Nettle, also called stinging nettle, is a flowering perennial herb native to North America, Europe and Asia. In traditional medicine, nettle is used to treat inflammatory disorders, including arthritic joints, allergies and skin conditions such as acne. While nettle is generally considered safe, adverse reactions and side effects may occur. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist before using this herb to self-treat your acne, especially if you have a chronic disorder or take other medications.
Description
The oval leaves of Urtica dioica, or nettle, are lined with tiny, hollow hairs called trichomes. These hairs are why the plant is called "stinging" nettle since they act like tiny needles that pierce the skin when brushed against. The leaves, minus the stinging hairs, can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. In Europe, nettle soup is a popular dish. Nettle is used as a flavoring agent in making Gouda and other cheeses. Nettle is also popular in Indian cuisine when combined with other herbs and spices and added to curries and rice dishes.
Traditional Use
In herbal medicine, nettle root extracts are traditionally used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and seasonal allergies and to relieve pain associated with inflammation. Nettle root extract is also used to reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP, which is characterized by an enlarged prostate. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," nettle root inhibits the influenza A virus, as well as HIV-1 and HIV-2. Preparations made from the root are also used to treat kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Externally, the herb is used to address dandruff, eczema, psoriasis and acne. Oral extracts of the root are also used to counter acne and other inflammatory skin disorders.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
The anti-inflammatory properties of nettle root are attributed to the presence of several plant steroids, such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. These and other compounds found in the root collectively interrupt the activity of certain enzymes that enable the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines from the conversion of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid obtained from consuming meat, dairy and other animal products. In addition, nettle root compounds inhibit tumor necrosis factor, or TNF-α. According to Andreas Colsman and Michael Sticherling of the University of Erlangen in Germany, acne symptoms significantly improve with the use of TNF-α inhibitors.
Anti-androgenic Effects
The reason stinging nettle is used to treat BPH is because the chemicals in the root have an effect on the activity of androgen hormones, such as testosterone. These chemicals exert similar effects on estrogens as well, including estradiol and estrone. In short, nettle root helps to counter hormonal imbalances that may trigger acne outbreaks. One way the herb does this is by interacting with the sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG.
Safety Considerations
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nettle root may interfere with several medications, such as diuretics and blood-thinning drugs. This herb may also increase the effects of hypertension and diabetes medications. Due to potential hormonal effects, you should not use this herb if you are pregnant, nursing, undergoing treatment for a hormone-driven disorder or cancer, or if you have a history of kidney disease.
References
- "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Fleming, et al; 2000
- Acta Dermato-Venereologica: Psoriasis Vulgaris Associated with Acne Vulgaris: Differential Effects of Biologicals?; Colsman A, Sticherling M; January 7, 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle
