Stinging nettle is considered by many to be a bothersome pest, but what many don’t know is that it is one of the richest sources of chlorophyll in the vegetable kingdom.
Stinging nettle (urtica dioica) is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for ages, dating back as far as Ancient Greece. It contains a number of chemicals, such as serotonin, histamine and acetylcholine, some of which can be very irritating. These chemicals cause the stinging irritation on skin and are found at the base of the fine hairs on the nettle.
When brushed up against, the fragile tips of the stinging hairs break off. The remaining hair becomes a small needle, able to deliver the chemicals into the skin. The reaction can cause pain, redness, swelling, itching and numbness. Its roots can be taken as a tablet, tea, tincture, extract, capsule or pill. Today, it can be found all over the world (Guyana) – growing wildly.
Origin Of Stinging Nettles
Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, it is now found worldwide, including New Zealand, North America and South America (Guyana).
It is abundant in northern Europe and much of Asia, usually found in the countryside. It is less widespread in southern Europe and Africa, where it is restricted by its need for moist soil, but is still common. It has been introduced to many other parts of the world. In North America, it is widely distributed in Canada and the United States, where it is found in every province and state except for Hawaii, and also can be found in northernmost Mexico. It grows in abundance in the Pacific Northwest, especially in places where annual rainfall is high.
Description Of Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a dioecious perennial, herbaceous plant that grows about 1 to 2 m (3 to 7 ft.) tall. The plant grows in moist sites along streams, coulees, and ditches, on mountain slopes, in woodland clearings, and in disturbed areas. It thrives in damp, nutrient-rich soils. It has widely spreading rhizomes and stolons, which are bright yellow, as are the roots. The stem is simple or branched, erect or sprawling.
Its leaves are green colored and are 3 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in) long and are borne oppositely on an erect wiry green stem. The leaves have a strongly serrated margin, a cordate base and an acuminate tip with a terminal leaf tooth longer than adjacent laterals. The leaves and stems are very hairy with non-stinging hairs and in most subspecies also bear many stinging hairs whose tips come off when touched. The leaves are dark green on the top and are a paler green and downy on the underside.
The flower is green to white in color, with drooping clusters of four petals per flower, and occur in the leaf axils as well as at the stem tips. The male and female flowers usually grow on separate plants of the stinging nettle, hence the species name dioica, meaning “separate,” or “two houses.” Flowering normally takes place from May to October. The fruit is small, flattened, lenticular achenes. The plant is used as a medicine, as a food source and as a source of fiber.
5 Health Benefits Of Stinging Nettle
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Urinary Issues – BPH symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra. BPH sufferers experience varying levels of increased urges to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, painful urination, post urination dripping and reduced urinary flow. A testosterone-induced BPH study on rats has shown that stinging nettle may be as effective at treating this condition as finasteride, the medication commonly used to treat BPH. Doctors are still not entirely sure why stinging nettle alleviates some of these symptoms, but many clinical studies infer that it contains chemicals that affect the hormones that cause BPH. When taken, it also directly affects prostate cells. Stinging nettle root extract has also been shown to slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells. It’s usually used in combination with saw palmetto and other herbs. The root of the plant is primarily used in connection with urinary issues, including lower urinary tract infections. Stinging nettle is used as a successful general diuretic and can help urine flow as well. It’s also used in home remedies for bladder infections.
- Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain – Arthritis sufferers often experience joint pain, typically in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Nettle works alongside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to allow patients to decrease their NSAID use. Because prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause a number of serious side effects, this is an ideal pairing. Studies also show that applying nettle leaf topically at the site of pain decreases joint pain and can treat arthritis. When taken orally, nettle helps provide relief. Another study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory power against other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Hay Fever – Histamine production in the body creates the adverse reactions related to allergies. Allergies cause uncomfortable congestion, sneezing, itching and more. Stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory qualities affect a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, preventing hay fever symptoms if taken when they first appear. The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in allergy treatment, but there is history of using histamines to treat severe allergic reactions. There is also evidence that in severe reactions, low plasma histamine levels (as opposed to high levels) are present. Another global study from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine found that stinging nettle use for allergy relief was rated higher than placebos in a 98-person, randomized, double-blind study.
- Bleeding – Certain products containing stinging nettle have shown that, when applied to the skin, it can reduce bleeding during surgery. The product, called Ankaferd blood stopper, is made up of alpinia, licorice, thyme, common grape vine and stinging nettle, and has also shown evidence of reducing bleeding after dental surgery.
