Dorota
- Jul 25, 2019
- 5 min read

NETTLE BENEFITS

Updated: Apr 12, 2021

Nettle tea has no sting in the tail only health benefits!

Eat it, drink it, cleanse with it, wear it.

All from one little feisty plant.

I think nettles are a very unappreciated plant. Most of us were stung by them during childhood so now we tend to avoid where possible. Let's change your mind!

"The world is a nettle; disturb it, it stings. Grasp it firmly, it stings not." Robert Bulwer - Lytton

Here are a few of the most commonly known benefits of the nettle plant.

Nettle Benefits

Nettle is packed with vitamins A, C, K and B, minerals iron, phosphorus, calcium magnesium, manganese, copper, boron, strontium and also phytonutrients including deep-green chlorophyll, carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, guercetin, rutin.

In fact, more than 100 chemical components have been identified in nettle. [1]

HEALTH BENEFITS FOR DIABETICS

There has been some preliminary research regarding the use of nettle tea for treating type-2 diabetes, and a 2011 study did find that it was effective in decreasing interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in diabetic patients versus a control group after eight weeks of treatment. Another study discovered that nettles had a significant effect on the glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes. However, patients should note that researchers studied "taking nettle leaf extract (one 500 mg capsule every 8 hours for 3 months) combined with the conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs", so nettle tea could be a good complementary treatment, especially for pre-diabetics. products.” [2]

PREVENTING KIDNEY STONES, URINARY AND BLADDER PROBLEMS

As a natural detoxifier, blood purifier, and diuretic, nettles work to remove impurities such as bacteria, calcium crystal deposits, grit and kidney stones from your kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. This helps to prevent formation of kidney stones and the discomfort of urinary tract infections (UTI). The removal of excess water in the extremities (hands, feet, and face) is a particular benefit to kidney patients who may be unable to accomplish this task automatically. [3]

MENSTRUATION

Stinging nettle is often recommended for pre-menstrual syndrome because of its toxin-ridding activity. When the liver is sluggish, it processes oestrogen slowly, contributing to the high levels that cause or aggravate PMS. It acts as a restorative remedy during menopause, and the astringency of the herb helps in excessive menstrual flow. [4]

BONES AND JOINT'S

A German study shows that hox alpha, a new extract of stinging nettle leaf, contains an anti-inflammatory substance that suppressed several cytokines in inflammatory joint diseases. In a Turkish study, stinging nettle extract showed antimicrobial effects against nine microorganisms, as well as anti-ulcer and analgesic activity. [5]

Stinging nettle acts similarly to dandelion leaf, promoting the elimination of uric acid from joints with an alkalizing diuretic activity. In an open multi-clinical trial of 219 patients with arthritis, nettle leaf was compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy, demonstrating a similar reduction in pain and immobility, with excellent tolerability. [5a]

HAY FEVER, ASTHMA, SEASONAL ALLERGIES, HIVES

A study conducted by the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon found positive evidence of freeze-dried nettle leaf for treating hay fever, asthma, seasonal allergies, and hives.. “In a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study of 98 patients with allergic rhinitis the effect of a freeze-dried preparation of Urtica dioica was compared against placebo. Based on daily symptom diaries and the global response recorded at the follow-up visit after one week of therapy, U. dioica was rated higher than placebo in relieving symptoms. [6]

REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Twenty healthy volunteers took 1.34 grams of Nettle leaf extract for 3 weeks. The medicine significantly decreased the release of certain compounds associated with inflammation and tissue damage. Nettle leaf extract has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity by other laboratory studies and is believed to work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase derived reactions. [7]

MAY IMPROVE BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH) SYMPTOMS

Studies suggest that nettle tea may be used to mitigate BPH symptoms by fighting decreased urinary flow, incomplete bladder emptying and post-urination dripping. But compared to usual BPH medications, nettle tea does not cause any known side effects observed in conventional treatments, which include decreased prostate size. [8]

EXCELLENT LUNG ASTRINGENT

The seeds are an excellent lung astringent, particularly useful for bronchitis, tuberculosis, and consumption. [9]

NAIL AND HAIR CARE, MOUTH CARE, SCALP CONDITIONER, DANDRUFF

The stimulating effect of stinging nettle is used as a rinse for the hair. This will regenerate hair growth and restore original hair color. It is used by the personal hair care industry in anti-dandruff products and scalp conditioners. Clairol uses more than 40 tons of nettles a year as a hair conditioner. In addition, Russian studies show that nettle tea has anti-bacterial activity. Mouthwashes and toothpastes containing nettle can reduce plaque and gingivitis. Many oral health care products in health food stores contain nettle. [10]

COMMERCIAL USES

Since ancient times, stinging nettle has been used as a fiber crop substitute for flax (Linum usitatissimum, Linaceae). In Denmark, burial shrouds made from nettle fiber were discovered that date back to the Bronze Age (3000–2000 BCE). Early Europeans and indigenous Americans used the strong nettle fiber to make sailcloth, sackcloth, cordage/rope, and fishing nets. In Scotland, nettle stalk was cultivated for fiber and also used for small-scale papermaking. Nettle fiber also was used during both World Wars when other crops like cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, Malvaceae) were scarce. Stinging nettle fiber has a cellulose content similar to that of flax and hemp (Cannabis spp., Cannabaceae), and it is much stronger than both flax and cotton, while being comparable in strength to ramie (Boehmeria nivea, Urticaceae) fiber. [13]

SIDE EFFECTS

Thanks to its nutritional profile, nettle leaf is found in many so-called pregnancy teas. But that doesn’t necessarily make it safe. The use of nettle leaf during pregnancy is controversial.

Some doctors recommend dried nettle tea as a pregnancy tonic during the second and third trimesters. Others claim tea made from fresh nettles may cause uterine contractions or lead to miscarriage or early labour. Until research supports a definitive verdict, you may want to play it safe and avoid nettle leaf during pregnancy. [11]

*When I was pregnant my midwife in France recommend Nettle leaf tea to drink through out the pregnancy.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for safety.

Diabetes: There is some evidence stinging nettle above ground parts can decrease blood sugar levels. It might increase the chance of low blood sugar in people being treated for diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use stinging nettle. [12]

Low blood pressure: Stinging nettle above ground parts might lower blood pressure. In theory, stinging nettle might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people prone to low blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, discuss stinging nettle with your healthcare provider before consuming. [12]

Kidney problems: The above ground parts of stinging nettle seem to increase urine flow. If you have kidney problems, discuss stinging nettle with your healthcare provider before drinking. [12]

Lithium interacts with stinging nettles: Stinging nettle might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking stinging nettle might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed. [12]

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with stinging nettles: Large amounts of stinging nettle above ground parts might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking stinging nettle along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. [12]

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with stinging nettles: Stinging nettle above ground parts contain large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help clot blood. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, stinging nettle might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed. [12]

Discuss stinging nettle with your healthcare provider before use.