Nettle Leaf Benefits

by Kobie Babb

Nettle leaf is among one of the most nourishing herbs you can find. It is in the family of plants known as Urticaceae. Nettle leaf is full of nutrients. It contains protein, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, vitamins A,C,D, and B complex to name a few in a form that's easy for the body to utilize. It's so nourishing, that it can used for cooking as well. Nettle leaf is a shrub that is native to northern Europe and Asia. It's called stinging nettle because it has hairs that act as little needles when in contact with skin. Chemicals flow through these needles and causes a stinging sensation as well as rashes. The chemicals include histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, leukotrienes, and moroidin. Even though these chemicals sting, they are part of the reason that nettle leaf is such a healing herb.

Nettle leaf have many health benefits. It's high in polyphenols which helps the body with inflammation. It also helps manage diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease. The polyphenols have shown that they have the potential to deal with breast and prostate cancer as well. It helps with anemia, muscle and joint pain, eczema, tendonitis, hay fever, as well as with nose and sinus type allergy symptoms. Nettle leaf is also good for arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It's considered to be one of the best tonics for the female system on a whole, but especially during pregnancy and childbirth. One reason is because nettle leaf is used as a natural remedy to stop hemorrhaging during childbirth. It's also good for male pattern baldness. Nettle leaf also helps with blood pressure and aids with blood sugar control.

Nettle leaf is capable of aiding with all of these disorders, but what it may be best known for is for dealing with urinary tract infections and benign prostate enlargement. Nettle leaf is a diureic that encourages the excretion of uric acid. Even though it encourages excretion of urine, It also discourages night time bathroom urges, so it's great for gout as well as overnight incontinence of the benign prostate enlargement, and for a weak and irritated bladders. Nettle leaf flushes harmful bacteria from the urinary tract. This helps with urinary conditions. Benign prostate hyperplasia (BHP) causes the prostate gland to enlarge in men. This can cause painful urinations. Nettle leaf helps with this. The compound beta-sitosterol is attributed to nettle leaf's ability to deal with BHP symptoms. Beta-sitosterol is able to reduce the prostaglandin levels which directly influences prostate inflammation and reduces blood flow and the size of the gland itself. Taking Nettle leaf tea for 2 to 12 months have shown to improve UTI symptoms and the flow of urine in BHP patients. Not to mention that a cup a day relieves and helps water retention. Nettle leaf is a great nourisher for the kidney and the adrenals.

Nettle leaf is also great for allergy symptoms. Histamines triggers the bodies immune response to allergens. Not only does nettle leaf have an abundance of anti-histamines, but it also blocks histamines from reaching the receptors on tissue. Tryptase is an enzyme that causes mast cells to break open and release histamines into the bloodstream. Nettle leaf prevents tryptase from reaching mast cells. It's natural anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories aids in opening constricted bronchial and nasal passages which helps to ease hay fever as well as nose and sinus type allergy symptoms.

Nettle leaf also is an aid to diabetic patients. It helps the pancreas to make as well as release insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin is the hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. Just be sure to monitor blood sugar levels to make sure that the levels don't sink too low.

Nettle leaf is great for arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Its anti-inflammatory properties along with its dense concentration of the minerals boron, calcium, and silicon eases pain while helping to build strong bones. Nettle leaf is great for osteoporosis and the bone loss that's often associated with arthritis. Its magnesium content helps to moderate pain. 

Nettle leaf is a great blood purifier. It aids with circulation, which is great for hair and skin. It's rich in silica and sulfur, which makes hair healthier and shinier. It combats hair loss and helps hair regrowth. It also helps hair to restore its original color. It strengthens and fortifies hair follicles and treats dandruff as well. Nettle leaf also acts as an astringent by tightening and firming the skin. It regulates sebum production, which helps with oily skin. It accelerates the healing of wounds and burns. Nettle leaf also helps with skin allergies and heals eczema. Its silicium and magnesium content makes it useful for anti-aging.

Nettle leaf is also good for many other things. It's good for the endocrine system. Nettle leaf is good for neurological disorders like sciatica and neuralgia. It stimulates digestive glands, which makes it good for indigestion. It kills intestinal worms and parasites. Gargling with nettle water helps with gingivitis, mouth and throat infections, and other gum diseases. Nettle leaf aids with fertility for both men and women. It's also good for hangovers and for those who are trying to quit smoking. It is a very nourishing plant, and you can drink up to 4 cups a day.

Nettle leaf for the most part has very little side effects besides its sting. It lowers blood sugar levels, so diabetics need to make sure that their blood  sugar levels don't drop too low. The same is true with blood pressure levels. Make sure that nettle leaf doesn't cause the levels to drop too low. It will increase urine flow, so people with kidney problems should consult with their healthcare provider.

We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.