If you have experienced walking through a meadow or forest trail and find your skin rash, you may have hit some nettle. Nettle is a perennial flowering plant, native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Nettle has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times with many health benefits. The ancient Egyptians used nettle to treat arthritis and low back pain, while the Roman army massaged it to help keep it warm. Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin, which means burning because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation on contact. However, once it is processed into a supplement, dried, freeze-dried, or cooked, nettles can be safely consumed.
1. The active ingredient in Nettle
✅ Nettle leaves and roots provide a variety of nutrients. Many of these act as important antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your cells against damage from free radicals. The damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as to cancer and other harmful diseases. Studies show that nettle extract can increase the level of antioxidants in the blood. Specifically, these substances include:
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as some B vitamins.
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.
- Fat: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid.
- Amino acids: All essential amino acids.
- Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarin, and other flavonoids.
- Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin, and other carotenoids.
2. Top 4 Nettle health benefits
2.1 Nettle health benefits: Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
✅ Up to 50% of men age 51 and older have an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Interestingly, several studies suggest that nettle can help treat BPH. Several studies have suggested that nettle may help relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH). The effect is thought to be due to an active ingredient called beta-sitosterol, which is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. According to a 2016 review of studies in the Journal of Cancer and Therapy Science, beta-sitosterol has the potential to reduce prostaglandins (prostaglandins directly affect prostatitis, reduce blood flow and increase the size of glands. prostate). Studies in people with BPH prove that nettle extract helps treat short and long-term urination problems – with no side effects.
2.2 Nettle health benefits: Anti-inflammatory
✅ Inflammation is your body’s way of healing and fighting infections. Nettle contains a variety of compounds that can reduce inflammation. Nettle reduces the levels of many inflammatory hormones by interfering with their production. According to a 2013 review of studies from the University of Calfornia, Berkeley, nettles possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties, are non-toxic to cells, and may outperform traditional painkillers.
✅ Nettle has historically been used to treat joint and muscle pain, especially in regards to arthritis. In human studies, applying a nettle cream or consuming nettle products appears to reduce inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. For example, in a 27-person study, applying nettle cream to areas of arthritis significantly reduced pain, compared to placebo treatment. In another study, using a supplement containing nettle extract significantly reduced arthritis pain. In addition, participants felt that they could reduce the dose of anti-inflammatory analgesics.
2.3 Nettle health benefits: Lowering blood pressure
✅ About one-third of American adults have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a serious health problem because it puts you at risk of heart disease and stroke, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Nettle has been used in traditional medicine for the purpose of reducing blood pressure. Animal and test-tube studies have also shown that nettle helps lower blood pressure in several ways:
- First, nettle stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator. With the expansion of blood vessels, the pressure acting on the walls of the vessels decreases, and accordingly your blood pressure drops.
- In addition, nettle contains compounds that can act as calcium channel blockers, helping to relax your heart by reducing the force of the heart’s contractions thereby lowering blood pressure.
- However, the effects of nettle on blood pressure in humans are still unclear, so more complementary studies are needed before officially recommending the use of nettles to treat high blood pressure.
2.4 Nettle health benefits: Helps control blood sugar
✅ Nettle has shown some promising effects on blood sugar levels. It can help the pancreas make or release more insulin – hormones that lower blood sugar. In a three-month study in 46 people, taking 500 mg of nettle extract three times daily significantly reduced blood sugar levels compared to a placebo. This is a promising finding but there is still very little human research on nettles and blood sugar control. More research is needed before recommending nettles to help treat diabetes.
3. Notes when using Nettle
When using nettle in the form of herbal extracts or supplements you should keep the following in mind:
- Nettle can cause side effects: stomach problems, sweating, skin irritation (if touched).
- This herb is not safe during pregnancy because it can stimulate uterine contractions and cause miscarriage. It is best to avoid eating this plant if you are breastfeeding.
- There is some evidence of nettle on the ground that can lower blood sugar. It may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in people being treated for diabetes.
- Nettle can lower blood pressure. In theory, nettle may increase the risk of lowering blood pressure too low. If you have low blood pressure or are on medications that lower blood pressure, talk to your doctor before starting any medication.
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🎁 Traditional Medicinals Organic Nettle Herbal Leaf Tea
✅ From field to cup, Traditional Medicinals make sure their teas deliver the benefits of these amazing plants. To deliver consistently high-quality teas, they source organically farmed or organically wild-collected herbs from ethical trading partnerships, seeking out medicinal-grade plants. Only a small fraction of the world’s herb supply meets its high-quality standards.
✅ Herbal Power: Supports joint health and overall wellness Taste: Earthy, fresh, and grassy. This tea can help kick-start your body when you’re feeling stagnant. Some of the nettle hails from the wild meadows of Eastern Europe, where collectors harvest it by hand. Directions: To be well for maximum benefit, herbal tea must be properly prepared. Pour 8 oz. freshly boiled water over 1-2 tea bags in a cup. Cover cup and steep 10-15 minutes. These steps directly influence the number of beneficial components that will end up in your teacup! Gently squeeze the tea bag to release any remaining extract. Drink 3-4 cups daily. For an extra strength brew, use two tea bags. Cautions: Not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Diabetic patients should consult their healthcare practitioner before using Organic Nettle Leaf tea. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional for use.
🎁 Nature’s Answer Nettles Extract
✅ From humble beginnings back in 1972 to their modern state-of-the-art facility, Nature’s Answer has evolved into one of today’s largest family-owned and operated manufacturers of high-quality nutritional products. Their herbal formulas stand the test of time – over four decades of performance. With state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, Nature’s Answer has the facility to analyze the quality and purity of each plant used to produce their products.
✅ Nature’s Answer Nettle is made from 2,000 mg of Nettle Leaf Extract. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is used in herbal medicine to treat urinary tract issues. Nettles herb extract has immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Supports prostate health. Stinging nettle may help reduce prostate size and treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men. Directions: As a dietary supplement take1-2 mL (approx. 28-56 drops) 3 times a day in a small amount of water. Shake well. Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
🎁 Nettle Herb Nature’s Way 100 Caps
✅ Nature’s Way is the preeminent brand of quality dietary supplements with over 1,000 product offerings. They have been at the forefront of the herbal health industry. An early leader in educating consumers and retailers on the effectiveness and safety of herbal supplements, they have always supported legislative efforts that help protect health freedoms, and are constantly striving to promote better health through the power of nature. Directions: Take two capsules three times daily with water at mealtimes or prepared as a tea.
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