- Eczema – Eczema is a dry, itchy rash that can last on sufferers for a very long time. Because of stinging nettle’s antihistamine and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can be a natural treatment for eczema, as the Penn State University College of Medicine study referenced above notes. Sufferers can use a combination of nettle taken orally to tackle the eczema internally, as well as a cream to provide relief from the rash’s itch and redness.
Precautions When Using Stinging Nettle
- When harvesting – Always harvest stinging nettle with thick gardening gloves to avoid being stung. It’s also best to harvest young plant parts, preferably in the spring. They become more bitter after they flower and as they age.
- When using with other herbs and supplements – As with any herb or supplement, it’s important to be cautious when mixing to avoid adverse side effects. You should always start an herbal supplement plan under the care of your health care provider. Patients may have to change their dosages of other supplements if they choose to take stinging nettle.
- When pregnant – There is debate whether or not pregnant women should use stinging nettle. Because stinging nettle affects the menstrual cycle and can stimulate uterine contractions, it could potentially lead to miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should not use it.
- When you’re a diabetic – There is evidence that shows stinging nettle’s ability to affect blood sugar and interfere with controlling diabetes. It can also affect the strength of diabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Diabetics who want to use stinging nettle should only do so under the supervision of their health care providers. Patients may have to change their dosages of medications if they choose to take stinging nettle.
- When you first start – Some people have upset stomach, diarrhea or other mild reactions when they first take stinging nettle. It’s best to ease into usage, starting with a small dosage.
Traditional Uses Of Stinging Nettle
- Nettle is used in shampoo to control dandruff and is said to make hair glossier.
- Nettle root extracts have been widely researched in human clinical trials as a treatment for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Nettle is supposed to be a galactagogue, a substance that promotes lactation.
- Whole plant is anti-asthmatic, anti-dandruff, astringent, depurative, diuretic, galactogogue, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic and a stimulating tonic.
- Fresh leaves of nettles have been rubbed or beaten onto the skin in the treatment of rheumatism etc.
- Juice of the nettle can be used as an antidote to stings from the leaves.
- An infusion of the fresh leaves is healing and soothing as a lotion for burns.
- Root has been shown to have a beneficial effect upon enlarged prostate glands.
- Homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves.
- It is used in the treatment of rheumatic gout, nettle rash and chickenpox, externally is applied to bruises.
Culinary Uses Of Stinging Nettle Worldwide
- It can be eaten like spinach or made into nutritious soups.
- Leaves are dried and may then be used to make an herbal tea, as can also be done with the nettle’s flowers.
- Nettles can be used in a variety of recipes, such as polenta, pesto and purée.
- Nettle soup is a common use of the plant, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe.
- Nettles are occasionally used in cheese making, for example in the production of Cornish Yarg and as a flavoring in varieties of Gouda.
- Nettles are used in Albania as part of the dough filling for the börek.
- Young leaves are cooked as a potherb and added to soups etc.
- Juice of the leaves, or a decoction of the herb, can be used as a rennet substitute in curdling plant milks.
- Nettle beer is brewed from the young shoots.
9 Interesting Facts About Stinging Nettle
- Stinging nettle fibers were used by Native Americans in the Northwest to make twine, fishing nets, and rope.
- Strong flax-like fiber is obtained from the stems, used for making string and cloth; it also makes a good quality paper.
- Fibers have been extracted are a good source of biomass and have been used in the manufacture of sugar, starch, protein and ethyl alcohol.
- Oil obtained from the seeds is used as an illuminant.
- Juice of the plant, or a decoction formed by boiling the herb in a strong solution of salt, will curdle milks and thus acts as a rennet substitute.
- Hair wash is made from the infused leaves and this is used as a tonic and antidandruff treatment.
- Beautiful and permanent green dye is obtained from a decoction of the leaves and stems.
- Yellow dye is obtained from the root when boiled with alum.
- Many insects and larvae use common nettle as food and safe place for egg deposition.
Stinging Nettle
It is a flowering plant that had been used medicinally for ages. It is native to Europe and today is found growing worldwide (Guyana). Stinging Nettle has many health benefits and traditional uses. It is incorporated into many recipes. But in Guyana, it is just a bothersome pest.
Article References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_dioica
- https://draxe.com/stinging-nettle/
- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/stinging-nettle.html
- https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/stinging-nettle/
