Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Benefits of Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.
Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm (1).
Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact.
The leaves have hair-like structures that sting and also produce itching, redness and swelling
Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
- Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
- Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
- Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids
- Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin and other carotenoids
What’s more, many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body.
Inflammatory conditions
Stinging nettle may help suppress inflammation, which in turn could aid inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, but more research is needed.
May Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Up to 50% of men aged 51 and older have an enlarged prostate gland (11Trusted Source).
An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Scientists aren’t sure what causes BPH, but it can lead to significant discomfort during urination.
Interestingly, a few studies suggest that stinging nettle may help treat BPH.
Animal research reveals that this powerful plant may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — a more powerful form of testosterone
Stopping this conversion can help reduce prostate size
Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extracts help treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects
However, it’s unclear how effective stinging nettle is compared to conventional treatments.
May Treat Hay Fever
Hay fever is an allergy that involves inflammation in the lining of your nose.
Stinging nettle is viewed as a promising natural treatment for hay fever.
Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies
This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms
However, human studies note that stinging nettle is equal to or only slightly better at treating hay fever than a placebo.
While this plant may prove a promising natural remedy for hay fever symptoms, more long-term human studies are needed.
Aid Blood Sugar Control
Both human and animal studies link stinging nettle to lower blood sugar levels
In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin.
In a three-month study in 46 people, taking 500 mg of stinging nettle extract three times daily significantly lowered blood sugar levels compared to a placebo.
Despite promising findings, there are still far too few human studies on stinging nettle and blood sugar control. More research is necessary.
Stinging nettle may offer other potential health benefits, including:
- Reduced bleeding: Medicines containing stinging nettle extract have been found to reduce excessive bleeding, especially after surgery
- Liver health: Nettle’s antioxidant properties may protect your liver against damage by toxins, heavy metals and inflammation
- Natural diuretic: This plant may help your body shed excess salt and water, which in turn could lower blood pressure temporarily. Keep in mind that these findings are from animal studies
- Wound and burn healing: Applying stinging nettle creams may support wound healing, including burn wounds
