Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica (perennials) – Urtica urens (annuals)
Nettles are very nutritious.
- Containing vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin A, C and K also several B vitamins.
- Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.
Nettle also includes all of the essential amino acids and absolutely full of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body by fighting the damage caused by free radicals linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases.
Used to treat inflammation such as arthritis by drinking or applying in a paste or cream.
It acts by interfering with the production of multiple inflammatory hormones.
In cases of arthritic pain this was also significantly reduced. In human study painkillers were able to be reduced in patients using nettle.
Nettle is used to treat respiratory problems like asthma.
Nettle is also known to be affective in treating benign prostate enlargement in men.
This occurs in 50% of men over the age of 51 causing significant pain during urination.
Nettle is used to reduce this pain from urination and treat short and long term urinary problems.
Nettle may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (a stronger form of testosterone).
Stopping these conversions can prevent an enlarged prostate size.
Stinging nettles also treats high blood pressure.
It may stimulate nitric oxide production.
Acting as a vasodilators which relax the muscles of your blood vessels allowing them to widen.
This plant also helps your body excrete excess salt and water.
Which in turn could temporarily reduce blood pressure.
Lower blood sugar leavels.
As it mimics insulin in the body.
There are promising findings in recent research however significantly more evidence is needed in this respect.
Reduce Bleeding.
Medication including nettle have been found affective in reducing bleeding after surgery.
Nettle is also known to protect the liver against damage from free radicals, heavy metals and inflammation.
Stinging nettle creams can also be used to treat burns and heal wounds.
It is important when taking any new medication to speak to your doctor. Especially if taking one or more of the following:
- Blood thinners
- Blood pressure medication
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Lithium
Also use special gloves if picking your own stinging nettles as they can burn your skin which can be quite painful.
(Also be aware that it is actually stinging nettles you are harvesting and not false nettles for example).
- Never consume raw leaves
- Pick from the new growth (top of this plant)
- Rinse thoroughly
- Boil in a pot
(Dock leaves can be used to treat nettle stings. They are large leaves usually found close to where nettles grow).
I personally absolutely love nettle and always have some to hand.
Lots of love and brightest blessings always.