Stinging Nettle Information And Description:Stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica) grows all over the world and blooms June through September, with pink and yellow flowers. The herb has a medicinal history stretching back to the ancient Greeks who used it as a diuretic and to relieve joint pain.The leaves and the stems have fine hairs that contain irritating chemicals, which are released upon contact with the skin. While these hairs, or spines, are painful to the touch, they can actually relieve pain as well, perhaps by lowering levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body or by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals. Stinging Nettle Is Used For:The leaves and stems of stinging nettle possess anti-inflammatory actions and have long been used to treat painful muscles and joints, arthritis, and gout, as well as anemia. Today, the roots of the plant are used to treat the urinary symptoms of (BPH). Studies suggest that stinging nettle may improve urinary flow and relieve other BPH symptoms including incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate (bladder irritability).
How to make Stinging Nettle Tea. Gather about one cup of fresh Stinging Nettle Leaves (cautiously!with gloves and long sleeves, pants and close toed shoes. They are mean little buggers) If using dried nettles, cut up the dried leaves into small pieces and place in a tea strainer. Boil Hot water (2-3 cups).
Laboratory studies have shown that the effects of stinging nettle, in combination with saw palmetto or other herbs, are comparable to those of finasteride, a drug often prescribed for BPH. However, stinging nettle does not decrease prostate size as finasteride does. It is still not clear why stinging nettle reduces BPH symptoms, but it is possible that it may affect testosterone and estrogen or act directly on the prostate. Stinging nettle also is used to treat osteoarthritis and sore muscles. Studies indicate that the leaves can relieve joint pain when applied to painful areas of the skin.
Some research suggests that taking an oral extract of stinging nettle with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can help people lower their dosage of the NSAID.Stinging nettle may also affect the sneezing and itching of hay fever, perhaps because the herb can reduce the amount of histamine the body releases from mast cells in response to an allergen. Animal studies show that stinging nettle can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure, but more research is needed to determine if the same effects occur in humans. Stinging nettle is used orally and topically to relieve the pain of sprains, strains, tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis), and insect bites as well. It is used to treat uterine bleeding, nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding, poor circulation, an enlarged spleen, diabetes and other endocrine disorders, and dysentery, asthma, lung congestion, rashes, and cancer, and as a general tonic. But there is insufficient scientific evidence to show that stinging nettle is effective for many of these disorders. Available In:Dried leaf, freeze-dried leaf, extract, capsules, tablets, and as root tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol). Topical ointments and creams that contain stinging nettle are also available.
Stinging nettle root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves. Stinging Nettle Herb – Drug Interactions And Warnings:Stinging nettle contains vitamin K and so could interfere with the anticoagulant drug, warfarin (Coumadin). Stinging nettle can lower blood pressure, which means it could heighten the effect of blood pressure medications. Stinging nettle can act as a diuretic and may increase the effects of drugs that increase urination (diuretics).
Because of its diuretic effects, stinging nettle may also affect the way the body eliminates lithium. It also can increase the effects of drugs for diabetes, possibly leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Other Stinging Nettle Safety Concerns:While generally regarded as safe, stinging nettle can cause side effects including mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or an allergic rash (mainly from topical use). Touching the nettle plant can lead to an allergic rash. Never apply stinging nettle to an open wound.
Pregnant women should avoid stinging nettle because its hormonal effects could lead to miscarriage.Because stinging nettle may affect blood sugar, it could interfere with the management of. If you have diabetes, keep close track of your blood sugar when using stinging nettle. Stinging nettle can also have a diuretic effect, thereby increasing urinary frequency.
Use caution if you have low blood pressure. When Buying Stinging Nettle:Look for freeze-dried extracts of the leaves, sold in capsules.Stinging Nettle Dosage:Most products on the market give you 500 mg per capsule. Follow the directions on the package label or use the lowest effective dose. Child Dosage:No more than one capsule per day. Weil Says:Freeze-dried stinging nettle may help relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.
