Stinging nettle, a perennial herb with a long medicinal history, derives its common name from the tiny, stinging hairs that cover the plant's leaves and stems. While these hairs cause an irritating sting when touched, they may actually reduce the original pain when applied to a painful area of the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this may happen because stinging nettle reduces inflammatory chemicals in the body and interferes with the body's transmission of pain signals. Stinging nettle also provides several other medicinal benefits and uses. Always consult a health-care professional before taking any herbal supplement or self-treating with herbs. Pregnant women should avoid stinging nettle, as it may contribute to miscarriage.
Seasonal Allergies
A study published in the 2009 edition of Phytotherapy Research examined the anti-inflammatory effects of stinging nettle, specifically for treating seasonal allergies. At the end of the study, researchers concluded that stinging nettle extract may help sufferers of seasonal allergies by inhibiting inflammatory events within the body that cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Although further human studies are required to better understand nettle's role in treating allergies, herbalists still commonly prescribe the herb for this purpose.
Prostate Problems
Widely used in Europe to treat benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as BPH, stinging nettle relieves symptoms of the condition, including reduced urinary flow, the constant urge to urinate, post urination dripping and incomplete emptying of the bladder. A study published in the March 2004 edition of Der Urologe, a German medical journal, found that nettle root extract provided a safe and effective means of treating benign prostatic syndrome, especially for reducing irritating symptoms. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs used to treat BPH, however, stinging nettle does not decrease prostate size; it only reduces symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
Historically, herbalists have used stinging nettle leaves and stems to treat sore muscles and arthritis. Some individuals may find relief from painful joints caused by osteoarthritis by applying nettle leaves topically to the affected area. A study published in the June 2000 edition of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that patients experiencing joint pain at the base of their thumbs or index fingers experienced significant improvements after applying a stinging nettle leaf to the painful area once per day for 12 weeks.
Other Uses
Healers have used stinging nettles for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. Some of the herb's traditional, though scientifically unproven, uses include treating eczema, arthritis, gout, urinary tract infections, sprains, tendinitis, insect bites, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, hives, fluid retention and lupus. In her book, "Prescription for Herbal Healing," Phyllis A. Balch recommends using stinging nettle to treat iron-deficiency anemia, as it contains large concentrations of iron that promote the production of red blood cells.
In addition to medicinal uses, people have also used stinging nettle to make cloth and rope, in herbal cosmetics to strengthen hair and skin, and as food. Though covered in stinging hairs when freshly harvested, stinging nettle no longer poses a threat when cooked or dried. Often cooked like spinach by boiling the leaves in water, nettle contains large reserves of vitamin C, calcium and iron.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle
- PubMed: Nettle Extract (Urtica Dioica) Affects Key Receptors and Enzymes Associated With Allergic Rhinitis
- PubMed: Stinging Nettle Root Extract (Bazoton-uno) in Long Term Treatment of Benign Prostatic Syndrome (BPS). Results of a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo Controlled Multicenter Study After 12 Months
- PubMed: Randomized Controlled Trial of Nettle Sting for Treatment of Base-of-Thumb Pain
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
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