Nettle

Nettle or Stinging nettle is a herb which belongs to family Utricacaea, also called as Urtica dioica. ^[1] This herbaceous perennial flowering plant is the well-known member of genus nettle or Urtica. ^[1] Nettle is indigenous to central and eastern Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. ^{[1, 2]} Stinging nettle boats bright yellow root and soft green leaves borne oppositely on upright wiry green stem. The plant of stinging nettle bears small greenish to brownish flowers. ^[2] Stinging nettle boasts leaves and stems which are very hairy with non-stinging hairs. ^[1] The hairs or spines of the stinging nettle are very harsh to touch, release chemicals and the pain and itching can last from few minutes to a week. ^{[1, 3]}

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Folklore Usage of Nettle

Traditionally, Nettle herb was used as a tea or juice extracted from fresh plant in many different ways. Nettle was used as a blood forming agent, increase urine output, bones and joint discomfort, raise energy production, helpful effects on wound healing and scalp and hair problems.

Health Benefits of Nettle

Effects on Urinary Tract & Urine Volume

Nettle juice is helpful for increase in urine out put, reduces body weight, urinary tract problems, and helpful in other urinary and kidney challenges. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]}

Effects on Prostate

Nettle exhibits its wholesome effects on enlargement of prostate. ^{[1, 3, 4]}

Bones & Joint Discomfort

Nettle extracts is useful on bones and joint discomfort. ^{[1, 2, 4, 5]}

Use in Hair Products

Nettle helps stimulate hair follicles and regulates greasy scalp oil buildup and also shows beneficial effects on dandruff and hair loss. ^{[1, 2, 4, 5]}

Other Advantages of Nettle

Nettle provides its wholesome effects on various other health concerns like mucous conditions of the lungs , improves goiter, increases red blood cell count, seasonal allergies, hay fever, skin problems, menstrual problems, promote wound healing, lowers blood sugar level, purifies blood, and reduces pain. ^{[1, 4, 5, 6]}

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_dioica
2. Norman Grainger Bisset (Ed.) (1994) Max Wichtl Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceutical. Page No. 506, 507. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers
3. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/stinging-nettle-000275.htm
4. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 104. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
5. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 31, 53, 55, 58, 59, 65, 80, 84, 95, 209, 225, 263, 307, 366, 371, 384. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
6. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 172. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.