Urtica species such as Urtica dioica, commonly called stinging nettle, are mainly used topically to relieve pain and taken orally for treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate. Stinging nettle also has a traditional use for lower blood pressure. Consult a qualified health care provider before drinking stinging nettle tea for blood pressure regulation.
Function
Hairs on stinging nettle leaves account for the common name of this plant, as they cause pain when you touch them. Paradoxically, if you place stinging nettle leaves on a painful part of your body, such as a sore joint, those same hairs may reduce the joint pain. Nettle may decrease levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body and disrupt the transmission of pain signals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, taking nettle orally along with other herbs may relieve urinary symptoms of BPH. Some animal research demonstrates that nettle may reduce blood pressure, but studies with humans are lacking.
Research
A study published in the June 2002 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" notes that Urtica dioica has a common use in oriental Morocco for treating hypertension. A laboratory study described by the authors shows that nettle has vasodilator, or blood vessel widening, activity. Their animal research found that nettle had a noteworthy but temporary ability to lower blood pressure.
Preparations
To prepare nettle tea, pour 2/3 cup boiling water over 3 to 4 tsp. of dried leaves or dried root and steep for three to five minutes, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. The center does not specify an amount to drink for certain types of health benefits, such as for blood pressure control, but recommends 3 to 4 cups per day in general. Always drink extra water when you consume this tea. Commercial nettle tea preparations also are available.
Considerations
If stinging nettle works to lower blood pressure as theorized, it could boost the effects of medications that lower blood pressure. Be cautious when drinking nettle tea if you also take medicine such as calcium channel blockers, beta blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, known as ACE inhibitors. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. Don't stop taking your blood pressure medication without your doctor's guidance and supervision.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle
- EMedTV: Stinging Nettle Drug Interactions
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Cardiovascular Effects of Urtica Dioica L. (Urticaceae) Roots Extracts; L. Testai; June 2002
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Cardiovascular Effects Of Urtica Dioica L. In Isolated Rat Heart And Aorta; A. Legssyer, et al.; September 2002
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