Acne -- indicated by pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts -- is a result of skin pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells, inflammation-causing bacteria and excess sebum, or skin oil. Your doctor may treat your acne with oral antibiotics or topical medications. Herbalists sometimes recommend nettle tea to alleviate acne. Although clinical studies on nettle and acne are lacking, research suggests that nettle's properties may be beneficial in combating acne. Consult your doctor before trying nettle tea.
Constituents
Nettles -- botanically known as Urtica dioica and U. urens -- are perennial plants indigenous to Europe that are presently naturalized to North America, where they grow as a weed. The leaf hairs release an irritating mixture of histamine, serotonin and choline on contact with skin, causing stinging and burning sensations that usually resolve harmlessly. Nettle leaves and roots contain polysaccharides -- or complex sugars -- lignans, tannins, acetylcholine, scopoletin and steroidal compounds. They also contain high levels of carotenes -- or beneficial plant pigments -- as well as vitamin K, B-complex vitamins and antioxidant vitamin C. Caffeic, chlorogenic and malic acids are also present in nettle, along with the antioxidant flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol and the anti-inflammatory agent beta-sitosterol.
Effects
Drugs.com, which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers, credits nettle with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in test tube and animal studies. Nettle also has potent antioxidant activity, scavenging and neutralizing destructive free radicals in laboratory studies. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that scopoletin, a nettle constituent, has anti-inflammatory qualities. Nettle has been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory prostaglandins in test tube studies. By helping to inhibit bacterial growth and inflammation, nettle tea may have beneficial effects on skin conditions, including acne.
Research
In an animal study published in 2010 in "Phytotherapy Research," researchers found that a dosage of 300 milligrams per kilogram of nettle extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity on laboratory-induced edema in the paws of rats. The team noted that chlorogenic acid in nettle extract was responsible for at least some of the effect. In a review published in 2003 in "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," the authors reported that nettle extracts have antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including the common pathogens S. aureus and E. coli.
Usage and Considerations
Make nettle tea by pouring 2/3 cup of boiling water over 3 to 4 teaspoons of dried or fresh nettle leaves and steeping for 5 minutes. Strain and cool. You may drink 3 to 4 cups a day, and the University of Maryland Medical Center advises drinking additional water along with the tea. Access nettle's benefits by drinking the tea; alternately, you can make a compress for external application by dipping a clean cloth into the liquid. There is no need to fear that nettle tea will sting your throat because the leaves lose their skin-irritating power once boiled. Nettle is generally considered safe, but occasional side effects of upset stomach, sweating and contact dermatitis have been reported. Consult your doctor before taking nettle, and don't take it if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Wear gloves when handling uncooked nettle leaves.
References
- Drugs.com: Complete Nettles Information
- American Academy of Dermatologists; Acne: Who Gets and Causes
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Nettle
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Stinging Nettle; UMMC Staff; February 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Evaluation of Antinociceptive, Anti0Inflammatory Activities and Phytochemical Analysis of Aerial Parts of Urtica Urens L.; C. Marrassini, et al.; December 2010
Member Comments