Nettle, also called stinging nettle, has a long and varied history as a medicinal herb used all over the world. In ancient Greece, physicians, including the renowned Galen, recommended nettle leaves to treat edema, constipation and upper respiratory illnesses, says Leslie Taylor, a practicing herbalist, naturopath and author of the book "The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs." It is also used for rheumatism, urinary conditions and skin inflammations. Consult your doctor before using this herb.
Description
An herbaceous perennial, nettle grows primarily in the wild. It thrives in nitrogen-rich terrain in both temperate and tropical climates. At maturity, the plant reaches a height between 2 and 4 feet and has pale yellow or white flowers and sharply pointed leaves, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stinging nettle comes by its name because the leaves and stems have minute inflexible hairs that release protective biochemicals, causing a painful skin reaction.
Traditional Uses
One of the most versatile herbs, nettle is a food packed with nutrients and a powerful botanical medicine. The young spring leaves are delicious and nourishing, and contain minerals, amino acids, chlorophyll and B vitamins. Use gloves to pick the leaves and cook them like any other green leafy vegetable, advises the Susun Weed website. The stinging chemicals disappear when the leaves are cooked. Nettle has also been used therapeutically to heal gout, anemia, sore muscles and aching joints. In Brazilian folk medicine, nettle is recommended for menstrual problems, seasonal allergies, diabetes and diarrhea, explains Taylor. Traditional Peruvian healers use it as a medicine for a variety of ailments, including intestinal disorders, skin conditions and muscular pain. Seek advice frοm a qualified health practitioner before using nettle.
Scientific Research
Nettle root is used to treat allergies and inflammation, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Studies have shown its potential effectiveness in healing benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, and it may also act against malignant human prostate cells. Exactly how nettle root works physiologically is not known at the time. Taylor reports positive clinical trial results showing extract of nettle root helped ease symptoms of allergies, including skin itching, congestion and sneezing. She notes that almost 50 percent of study participants thought nettle extract to be more effective than drugstore allergy medications.
Cautions
Infrequent side effects of nettle can include stomach discomfort and edema. Applying nettle creams and salves can cause a rash, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Do not use stinging nettle as a topical preparation on broken or cut skin. Pregnant women should not use nettle.
References
- "The Healing Power of Rain Forest Herbs: Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals"; Leslie Taylor; 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- Susun Weed: Spring Tonics
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Nettle
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