Stinging Nettle

Recipe by: Tom on 17 August 2022
Posted in : Nutrition
Tags: Inflammation, Prostate Issues, Skin Issues

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Benefits of Stinging Nettle

• Prostate issues
  • Overgrowth of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) increases the pressure on the urethra. This disables the urinary system and causes several chronic disturbances with aging
• Arthritis & Joint pain
• Reduce Inflammation
• Lower Blood pressure
• Blood Sugar control/Diabetes prevention & control
• Control Heart & Liver health
• Reduce Bleeding
• Eczema
  • Because of stinging nettle’s antihistamine and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can be a natural treatment for eczema, as the Penn State University College of Medicine study referenced above notes. Sufferers can use a combination of nettle taken orally to tackle the eczema internally, as well as a cream to provide relief from the rash’s itch and redness.
• Boost Hair growth, strength & repair
• Boost Skin growth, strength & repair
• Boost Nail growth, strength & repair
• Hay Fever & Allergies
  • Stinging Nettle’s anti-inflammatory qualities affect a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, preventing hay fever symptoms if taken when they first appear. The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in allergy treatment, but there is history of using histamines to treat severe allergic reactions.
• Provide Asthma relief
• Accelerate Wound healing
• Treat Insect bites
• Treat Tendonitis
• Treat Haemorrhoids
• Treat Anaemia
• Prevent or treat Diarrhoea
• Treat disorders of the Kidneys & Urinary Tract
• Provide relief from water retention
• Decrease Menstrual flow & pain
• Promote Lactation
• Aid Fatality health

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About Stinging Nettle

It scientific name is Urtica dioica from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact. Also known as Thorny Nettle, these plants (or weeds) are native to Mexico, Italy, Nepal, India, China, Russia, Netherlands, North America, and parts of Africa.

When human skin comes in contact with a nettle leaf or stem, it rapidly develops reddish patches that itch and burn. The hairs or trichomes of the plant are naturally designed to protect the plant from insects, which tells me the plant is valuable.

And while its pain may be uncomfortable, it actually has a beneficial effect on inflammation in the body. By preventing the body from making inflammatory prostaglandins, the sting results in an overall less inflammatory reaction in the body.

Urtication, the practice of intentionally flogging yourself with nettle stings, is used as a treatment for inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that has been proven to be effective by clinical studies. It might seem crazy, but applying nettle to arthritic joints will reduce both pain and dependence on medication!

The leaves also can be eaten, taken as a supplement, or drank as a tea to help reduce inflammation in the body by a few different mechanisms. Nettle leaf can inhibit the classic complement pathway and the pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxyrgenase and 5-lipoxyrgenase. In addition, it may stimulate the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. These anti-inflammatory properties often make Stinging Nettle a go to remedy for seasonal allergies.

Nettle leaves are also nutritional powerhouses. Not even nutrient packed greens such as kale can compare to the amount of magnesium, calcium, and potassium found in nettle leaves. Once dried, crushed, or blanched the stingers are flaccid and no longer able to inject formic acid sting.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the plant has been used most commonly throughout history as a diuretic and for treating painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anaemia.