The dose largely depends on the specific product but is typically one or two capsules every two to four hours as needed – follow label instructions.SOURCES:Consumerlab. Consumerlab.com/tnp.asp?chunkiid=21815Stinging Nettle.
University of Maryland Medical Center. Accessed April 21, 2014Stinging Nettle. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (Consumer Version),naturaldatabaseconsumer.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?rn=3&cs=NONMP&s=NDC&pt=100&id=664&fs=NDC&searchid=46189911, accessed April 21, 2014Monograph.
Urtica dioica; urtica urens (Nettle). Alternative Medicine Review 2007;12:280-284.Reviewed by Russell Greenfield, M.D., August, 2016. Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.
You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. Any third party offering or advertising on this website does not constitute an endorsement by Andrew Weil, M.D. Or Healthy Lifestyle Brands.©Copyright 2019 Healthy Lifestyle Brands, LLC. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
![Stinging Nettle Tea Stinging Nettle Tea](/uploads/1/2/5/3/125383772/322952191.jpg)
The stinging nettle, Latin name, has been used medicinally since at least 3 B.C. In medieval times, it was used to treat pain in joints, as well as act as a diuretic. Today, nettle root is used to treat a variety of ailments (keep reading for more!).The leaves and stems can be eaten in a salad, cooked into soup or made into a tea, but the nettle root is more likely to be extracted with alcohol to make a tincture, dried and taken in capsules, or dried and made into a tea. Nettle tea side effects are rare, notes the, but as with any medicinal preparation, you may want to consult a health care practitioner before adding nettles to your diet or treatment plan. The stinging nettle, Latin name, has been used medicinally since at least 3 B.C. In medieval times, it was used to treat pain in joints, as well as act as a diuretic. Today, nettle root is used to treat a variety of ailments (keep reading for more!).The leaves and stems can be eaten in a salad, cooked into soup or made into a tea, but the nettle root is more likely to be extracted with alcohol to make a tincture, dried and taken in capsules, or dried and made into a tea.
Nettle tea side effects are rare, notes the, but as with any medicinal preparation, you may want to consult a health care practitioner before adding nettles to your diet or treatment plan. Nettle tea affects the kidneys directly. 'Nettle is a diuretic.
It increases urine output and removal of uric acid (under physician supervision). Thus it can be useful for edema, inflammatory arthritis or gout,' says naturopathic doctor Robert Kachko.Nettle is often used for, such as frequency, irritable bladder, and infections. In addition to affecting the kidneys, 'nettle has many constituents and is considered one of our most nutritive herbs, we call it a 'trophorestorative' for this reason,' says Dr. 'Its main constituents are flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), carotenoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin K, triterpenes, sterols and minerals.' Nettle tea affects the kidneys directly.
'Nettle is a diuretic. It increases urine output and removal of uric acid (under physician supervision). Thus it can be useful for edema, inflammatory arthritis or gout,' says naturopathic doctor Robert Kachko.Nettle is often used for, such as frequency, irritable bladder, and infections. In addition to affecting the kidneys, 'nettle has many constituents and is considered one of our most nutritive herbs, we call it a 'trophorestorative' for this reason,' says Dr. 'Its main constituents are flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), carotenoids, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin K, triterpenes, sterols and minerals.' Hay fever and seasonal allergies, clinically referred to as allergic rhinitis, affects millions of people, and nettle tea is effective in controlling the itching and sneezing typically associated with it.A study at the concluded that 58 percent of the participants who were given freeze-dried nettle for treatment of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, experienced a reduction in symptoms and 48 percent concluded it was more effective than over the counter medications. Since over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can have side effects like drowsiness, seizures and dry mouth, nettle tea may be a good alternative for people with sensitivities.Read more.
Hay fever and seasonal allergies, clinically referred to as allergic rhinitis, affects millions of people, and nettle tea is effective in controlling the itching and sneezing typically associated with it.A study at the concluded that 58 percent of the participants who were given freeze-dried nettle for treatment of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, experienced a reduction in symptoms and 48 percent concluded it was more effective than over the counter medications. Since over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can have side effects like drowsiness, seizures and dry mouth, nettle tea may be a good alternative for people with sensitivities.Read more. Despite anecdotal evidence, there's really no medical research to prove that nettle tea promotes hair growth or eliminates acne.
