5 health benefits of nettle!

The benefits of nettle are varied and very important for health, as it is a plant full of nutrients for the general health of the body. In addition, in the genus Urtica we have several species that are known and used both in folk medicines and in food. The best known is Urtica dioica, native to Europe , Asia, North Africa and North America. Another well known and used mainly for its medicinal qualities is Urtica urens, native to Portugal.

In homeopathy, Urtica urens is used to treat dermatitis and conditions that cause generalized allergic reactions, with itching. Have you ever watched a seemingly harmless plant and accidentally brushed against it and felt a slight sharp or prickly pain ? Chances are you’ve already been through this… and you may have come into contact with a nettle plant .

While you may curse the plant for its temporary discomfort, nettle is actually a beneficial plant that treats a number of problems. Perhaps its most popular use is making the leaves into tea, which is a natural remedy for common allergy relief. It is proven to also benefit the health of the skin , bones and urine.

What is nettle ?

Nettle , or urtica dioica, is a perennial plant that has been used medicinally for various ages, dating back to Ancient Greece. Today, it can be found all over the world, but its origins are in the colder regions of Europe and Asia. The plant usually grows between two to four meters tall and blooms from June to September. It grows best in nitrogen-rich soils, has heart -shaped leaves, and produces yellow or pink flowers.

Although best known for the stinging reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with the fine hairs (aka trichomes) located on its leaves and stems, when processed and used medicinally, it has a number of useful health benefits .

Most nettle  products are made from the stem and leaves, but the roots also have pharmacological qualities. The herb has anti-inflammatory qualities that can affect the treatment of many health problems . The upper parts of the plant often help in relieving allergy and other breathing related problems. The roots are able to provide relief for urinary disorders and prostate enlargement as well.

Why does the nettle bite?

This plant contains a number of chemicals such as serotonin, histamine and acetylcholine, some of which can be very irritating. These chemicals cause skin irritation and are found at the base of your fine hairs.

When touched, the fragile ends of the stinging hairs break off. The rest of the hair becomes a tiny needle, capable of expelling chemicals into the skin. The reaction can cause pain , redness, swelling, itching, and numbness. Despite its reputation for pain , nettle is used to help a number of ailments. Studies have shown that it has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer, astringent and analgesic capacity.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the plant has been used most commonly throughout history as a diuretic and for the treatment of muscle and joint pain, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, it is primarily used to treat urinary problems as well as allergies and joint pain .

Health benefits of nettle:

1. Treats urinary problems

The symptoms of BPH are caused by an enlarged prostate putting pressure on the urethra. People with benign prostatic hyperplasia experience varying levels of increased urge to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying, painful urination, post-micturition dribbling, and reduced urinary flow. A study of testosterone-induced BPH in rats showed that nettle could be as effective in treating this problem as finasteride, the medication commonly used to treat BPH.

Doctors are still not sure why it relieves some of these symptoms, but many clinical studies say it contains chemicals that affect the hormones that cause BPH. When taken, it also directly affects prostate cells. Root extract  has also been shown to slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells.

It is usually used in combination with saw palmetto and other herbs. The root of the plant is mainly used in connection with urinary problems, including lower urinary tract infections. Nettle is used as a successful general diuretic and can help with urine flow as well . It is also used in home remedies for bladder infections.

2. Osteoarthritis and joint pain

Arthritis patients often experience joint pain, usually in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Nettle works alongside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to allow patients to decrease their use of NSAIDs . As long-term use of NSAIDs can cause a number of serious side effects, this is an ideal pairing.

Studies also show that applying its leaf topically to the site of pain decreases joint pain and can treat arthritis. When taken orally, it helps provide relief. Another study shows the anti-inflammatory power of nettle against other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Hay fever

The production of histamine in the body creates the adverse reactions related to allergies. Allergies cause uncomfortable congestion, sneezing, itchiness, and more. Nettle ‘s anti-inflammatory qualities affect a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, preventing hay fever symptoms when taken as soon as these signs first appear. The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in allergy treatment, but the history of using histamine to treat severe allergic reactions.

