Nettles (Urtica dioica), also known as Stinging Nettles, has been used for medicinal conditions for centuries. Stinging nettles do just that- sting. The numbing sting may be why people began using it for arthritis pain.  In addition to arthritis, it has many health benefits.

Personal Story

Several of my family members suffer with seasonal allergies. I recently made a tincture of nettles to help them deal with their inflammation. As I researched nettles, I realized there are many reasons to use nettles. I even found several reasons I should I try using them.

Uses for Nettles

There have been many traditional uses for nettles. Stinging nettles build blood and nourish the adrenals, kidneys, and liver. More research is needed for some of these uses.

• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis or gout A German study shows nettles has an anti-inflammatory substance. It reduces pain and inflammation.
• Allergies- If taken at first symptoms, nettles may prevent hay fever or give allergy relief, as shown by a double-blind, randomized study.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
• Urinary issues, such as incontinence- shown to stop or slow prostate cancer cells from spread, helps urine flow. Kidney stones, bladder, and urinary tract infections where nettles increases urination, which helps bacteria leave the body.
• Osteoporosis- Nettles have not been evaluated clinically for effective use for osteoporosis, but there is traditional use noted.
• Hair loss-  Nettles stimulates hair growth.
• Bleeding- There is evidence that, after dental surgery, nettles combined with other herbs reduce bleeding,
• Skin conditions, such as eczema- Nettles may be used internally and as a cream to help relieve rash itchiness. A topical application of nettle lotion can be helpful for minor burns.
• Anemia-  People have used nettles to build blood and increase energy levels
• Pregnancy tonic- Stinging Nettles is a widely used herbal pregnancy tonic. A pregnant woman with anemia may use nettles. It has nutrition which supports a healthy body, including chlorophyll, protein, minerals, and vitamins. Stinging Nettles is also useful for its high vitamin K content. Many pregnant women have used nettles in hopes that the Vitamin K will pass through to their unborn babies. Vitamin K reduces a mother’s risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
• Breastfeeding- Nettles may increase breast milk production. Nettle leaves are good sources of the calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin K that lactating women need.

Safety

Nettles is class 1, which means there are no adverse effects expected in pregnancy or lactation.

Precautions: Not to be used by those with sensitivities to nettles. Nettle may affect heart and diabetes medications, blood thinners, and reduce blood pressure.

How to Use Nettles

• Nettle leaves are boiled and eaten like a green vegetable.
• For a tea, use the following directions: In a canning jar, pour a quart of boiling water over full cup of dried nettle and screw the lid tightly. Let it steep for four or more hours. One could drink 2 to 4 cups of the nettle infusion/tea per day.
• Tablets or capsules might be taken orally.
• Topical use as a tincture or a cream.

Stinging nettles are a medicinal plant with many health benefits.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing about the way you use nettles in the comment section above.