However, herbalists do use it for hair growth, claiming the silica in nettles strengthens hair and nails and other properties improve circulation and reduces shedding.When included in a topical ointment or even ingested as a tea, nettle may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for skin problems like eczema or rashes. On the contrary, however, there are reports of allergic skin reactions to topical nettle, so buyer beware. The book says that stinging nettle is useful in the treatment of hives or urticaria.
While the hairs of the nettle leaf contain histamine and often cause hives, the extract of the leaves may contain compounds which can soothe hives because it turns off the inflammatory response. Despite anecdotal evidence, there's really no medical research to prove that nettle tea promotes hair growth or eliminates acne.
However, herbalists do use it for hair growth, claiming the silica in nettles strengthens hair and nails and other properties improve circulation and reduces shedding.When included in a topical ointment or even ingested as a tea, nettle may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for skin problems like eczema or rashes. On the contrary, however, there are reports of allergic skin reactions to topical nettle, so buyer beware. The book says that stinging nettle is useful in the treatment of hives or urticaria. While the hairs of the nettle leaf contain histamine and often cause hives, the extract of the leaves may contain compounds which can soothe hives because it turns off the inflammatory response. There has been some preliminary research regarding the use of nettle tea for treating type 2 diabetes, and a 2011 study, published in the did find that it was effective in decreasing interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), markers of inflammation, in diabetic patients versus a control group after eight weeks of treatment.A 2013 study published in discovered that nettles had a significant effect on the glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes. However, patients should note that researchers studied 'taking nettle leaf extract (one 500 mg capsule every 8 hours for 3 months) combined with the conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs', so nettle tea could be a good complementary treatment, especially for pre-diabetics.Read more. There has been some preliminary research regarding the use of nettle tea for treating type 2 diabetes, and a 2011 study, published in the did find that it was effective in decreasing interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), markers of inflammation, in diabetic patients versus a control group after eight weeks of treatment.A 2013 study published in discovered that nettles had a significant effect on the glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes.
However, patients should note that researchers studied 'taking nettle leaf extract (one 500 mg capsule every 8 hours for 3 months) combined with the conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs', so nettle tea could be a good complementary treatment, especially for pre-diabetics.Read more. In a 2014 study regarding the negative effects of nicotine on sperm in mice, researchers discovered that increasing the dose of nettle 'significantly boosted motility, count, normal morphology of sperm cells, seminiferous tubules diameter, and testosterone in all groups compared to control.' There have been no studies to verify the effects of nettle on human testosterone levels, but the animal studies show promise. A 2015 study published in, found that nettle was successful in increasing serum testosterone levels in rats. Nettle root extract inhibits an enzyme that reduces testosterone levels, thus retaining more in the body.
In a 2014 study regarding the negative effects of nicotine on sperm in mice, researchers discovered that increasing the dose of nettle 'significantly boosted motility, count, normal morphology of sperm cells, seminiferous tubules diameter, and testosterone in all groups compared to control.' There have been no studies to verify the effects of nettle on human testosterone levels, but the animal studies show promise. A 2015 study published in, found that nettle was successful in increasing serum testosterone levels in rats. Nettle root extract inhibits an enzyme that reduces testosterone levels, thus retaining more in the body. Nettle tea has been touted for its healing properties and, in fact, a 2014 study in concluded the effectiveness of nettle extract mixed with methanol as a natural antimicrobial agent for use against strong pathogens. A 2012 study published in indicated weak, but present antibacterial properties of nettle extract.Common in most temperate regions along rivers and lakes, stinging nettle is a plant may also have anti-fungal properties.
A 2011 study published in indicates that certain plants contain lectins, compounds that exhibit anti fungal effects. Nettle is one of those plants that contains lectins that inhibit the growth of fungus.