There is also evidence that, in severe reactions, low plasma histamine levels (as opposed to high levels) are present. Another global study found that the use of nettle for allergy relief was rated higher than placebos in a randomized, 98-person study.

4. Bleeding

Certain products containing nettle have shown that, when applied to the skin, it can reduce bleeding during surgery. The product, called Ankaferd Blood Stopper, is made up of alpinia, licorice, thyme, grapefruit, and has also shown evidence of reduced bleeding after dental surgery.

5. Eczema

Eczema is a dry skin rash that can last a long time. Because of nettle ‘s antihistamine and anti-inflammatory qualities , it may be a natural treatment for eczema, as the Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine study found. Sufferers can use a combination of nettle taken orally to tackle eczema internally, as well as a cream to provide relief from the itchiness of the rash and redness. More research is needed, but the plant  also says:

• promotes lactation
• Stimulates hair growth
• Helps control blood sugar in patients with diabetes
• Reduces bleeding connected to gingivitis
• Treats kidney and urinary tract disorders
• Provides relief from water retention
• In addition, it prevents or treats diarrhea .
• Decreases menstrual flow
• Provides asthma relief
• In addition, it heals wounds
• treat hemorrhoids
• Stimulates contractions in pregnant women
• In addition, it treats insect bites.
• tendinitis
• Trata to anemia
• Also, how to use nettle

How to treat irritation:

If stung by the nettle , it is important not to touch or scratch the area. Chemical irritants can dry on the skin and be removed with soap and water. Touching and scratching can push the chemicals deeper into the skin, prolonging the irritation time for days. Also, using masking tape or a wax remover can remove any additional fibers  .

There are many people who choose the dock plant for sting relief, despite studies showing that it offers no medicinal benefits other than making the irritated area feel cold. The crushed leaves of other plants such as sage, sage, as well as stings, are allowed to release juices that can provide relief from the sting.

In addition, other traditional anti-itch treatments such as aloe vera, calamine lotion and cold compresses can also be used. Once it  is soaked or cooked in water or dried, the quality of the bite is removed.

History and interesting facts about nettle:

Folklore features often in many cultures and beliefs. Much of the knowledge involves suffering from a sting in silence or without scratching or scratching the burning area. In ancient Greece, they were used as a diuretic and laxative by physicians Galen and Dioscorides. Also, in Medieval Europe, it was used to naturally treat and reduce joint pain  and also as a diuretic. People used to believe that pulling it out by the roots and calling out a sick person’s name would also eliminate fever.

Nettle has been used to make textiles such as cloth and paper since Neolithic times. With fibers similar to hemp and flax, it’s a great alternative to sustainable fiber. As the fiber is hollow, it provides natural insulation.

Also, the German army used it in their uniforms in World War I and used its leaves to dye uniforms in World War II. Stinging nettles have also been used to treat certain ailments by urtication, which is the process of beating the skin with nettles to stimulate blood circulation.

Precautions when using nettle:

Nettle is a very safe herb when used properly – although, there are some precautions that must be taken when starting to use it.

• During harvest: Always harvest nettle with thick gardening gloves to prevent stinging. In addition, it is also best to harvest pieces from young plants, preferably in spring. They become more bitter after they bloom and age.
• When using with other herbs and supplements: As with any herb or supplement, it is important to be cautious when mixing to avoid adverse side effects. You should only start an herbal supplement plan under the care of your physician. Additionally, patients should change their doses of other supplements if they opt for nettle .
• When pregnant: There is debate over whether or not pregnant women should use it. As it affects the menstrual cycle and can stimulate uterine contractions, this could lead to miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should not use it.
• When you are diabetic: There is evidence showing its ability to affect blood sugar and interfere with diabetes management. It can also affect the strength of diabetes medications and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Also, diabetics who want to use it should only do so under the supervision of their health care providers .
• When you first start: Some people have an upset stomach , diarrhea , or other mild reactions when they first take nettle . It’s better to make it easy to use,