Urtica dioica, or stinging nettle, has pointed leaves and yellowish flowers and grows up to four meters. The fine hairs found on the stems and leaves of the plant cause irritation and pain when in contact with the skin. But do you know that when these hairs touch a painful area, they relieve them?

Yes, you heard it right; the plant does so by reducing the level of inflammatory chemicals in the human body. Stinging nettle has been used in medicines to treat arthritis, diabetes, and back pain. Also, the plant strengthens the immune system and helps treat various other diseases. Would you like to know about its other health benefits? If yes, keep on reading!

Stinging Nettle Nutrition Facts

The roots and leaves of Stinging nettle provide you with several nutrients, which include:

• Minerals: Calcium and iron
• Vitamins: Vitamin A and C
• Amino Acids: Essential amino acids
• Fats: Palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid
• Polyphenols: Quercetin, kaempferol, coumarins, caffeic acid, and many other flavonoids
• Pigments: Lutein, beta-carotene, and luteoxanthin

Note: Studies have proved the Stinging nettle can increase the level of antioxidants in your blood significantly. Remember that these chemical species help fight against free radicals. These radicals are the cause of cancer and aging.

What Are The Uses and Health Benefits Of Stinging Nettle?

Stinging nettle can be dried, processed, and can be consumed safely. Whether you take it as a supplement or have it after cooking, studies have shown that the plant has potential health benefits.

Reduces The Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural process that lets the body fight against infections and heal itself. In different test-tube and animal studies, the plant interferes with the production of inflammatory markers and has reduced their production.

The human studies showed that consuming the Stinging nettle or using it as cream can relieve inflammatory conditions like arthritis. For instance, 27 persons used and applied the stinging nettle cream on the arthritis-affected areas and found relief compared to the placebo. Similar results were found in the patients taking the stinging nettle supplements.

Also, the plant has effectively reduced hay fever symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Stinging a nettle can provide relief by reducing the symptoms (itchy eyes and runny nose).

Beneficial For People Suffering From Diabetes 2

The phenolic compounds present in the stinging nettle can inhibit the enzymes involved in the digestion of carbohydrates. Therefore, the plant can benefit patients with type 2 diabetes.

In 2020, eight studies were reviewed, and the results showed that the stinging nettle supplements had reduced the fasting blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes patients. Another study was conducted 2016, where 50 women with type 2 diabetes participated.

The results found that the participants who used the stinging nettle extract after the meals (3 times per day for two months) witnessed a significant reduction in their blood sugar levels. The sugar level and reduced liver enzyme levels and triglycerides were also observed.

Furthermore, the plant extract also increased the amount of HDL cholesterol (which is the good cholesterol) and SOD (antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase), which protect against oxidative damage.

Treatment of Gout

It is a medical condition where uric acid accumulates around the joints and forms crystals. As a result, it causes pain and inflammation. People suffering from this condition have used the stinging nettle and found it effective. The plant eliminates the uric acid around the joints and provides relief. A cup of stinging nettle can be effective in treating gout.

Good For Skin, Hairs, And Nails

It has enough amount of silica, which is needed for the production of nails. Therefore, you can improve the growth of your nails by drinking stinging nettle tea. It is also a natural hair and skin beautifier. The plant nourishes your skin, cleans the acne, treats eczema, and makes the hair thick and shiny. Also, it has been found effective in boosting the blood circulation.

Other Health Benefits

A stinging nettle was used as the diuretic. The diuretic is a treatment that is used to treat high blood pressure, where the patient sheds the body water as urine, and this reduces the blood pressure. A study on rats was conducted, and the results showed stinging nettle is effective as a diuretic. The plant has an adequate amount of vitamin C. Therefore, it reduces the inflammation in the urethra and treats the bladder infections. Also, it flushes out the infection-causing germs through urine.

What Are The Side Effects Of Stinging Nettle?

The herb, just like the other medicinal plants, can have side effects. Below are its common and severe side effects;

The common side effects include:

• Sweating
• Stomach issues and Diarrhea
• Irritates the skin
• An increase in urine flow

The following are the possible severe side effects of this plant:

The herb may lower the blood pressure, and resultantly, you may feel fainting spells or dizziness. It can also increase blood pressure, but you will not witness any symptoms till you don't have any other complications like stroke or heart attack.

Allergic reactions are the most common results of natural products or medication. Severe allergic reactions may result in itchiness, rashes, and difficulty breathing. Stinging nettle can reduce the sugar level to dangerous if consumed excessively. As a result, you can witness various symptoms, including shakiness, fatigue, and sweating.

How to Use Stinging Nettle?

The method of taking the stinging nettle depends on its intended use. Most people prefer tea and, therefore, brew the leaves. Besides that, the extract is also available in the form of capsules, creams, and tablets. You can also moisten the leaves and apply them to the skin. It will be your natural topical solution. As for this herb's dosage, most studies suggest consuming about 450 to 1200 mg of stinging nettle each day.

The stinging nettle supplements may be unsafe if you suffer from any medical condition. Therefore, before adding it to your diet, you must talk to the doctor. Also, the mothers should not take the stinging nettle as it is a diuretic and can remove the water and salt from your body through urination.

Conclusion:

Stinging nettle is an excellent natural remedy. Tea or supplements can be beneficial and treat different health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, and inflammation. Besides that, it can also lower the blood sugar level and blood pressure. Remember that the supplements may interact with medications, cause allergies, and lower the sugar and blood pressure. Therefore, it is suggested to consult your physician first.