Finally, a herb especially designed for masochists! In the past the sharp leaves of nettle were the objects of self-flagellation, called urtication, driving the beneficial chemicals in the leaf into the skin painfully! The goal was to treat arthritis and skin disease! Apparently nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories; it has been theorized that the sharp nettle leaves helped to inject this herbal medicine into the body when struck against the affected areas. Fortunately, there are better ways to enjoy the benefits of this herb today.
Stinging nettle is a perennial plant. The stem grows from 2 to 7 feet high and bears serrated, pointed leaves. The small, greenish flowers grow in clusters from July to September.
There are many helpful chemicals in nettle: vitamin C and vitamin A, abundant chlorophyll, bio-available minerals, including silicon, calcium, and potassium chloride, dietary fiber and protein.
The antihistamines in nettle make it effective in treating hay fever. Nettle also loosens congestion and opens the bronchial airways for asthma or allergy sufferers. In addition, nettle helps people with inflammatory skin conditions.
Nettle helps people with arthritis by reducing the dosage of drugs and thus their side effects. Nettle also contains large amounts of silicon and boron that ease symptoms of bursitis, arthritis, and tendonitis. Nettle is able to treat urinary tract infections and increase the production of urine. It is a mild laxative, and can increase the efficiency of kidney and liver function. As a bitter herb, nettle purifies the blood and is thus used to treat ulcers, asthma, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, jaundice, nephritis, and spasmodic dysmenorrhea.
Nettle has been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhages, febrile affections, gravel, nephritic complaints, chronic diseases of the colon, eczematous affections, eczema of the face, neck and ears, and chronic cystitis. Externally it has been used for bleeding wounds, burns, scalds, nettle rash (yes, you can use nettle to treat nettle pain), urticaria, and nosebleed.
Nettle is a key ingredient in herbal treatment of BPH, a urination discomfort in men in which the prostate enlarges and hinders this function. It does this by keeping the body from converting testosterone into 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that causes the prostate gland to begin growing again after 40. It does not decrease enlargement of the prostate but increases the flow through the urethra. Taking nettle in combination with either saw palmetto or pygeum bark extract is, in some men, as effective as the drug finasteride. Nettle is also used in hair tonics because of its purported ability to stimulate hair growth.
Nettle is one of nature's diuretics. It aids the body in eliminating uric acid and bacteria both of which cause urinary tract infections and kidney stones. This diuretic action of nettle may also help relieve premenstrual bloating and lower blood pressure. Should pregnant or nursing women take nettle? This is a debated issue. One side says it might cause the uterus to contract. Others say this is not a problem when taken in moderation. Perhaps the safety of this practice is related to when the nettle is harvested. If it is cut before it flowers, it seems to be safe in this regard.
Why not try growing nettle yourself, or harvesting it from a nearby field? It can also be purchased in capsules, tablets, and tinctures. The dried leaf is used for tea. Dried root products for treating prostate problems, are often combined with saw palmetto. Some enjoy using nettle powder as a seasoning. To store nettle leaves, be sure they are in a dark, dry, and cool place.
Article Directory : http://www.articlecube.com
