Nettle can help reduce inflammation, alleviate hay fever symptoms, lower blood pressure, and manage blood sugar levels – along with many other benefits.
Nettle is a type of herbaceous plant belonging to the nettle family (Urticaceae), scientifically known as Urtica dioica. Other common names include stinging nettle, nettle leaf, and snow nettle. Nettle typically grows over 1 meter tall, with a woody base. The leaves are arranged alternately, heart-shaped, hairy, with a green upper side and a silver-white underside.
Nettle typically grows over 1 meter tall, with a woody base.
1. Nutrients in Nettle
The leaves and roots of nettle provide a variety of nutrients, including:
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, and K, along with several B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium
- Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid
- Amino acids: All essential amino acids
- Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarin, and other flavonoids
- Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin, and other carotenoids
2. Benefits of Nettle
Here are some notable benefits and potential uses of nettle:
Reduces Inflammation
Nettle contains numerous compounds that can help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s way of healing and fighting infections. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues.
In animal and test-tube studies, nettle has been shown to lower levels of several inflammatory markers by interfering with their production.
In human studies, applying nettle cream or consuming nettle products may help alleviate inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
That said, research is insufficient to recommend nettle as an anti-inflammatory treatment. More studies are needed on its effects on human health.
Supports Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Symptoms
Animal studies suggest that nettle may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone – a more potent form of testosterone. Stopping this conversion may help reduce prostate size.
Studies involving people with benign prostatic hyperplasia have demonstrated that nettle extract aids in managing both short-term and long-term urinary issues – without side effects.
Helps Treat Allergic Rhinitis
Test-tube studies indicate that nettle extract can inhibit inflammation that may lead to seasonal allergies.
This includes blocking histamine receptors and preventing immune cells from releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
However, human studies note that nettle’s effectiveness in treating allergic rhinitis is comparable to, or only slightly better than, a placebo.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Nettle may help lower blood pressure in several ways:
- It may stimulate nitric oxide production, acting as a vasodilator. Vasodilators relax blood vessel muscles, allowing them to widen.
- It contains compounds that can act as calcium channel blockers, helping to relax the heart by reducing its contraction force.
Nettle offers various health benefits (Image: Internet).
Controls Blood Sugar Levels
In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin, potentially aiding in blood sugar control.
In a three-month study involving 46 people, taking 500 mg of nettle extract three times a day significantly reduced blood sugar levels compared to a placebo.
Other Benefits
Nettle may provide additional potential health benefits, including:
- Reduces Bleeding: Medications containing nettle extract have been shown to minimize excessive bleeding, especially post-surgery.
- Good for the Liver: Nettle has antioxidant properties that may protect your liver from damage caused by toxins, heavy metals, and inflammation.
- Natural Diuretic: Nettle can help your body eliminate excess salt and water, potentially leading to temporary blood pressure reduction.
- Wound and Burn Healing: Applying cream with nettle extract may support the healing of wounds, including burns.
3. Potential Side Effects
Consuming dried or cooked nettle is generally safe. There are few side effects. However, using this plant still carries some risks, including:
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination due to its natural diuretic properties
- Skin irritation: Fresh nettle leaves contain compounds that can cause rashes, hives, and itching, such as acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, leukotrienes, and acids.
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sweating
- Severe allergic reactions with symptoms like difficulty breathing, itching, and rashes.
Who Should Avoid Nettle?
- Pregnant women should avoid consuming nettle as it may induce uterine contractions, potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage.
- Individuals taking blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diuretics, diabetes medications, or lithium. Nettle may interact with these drugs. For instance, its diuretic effect may enhance that of diuretics, increasing the risk of dehydration.
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