During medieval times, diuretics and remedies
for joint problems were made from stinging nettle. Native American healers used
to strike the arms or legs of paralyzed patients with branches of stinging
nettle to activate the muscles. This whipping technique, also called
flagellation, can also stimulate the organs and relieve the pain of sore muscles
and other parts of the body. Stinging nettle has been used in this way for
centuries.
The stinging hairs on nettle are like tiny
glands that have inside them chemicals that irritate the skin. The hairs are
very painful to the touch, but if they irritate an area of the body that is
already in pain, the chemicals can actually decrease the original pain. This is
why stinging nettle is called a counterirritant. If you get stung with nettle,
you can actually relieve the painful nettle stings by applying nettle juice to
your skin.
Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of
years to treat rheumatism, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today many
people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of enlarged
prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).
Plant Description
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and
hybrids of these two plants. Originally from the colder northern regions of
Europe and Asia, today this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world. Stinging
nettle grows well in nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and
reaches nearly 3 feet high.
The branching stems underground multiply by themselves and have multiple
shoots. The leaves are heart-shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends.
The entire plant is covered with tiny stinging hairs, mostly on the leaves and
stem.
What's It Made Of?
Stinging nettle products are usually made from the roots or leaves. In some
cases, all the plant parts that grow above the ground are used in herbal
preparations. Leaf remedies are useful in treating kidney and urinary tract
conditions. The flavonoids and potassium in nettle leaves are most likely
responsible for their diuretic action.
Root preparations are used to treat enlarged prostate. They can help reduce
some symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), but they do not make the
prostate grow smaller.
Available Forms
Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf and as root tincture (a tincture
is a solution of the herb in alcohol).
How to Take It
You can take nettle herb and leaf remedies to treat lower urinary tract
inflammation and to prevent and treat kidney stones. Nettle works as a diuretic
if you take enough water with it. If you have difficult urination from an
enlarged prostate, nettle root preparation may be helpful.
For lower urinary tract inflammation and kidney stones, take 8 to 12 g leaf
tea and ample liquid (at least 2 liters a day). For enlarged prostate, use root
tincture (1:10), 4 to 6 g per day. Talk with your health care provider before
taking nettle root for BPH.
Precautions
Stinging nettle is safe when used as directed. But always be careful if you
are handling the nettle plant. If your skin touches it, you can get contact
urticaria (hives), which will make your skin sting. If you are taking nettle
root, you may have some mild side effects, such as mild gastrointestinal
irritation, excess fluid, or decreased urine flow.
If you're pregnant, do not take any nettle product. Don't use nettle if you
are nursing. Nettle can also alter the menstrual cycle. Always check with your
health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Possible Interactions
No harmful drug interactions have been reported.
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Copyright © 2000 Integrative Medicine
Communications
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the
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