Juicing For Health - Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Name
Nettle (Urtica dioica) also known as Big String Nettle, Common Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Gerrais, Isirgan, Kazink, Nabat Al Nar, Ortiga, Grande Ortie, Ortie, Urtiga, Chichicaste, Brennessel, Gross d'Ortie, Racine d'Ortie, Grote Brandnetel, Ortiga Mayor and Devils Leaf.
Parts Used
Flowers, Leaves, Roots.
Information
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America.
Nettle has been used for thousands of years medicinally for the treatment of anemia, alzheimer's disease, allergies, arthritis, hay fever, hair loss, benign prostatic hyperplasia, kidney problems, malabsorption syndrome, premenstrual syndrome goiter, inflammatory conditions, adrenal and thyroid gland aid, joint pain, mucous conditions of the lungs, diuretic, expectorant, pain reliever and tonic.
Benefits
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Hay Fever
- Osteoarthritis
Nettle is commonly recommended as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). Studies suggest that stinging nettle may be effective at relieving symptoms such as reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate.
Laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride (a medication commonly prescribed for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. However, unlike finasteride, the herb does not decrease prostate size.
Studies have shown that nettle helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever. Researchers think that may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen.
Nettle leaf has been used traditionally to treat arthritis and for joint pains. More studies are needed but one study showed that nettle helped joint pains when applied topically. Another study showed that taking nettle along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), allowed people to reduce their NSAID dose.
Side Effects/Precautions
Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, and hives or rash (mainly from topical use).
Nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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