Stinging nettle, a herb with multiple actions

   Nettle is a herb abundant in Greek flora. Also known as Urtica dioica, it is characterized by its ability to cause stinging, swelling and pain if it caomes in contact with its leaves.

   Despite the fact that it causes an unpleasant sensation or contact with the plant, supplementing the tinkle seems to have many health benefits, and in particular in some pathological conditions. Due to the action of Nettle and when is it appropriate to take it?

What is nettle

   Nettle is a perennial plant that traditionally has been used for medical purposes, as a diuretic or for the treatment of arthropathy. Today, it is used in cooking along with other herbs in salads and pies. Nettle, as a green leafy vegetable, is very nutritious and rich in vitamin A, C and in trace elements such as calcium, copper, potassium, silicon and iron.

   The irritation that occurs when the skin comes into contact with nettle leaves is due to certain substances and acids of nettle’s leaves, such as histamine, acetylcholine and serotonin. The active part of the plant, used for supplements, derives from the leaves of nettle.

Actions – Properties

  Many studies have been found that nettle has many benefits to overall health, like in the treatment of infections related to prostate and urinary system,  as well as in allergies and rheumatic diseases.

Prostate hyperplasia – BPH

 Taking nettle helps reduce the symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by the enlargement of prostate. The swelling of prostate, increases the pressure in the urethra, causing a number of undesirable symptoms such as frequent urination and pain. Nettle either directly affects the prostate gland or the levels of hormones that affect its function (such as testosterone and estrogen). Although it helps to treat the symptoms of BPH, it does not reduce the volume of the prostate gland.

   The action of nettle cal also be combined with other herbs that have similar effects, such as saw palmetto. In addition, preliminary studies have shown that nettle’s extract helps to prevent the proliferation of prostate cancer cells.

Urinary tract

Nettle is an excellent diuretic. It can be used to treat inflammatory and urinary infections, exerting antibacterial action. In addition, many studies nettles exerts a protective effect against urolithiasis.

Arthritis

Taking nettle supplements seems to be beneficial in arthropathies, such as osteoarthritis. The benefit is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of nettle, because it inhibits certain cytokines. Nettle can be used along with common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Atopic dermatitis – eczema

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties, nettle can be used to relieve symptoms and treat eczema. It can be used either as a dietary supplement or externally as a cream, in order to relieve from itching and pain.

Interactions – Contraindications

Overdose may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and diarrhea. People who take antiplatelet drugs, diuretics and NSAIDs should not take supplements with nettle.

Dosage

Recommended daily dose is 200-1000 mg.

  In Vita4you you can find a great variety of nettle supplements.