The use of nettle as a medicinal herb dates back to the ancient Greeks who utilized the juice and dried leaves to treat the painful stings of insects. The Native Americans also embraced the power of the herb, as did European herbalists. Every part of the nettle plant, including the roots and the juice, has found a place in natural medicine.
Identification
Nettle juice comes from the stinging nettle plant, a perennial weed readily found throughout the U.S. Stinging nettles contain hairy spines along their shoots and leaves, which produce pain, burning and an intense stinging sensation when they touch the skin, according to the Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide. Despite their sinister appearance and irritating characteristics, the leaves and shoots of the stinging nettle plant produce a green juice when squeezed that has medicinal properties.
Potential
Stinging nettle also shows promise for prostrate sufferers -- relieving symptoms such as the frequent need to urinate and post-urination dripping. Stinging nettle also has a long history as a remedy for joint and muscle pain, urinary tract infection, eczema and gout. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers believe that stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory properties that interfere with the way your body interprets and responds to pain. The average dose of nettle juice for symptom relief is 8 to 12 g combined with approximately 2 quarts of liquid -- usually tea -- each day.
Warnings
Stinging nettle juice is not for everyone. The stinging nettle herb tends to have a diuretic effect. If you are pregnant, nursing or suffering from a heart-related illness, you should avoid nettle juice, according to the University of Utah Health Care. If you experience stomach cramps or diarrhea while taking nettle juice, you may need to cut back on your dosage or stop drinking stinging nettle juice altogether. If you experience an allergic reaction while taking nettle, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of allergic reaction are rash, erythema and fluid retention.
Harvesting
If you will be making your own stinging nettle juice, harvest the nettle plants just before flowering. Kansas State University Research and Extension suggests wearing gloves during harvesting to prevent contact between your skin and the stinging hairs. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning clippers to cut the stinging nettle plants 1 inch above the soil line. Rinsing the stinging nettle under cool water and placing it in a blender with just enough water to cover the shoots and leaves will release the juice. After blending, run the juice through a strainer to separate it from the plant parts.
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