and is a good supplement for diabetics.
- Nettle improves digestion and is anti-cancer and antioxidant.
- Nettle tea is used to gargle for treating mouth and throat infections.
- It is known to kill intestinal worms and parasites.
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions:
Usually, this herb doesn’t cause side effects when used correctly. However,
- Allergic reactions only happen in rare cases.
- Nettle may cause stomach cramps or diarrhea in rare cases. If this happens, stop using it or use less of it.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need to limit the use of the herb. This is because it can act as a diuretic.
- Nettle can change the effects of medicines that affect blood pressure. These include diuretics and anti-hypertensives.
- Because of its effect on sex hormone (androgen and estrogen) metabolism, nettle preparations are contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation and should not be used in children younger than 12 years.
