Osteoporosis -- literally, "porous bones" in Latin -- is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, making them vulnerable to fracture. Osteoporosis generally worsens with age and can also cause back pain, loss of height and stooped posture. Doctors may treat osteoporosis with medications or hormone therapy. Scientific research supports the bone-strengthening effect of certain vitamins in nettle tea. Consult your doctor before using nettle tea for osteoporosis.
Features
Nettles -- botanically known as Urtica dioica, Urtica urens and also stinging nettles -- are indigenous to Europe but are naturalized in the United States, often growing wild in moist woods, ditches and roadsides. The plant features dark green serrated leaves growing alternately along the stalk and small yellow flowers that appear in summer. Tiny bristles on the leaves transmit skin-irritating chemicals, including histamines, acetylcholine, formic acid and serotonin; these cause an intense but temporary stinging sensation. Young nettles are edible and nutritious, and can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Nettles have been traditionally used as a diuretic, stimulant, cold remedy, blood purifier and tonic. They have also been employed to treat jaundice, rheumatism, urinary tract infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition to being used as a food and medicine, nettles were once utilized to make paper, rope and linen.
Constituents and Effects
Nettles contain protein, steroidal compounds, polysaccharides, beneficial flavonoids, and caffeic and malic acids. They also contain carotene and antioxidant vitamin C, as well as calcium, which is essential for bone formation and repair. They also contain magnesium, which is vital for calcium's absorption and utilization. Particularly relevant to nettles' possible use for osteoporosis is the fact that they contain vitamin K, which has been linked with promoting bone density. Drugs.com -- which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers -- credits nettles with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic and hypotensive, or blood pressure-lowering, properties.
Research
Clinical and laboratory research supports vitamin K's ability to strengthen bones.
In a review of epidemiological studies and clinical trials published in 2007 in "Nutrition in Clinical Practice," D. A. Pearson, M.D., noted that vitamin K has a positive effect on bone mineral density and decreases fracture risk. He reported that typical dietary intakes of vitamin K are below levels associated with better bone density, and warned that coumarin-based anticoagulants can interrupt the beneficial action of vitamin K. Pearson concluded by calling for additional research to address the issue, and advised possibly raising dietary intakes and supplementation with vitamin K.
Usage and Considerations
There is no need to fear the sting of nettle tea; when nettles are dried, cooked or steeped, they lose their irritant quality. To make nettle tea, "Herb Companion" advises steeping 1/2 tsp of dried nettle leaves in 16 oz. of boiling water for eight minutes. Strain, and sweeten with honey if desired. Possible adverse effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Allergic reactions to nettles have been reported. Consult your doctor before using nettle tea. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, don't use nettles. Nettles should not be given to children under 12 years old.
References
- Drugs.com: Complete Nettles Information
- Herb Companion; Stinging Nettle Plant Uses; Peter A. Gail, PhD.; July 1998
- "Nutrition in Clinical Practice"; Bone Health and Osteoporosis: The Role of Vitamin K and Potential Antagonism By Anticoagulants; D.A. Pearson; October 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Calcium; UMMC Staff; March 2009
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