Nettle

Christopher Hobbs:

‘Nettle leaves are valued for their diuretic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional properties. Herbalists recommend them to treat hay fever, arthritis, rheumatism, anemia, cystitis, water retention, and gout, among many other traditional uses.

Extracts of the underground stems (rhizomes) are made into capsules and tablets and are sometimes blended with saw palmetto or other herbs to reduce prostate inflammation and ease painful urination caused by an enlarged prostate. Tinctures and other preparations of nettle seed are thought to be good for the kidneys and are recommended as a general tonic and to help prevent or remove kidney stones.

For generations, midwives and many other natural-care practitioners have recommended nettle tea or coventrated extracts in capsule of tablet form as a tonic for women, even during pregnancy, to help ‘build the blood” (although this use has not been documented in formal clinical studies). Nettle leaf has unusually high concentrations of calcium and other minerals and is thought to be useful as a concentrated all-herbal nutritional supplement. The powdered or fresh greens can be used as a tea or food to help build the blood in cases of blood deficiency with fatigue, or as a preventative and are useful during pregnancy.

Nettle has a taste of SALTY, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.”

Historical Uses of Nettle

Historically, nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used for a variety of purposes, dating back to ancient civilizations. It was used as a food, a dye, and a fabric for clothing, as well as in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antimicrobial properties. Ancient Greek and Roman societies, as well as traditional European and Native American cultures, valued nettle for its ability to treat arthritis, urinary disorders, and skin conditions.

Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths

Herbalists and naturopaths commonly use nettle for:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Often employed for managing conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
• Support for the urinary system: Used to alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men and as a diuretic.
• Allergy relief: Nettle is thought to act as a natural antihistamine, providing relief from hay fever and other allergic conditions.
• Hair and skin health: Used in treatments for hair loss (like dandruff) and skin conditions.

Chemistry and Pharmacology

Nettle contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including:

• Flavonoids, phenolic acids, and sterols, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Histamine, acetylcholine, and formic acid, found in the plant’s stinging hairs, which can cause skin irritation but may have therapeutic effects when applied topically.
• Lectins and sugars, which may help with immune modulation.
• Silica, contributing to its benefits for hair and skin.

Pharmacologically, nettle is believed to exert its effects through these compounds, especially in reducing inflammation, acting as a diuretic, and supporting prostate health.

Summary of Clinical Trials

Clinical studies have highlighted several beneficial effects of nettle:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Several trials have shown that nettle root extracts can help reduce urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
• Arthritis: Some studies suggest nettle may help reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis.
• Allergic rhinitis: Some small trials have suggested nettle’s effectiveness in reducing the symptoms of hay fever.
• Blood sugar and cholesterol: A few studies have pointed to nettle’s potential to lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol, though more research is needed.

Overall, while nettle is widely regarded as beneficial in traditional herbal medicine, more large-scale, rigorous trials are necessary to fully confirm its clinical effectiveness in these areas.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs