Stinging Nettle Benefits

The “sting” of the Stinging Nettle comes from the tiny hairs that cover the plant. They are hollow and made of small cells containing an acrid fluid. The substance is instantly released when it makes any contact with the skin causing severe inflammation and irritation that could last for a few hours. The Latin name for this plant is “Urtica dioca”. Urtica originated from a Latin verb “uro” or “urere” which means “to burn”, signifying the stinging. The plant’s roots and leaves are used for various herbal medicines. Read on to know more about the benefits of the Stinging Nettle. 

• The Stinging Nettle contains a high amount of iron and thus is used in treating anemia. It also helps the formation and coagulation of blood cells.
• It is used as a diuretic which helps in eradication of uric acid. It also helps control diarrhea.
• Stinging Nettles can be used in tonics, too. They enhance the female reproductive system. During menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause, it helps balance the hormones. It also helps in stopping or preventing excess bleeding during and after childbirth. It can also help increase breast milk production.
• They are also used as an effective herbal remedy for nose bleeds, blood in the urine, bloody cough and wound recovery.
• Stinging Nettles are also used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism.
• It also reduces risks of skin disorders like eczema and many others.
• It is also used in the treatment of asthma.
• Stinging Nettles are well known for giving relief in urinary difficulties linked with early stages of benign prostate hyperplasia. The enlargement of the prostate does not get affected or decreased but the urinary production is increased and decreases the urges at night.
• Stinging nettles are also used in benign prostate treatment.
• It is also used to treat sinusitis.
• It is known to protect against respiratory problems.
• Stinging nettles, if taken in a juice form, a tablespoon at a time, three times a day, can greatly ease painful piles.
• It can also be used to enhance skin and hair, used externally or internally. It can also protect against hair loss.
• The Stinging Nettle is also useful in the treatment of kidney infections.
• It also helps control seasonal allergies.
• Stinging nettles have anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied on cuts to stop bleeding or any other kind of wounds to assist in the healing.
• Dry leaves of stinging nettles can be taken internally, as tea or tincture and it significantly brings down the pain in people suffering from inflamed joints.
• The juice of the Stinging Nettle mixed with honey can be taken as a safe medicine to open the pipes and passages of the lungs.
• Stinging Nettle is packed with nutrients. It contains high content of silica and calcium as well as various other minerals, besides iron, as mentioned above. It is rich in vitamins like A, B, C, D and K, and also provides a significant amount of proteins.
• The Stinging Nettle can also help reduce blood sugar levels.
• It can also be used for treating dandruff and getting rid of head lice.
• Other beneficial traits of Stinging Nettles are its uses in the treatment of gout, bronchitis, pleurisy, hay fever, sore throat, sore mouth, scurvy, neuralgia, sciatica, exhaustion, stress, vaginal yeast infections, kidney stones, depression, fever, weight loss, insect bites, bee stings, dog bites and many more afflictions.