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Nettle is a medicinal herb known for its bitter leaves. There are several types of nettles. These include Urtica dioica, Urtica urens and Urtica pilulifera. Nettle is a wild-growing perennial plant that is found in temperate regions, reaching 1 to 2 meters tall in summer. Nettle has a long-standing reputation in folk medicine. It is used as an expectorant, tonic, antispasmodic and diuretic.
This herb has been used in European medicine since ancient times, helping people for many centuries. Today, research is being done to prove the invaluable qualities of nettle and its healing properties.
Health benefits
Nettle leaves are a rich source of antioxidants, calcium and other minerals that reduce the number of harmful molecules called free radicals. They are also rich in vitamin A, B1, B5, C, D, E and K, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, magnesium, and others. Nettles contain flavonoids, essential amino acids and proteins. It builds a natural defense mechanism in your body as well as eliminates viruses and bacterial infections.
Nettle is believed to provide a number of other health benefits, such as:
- Healthier bones
Nettle leaves have been found to help relieve joint pain. Several studies have shown that people have less joint pain when nettle leaf is applied to the affected area or when they take an extract of the leaf along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin. Nettles contain a number of vitamins and minerals that help maintain strong and healthy bones, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin K. Nettles have high levels of boron, which helps maintain healthy calcium levels in the body and can help prevent osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor before using nettle leaf for arthritis.
- Better respiratory health
Nettles have long been used in folk medicine to help with seasonal allergies and other minor respiratory ailments. Scientists believe this may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the histamines our body creates when reacting to an allergen.
- Prostate health
Nettle leaves can help treat symptoms of certain prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), swelling of the prostate gland. Nettle leaves can help reduce the effect of testosterone on the prostate by slowing the growth of prostate cells. However, simple intake of this plant cannot replace medical treatment completely.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
Nettles have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with inflammatory diseases and reduce symptoms in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Has a high content of antioxidants
Nettle tea contains high levels of an antioxidant called phylloxanthobilin. A diet high in antioxidants protects our cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and some cancers.
- Helps improve blood sugar levels
Nettle has been found to improve blood sugar levels by increasing insulin and the number of pancreatic β-cells in the body, which play a vital role in glucose homeostasis as they are the main source of insulin.
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
Nettles contain a phytochemical called quercetin, which helps to reduce total cholesterol, as well as having properties that help reduce blood lipid levels.
- Seasonal allergies
According to a 2018 study, there is evidence to suggest that nettles may affect the receptors and enzymes involved in allergic reactions. This makes it a good option for relieving hay fever or allergic dermatitis.
Folklore and history
Nettle has a very long history in folklore and traditional medicine. In Norse legend, the god Thor is often associated with nettles and it is said that if you burn nettles during a thunderstorm, you will be protected from lightning. With such rich cultural significance, it's no wonder nettles have been used throughout the ages. In Europe, nettles have always had many different uses, whether for food, drink, clothing and medicine. After the 18th century all these uses declined as nettles came to be seen as a plant suitable only for those who could not afford more expensive medicines or clothing. However it found its odd application again in the First, and in the Second World War - the British government ordered 100 tons of nettles because it was good for camouflage.
Hippocrates had about 61 different prescriptions with nettle described in the Greek medical journal "De Simplicibus" suggests nettle as - diuretic and laxative for dog bites, gangrenous wounds, edema, nosebleeds, excessive menstruation, spleen related diseases, pleurisy, pneumonia, asthma, herpes, constipation and mouth sores. Hippocrates also mixed nettle with hemp for relief in shock and stress.
Obviously, nettle is a plant/herb that has established itself over time, yet today it is the subject of research that finds more and more uses and benefits of this age-old remedy.
SOO RAW's nettle and black cumin crackers contain a large amount of high-quality nettle, which is in a form suitable for easy absorption by the body.
