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Finally, a herb especially designed for masochists! In the past the sharp leaves of nettle were the objects of self-flagellation, called urtication, driving the beneficial chemicals in the leaf into the skin painfully! The goal was to treat arthritis and skin disease! Apparently nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories; it has been theorized that the sharp nettle leaves helped to inject this herbal medicine into the body when struck against the affected areas. Fortunately, there are better ways to enjoy the benefits of this herb today.

Stinging nettle is a perennial. It grows from 2 to 7 feet high and the leaves are serrated and pointed. The small, greenish flowers appear in clusters starting in July.

Nettle is rich in helpful chemicals: vitamins A and C, bio-available minerals, including potassium chloride, calcium, and silicon, chlorophyll, protein, and dietary fiber.

The antihistamines in nettle make it an excellent treatment for hay fever. Nettle is also used to loosen congestion and open the bronchial airways in people with asthma or allergies. In addition it is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions.

Nettle may help arthritic sufferings by reducing their need for prescription drugs. It contains large amounts of boron and silicon and these two minerals greatly help ease symptoms of tendonitis, arthritis, and bursitis. Nettle can increase the body’s production of urine and help with urinary tract infections. Nettle has a mild laxative effect and can actually increase the work of the liver and kidneys. It is a blood purifier and can be used to treat spasmodic dysmenorrheal, ulcers, asthma, jaundice, bronchitis, nephritis, and hemorrhoids.

Nettle’s impressive success list includes treatment of febrile affections, diarrhea, dysentery,  hemorrhages, chronic diseases of the colon, gravel, nephritic complaints, eczema of the face, neck and ears, eczematous affections, and chronic cystitis. When applied externally, it has helped with nettle rash (yes, you can use nettle to treat nettle pain), bleeding wounds, nosebleed, burns, scalds, and urticaria.

Nettle is a key ingredient in herbal treatment of BPH, a urination discomfort in men in which the prostate enlarges and hinders this function. It does this by keeping the body from converting testosterone into 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that causes the prostate gland to begin growing again after 40. It does not decrease enlargement of the prostate but increases the flow through the urethra. Taking nettle in combination with either saw palmetto or pygeum bark extract is, in some men, as effective as the drug finasteride. Nettle is also used in hair tonics because of its purported ability to stimulate hair growth.

Nettle is one of nature’s diuretics. It aids the body in eliminating uric acid and bacteria both of which cause urinary tract infections and kidney stones. This diuretic action of nettle may also help relieve premenstrual bloating and lower blood pressure. Should pregnant or nursing women take nettle? This is a debated issue. One side says it might cause the uterus to contract. Others say this is not a problem when taken in moderation. Perhaps the safety of this practice is related to when the nettle is harvested. If it is cut before it flowers, it seems to be safe in this regard.

Nettle can be grown yourself, or purchased as a dried leaf to make into tea, or as capsules, tablets, and tinctures. Dried root products, often combined with saw palmetto, are also available for prostate treatment. Some just like to sprinkle the powder on their food. If you store the leaves, do so in a dark, dry, and cool place.

Due to its diuretic action, prolonged use of nettle can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Also, people who take nettle on a regular basis should make sure they get enough potassium in their diet. For more on [nettle leaf|nettle leaves|nettle leaf benefits|the nettle leaf herb], visit More Than Alive, a website dedicated to promoting [bulk herbs|bulk dried herbs] and their benefits to human health.

Tags: bph, nettle leaf, nettle leaf benefits, nettle leaf uses, prostate problems, stinging nettle leaf