Stinging Nettle

Species name:  Urtica dioica/Urtica urens.

Also known as: nettle.

You might be surprised to know that in medieval Europe, diuretics and remedies for joint problems were made from stinging nettle.

Healers used the branches of stinging nettle to strike the arms or legs of paralyzed patients in order to activate their muscles.

This whipping technique is also used in some healing traditions to stimulate the organs and relieve the pain of sore muscles.

What is stinging nettle: So what exactly is stinging nettle and where does it come from? Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle and hybrids of these two plants. It is originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia and today this shrub grows all over the world.

It grows well in nitrogen-rich soil and typically blooms between June and September. The plants can reach nearly 3 feet high.

Stinging nettle products are usually made from the roots and/or leaves of the plant. It is thought that the flavonoids and potassium in nettle leaves are responsible for their diuretic action which is why they are commonly used for medicinal purposes.

Home Remedies using Stinging Nettle:

Benefits of Stinging Nettle:

There are many great benefits to this herb. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat rheumatism (disorders of the muscles and joints), eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. The flavonoids and potassium could be one reason why stinging nettle is helpful in treating these conditions.

Today, many people also use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate, for urinary tract infections, for kidney stones, for hay fever, or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and even insect bites.

Cream forms of this herb are often used for easing skin conditions and discomforts such as those from eczema.

• Rheumatism
• Eczema
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Anemia
• Enlarged prostate
• Urinary tract infections
• Hay fever
• Joint pain
• Sprains
• Tendonitis
• Insect bites
• Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf, as tea, and as root tincture (a tincture is a solution of the herb in alcohol). Stinging nettle can also be purchased in capsule form.

Side Effects of Stinging Nettle:

Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, and hives (mainly from topical use).