Nettle tea has been touted for its healing properties and, in fact, a 2014 study in concluded the effectiveness of nettle extract mixed with methanol as a natural antimicrobial agent for use against strong pathogens. A 2012 study published in indicated weak, but present antibacterial properties of nettle extract.Common in most temperate regions along rivers and lakes, stinging nettle is a plant may also have anti-fungal properties. A 2011 study published in indicates that certain plants contain lectins, compounds that exhibit anti fungal effects.
Nettle is one of those plants that contains lectins that inhibit the growth of fungus. You can buy stinging nettle supplements in several forms, including dried leaf, tincture and extract. Nettle creams also are available, but typically are used for treating dermatological conditions.
The book indicates the typical dosage of nettle as 300 to 350 milligrams of the freeze-dried extract up to three times a day.The recommended dose for a nettle supplement depends on the type of supplement you prefer and for which type of condition. A doctor can help guide you on the proper dosage for your individual needs. You can buy stinging nettle supplements in several forms, including dried leaf, tincture and extract. Nettle creams also are available, but typically are used for treating dermatological conditions. The book indicates the typical dosage of nettle as 300 to 350 milligrams of the freeze-dried extract up to three times a day.The recommended dose for a nettle supplement depends on the type of supplement you prefer and for which type of condition. A doctor can help guide you on the proper dosage for your individual needs.
Nettle tea is made all around the world and is easy to do. A 2012 article published in speculates that fresh nettles may have more nutrients than dried. If you have fresh young nettle leaves, use caution when handling, as they can cause irritation to the skin. Boil 1 cup of fresh nettle leaves in 2 cups of boiling water.
Allow it to steep for 10 minutes and strain out the leaves.In his book, wild foods author Steve Brill cautions amateur foragers that late-season nettle leaves may contain compounds harmful to the kidneys; gather leaves before they flower. Nettle tea is made all around the world and is easy to do. A 2012 article published in speculates that fresh nettles may have more nutrients than dried. If you have fresh young nettle leaves, use caution when handling, as they can cause irritation to the skin. Boil 1 cup of fresh nettle leaves in 2 cups of boiling water. Allow it to steep for 10 minutes and strain out the leaves.In his book, wild foods author Steve Brill cautions amateur foragers that late-season nettle leaves may contain compounds harmful to the kidneys; gather leaves before they flower. 'All use should be supervised and approved by a physician,' says naturopathic doctor Robert Kachko.
'Some people can be allergic to nettles, so start with a very low dose,' he says. It may also interact with some drugs including blood thinners, lithium, NSAIDs and drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes. Don't take if you're already on diuretics, as nettle can increase water loss. There have also been reports of gastrointestinal issues associated with excess nettle consumption, including diarrhea.Nettle tea is also 'contraindicated in pregnancy,' says Dr.
It can cause the uterus to contract and may contribute to miscarriage, according to 2007 research in Dr. Kachko also warns that people with heart disorders, kidney problems or hormone-mediated cancers should use caution. Lastly, because of its effects on hormones, it shouldn't be consumed by children. 'All use should be supervised and approved by a physician,' says naturopathic doctor Robert Kachko.
'Some people can be allergic to nettles, so start with a very low dose,' he says. It may also interact with some drugs including blood thinners, lithium, NSAIDs and drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes. Don't take if you're already on diuretics, as nettle can increase water loss. There have also been reports of gastrointestinal issues associated with excess nettle consumption, including diarrhea.Nettle tea is also 'contraindicated in pregnancy,' says Dr. It can cause the uterus to contract and may contribute to miscarriage, according to 2007 research in Dr.
Kachko also warns that people with heart disorders, kidney problems or hormone-mediated cancers should use caution. Lastly, because of its effects on hormones, it shouldn't be consumed by children. Copyright ©2019Leaf Group Ltd.Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM,and.The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. It should not beused as a substitute for professional medical advice,diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation.The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorseany of the products or services that are advertised on the web site.Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of theadvertisements are served by third party advertising companies.