Stinging nettles have been utilized to treat ailments for centuries. Nettles are a great way to boost immunity, making them an effective remedy for various diseases.
If you are considering giving stinging nets to your kid, speak with your pediatrician about the appropriate dosage that is safe to administer. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and those suffering from underlying health issues should consult with their physician before taking stinging nettle as an alternative to medication or as a preventative.
Long renowned for its antihistamine effects, Nettle can ease the aches and discomforts of seasonal allergies.
The leaves are high in nutrients and include:
- Vitamins
- B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Carotenoids
- Minerals
- Iron
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Selenium
- Manganese
- Sulfur
- Silica
- Phytonutrients
- Chlorophyll
- Polyphenols
- Lignans
- Sitosterol
16 advantages of stinging nettles
- Rich in nutrients and beneficial for overall well-being
- The nettle's rich nutritional content is the reason for its many benefits. It is rich in Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, folate, and other B vitamins, along with iron and calcium, which are readily absorbed.
- Magnesium, potassium, protein, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and magnesium are among the other minerals.
- Stinging nettle is a source of polyphenols and has an antioxidant value. Antioxidants help defend the body against harmful free radicals, which are responsible for the aging process, various types of cancer, and other illnesses.
- Polyphenols have been found to aid in preventing and managing inflammation-related disorders, including cancer in various forms or heart disease. Diabetes.
- Many minerals and vitamins in the nettle benefit those recovering from stress or illness.
- Most plants don't have Vitamins D or K2, Making nettle unique.
- It's a good source of three times the daily amount of vitamin A within one cup.
- Vitamin C and iron aid in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
- Allergies
- Stinging nettles can contain anti-inflammatory and antiallergy properties, especially in the event of hay fever.
- These chemicals interfere with the body's natural response to allergens and pollens by causing nasal congestion and watery eyes.
- Gout
- Patients with high uric acid levels could benefit from the stinging of the nettles.
- Gout is a condition that occurs when uric acid accumulates and crystallizes around joints, causing painful and uncomfortable pain.
- Stinging nettles can help eliminate excess uric acids and relieve certain symptoms associated with the disease. Making the stinging tea is the most popular method for easing the pain of gout-inflamed joints.
- Urinary tract infections
- Along with vitamin C and cranberries, drinking stinging nettle tea can help cure bladder infections by reducing inflammation in the bladder or the urethra.
- Nettle tea helps urine rid the body of infection-causing bacteria.
- Could help treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
- Studies have suggested that stinging kettle may aid in reducing the size of the prostate in people suffering from BPH by altering hormone levels or interfacing with prostate cells, thereby reducing other symptoms.
- Fingernails
- Since nettles contain silica and other essential minerals to produce nails, drinking the nettle's tea daily can promote healthy nail growth.
- Hair and skin
- Tea from Nettle can be a great natural hair and skin beauty enhancer due to its nourishing effects and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It's been proven to aid in removing the appearance of eczema and acne and to help stimulate the growth of thicker, more shiny hair and new hair.
- It improves blood flow to the scalp, which promotes hair growth.
- Health benefits for women
- The minerals and compounds in stinging nettle are particularly beneficial to women of all ages. Nettle is a great herb for improving female fertility. It is often included in fertility, postmenstrual syndrome, and menopausal blends.
- Nettle may help with exhaustion caused by iron deficiencies resulting from the heavy menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is also a great aid for breastfeeding mothers, increasing the amount of breast milk they produce by providing additional nutrients during lactation and pregnancy.
- Blood pressure
- They have various nutritional properties that benefit the cardiovascular system. They have been used in conventional and alternative therapies to decrease inflammation and improve the health of cardiovascular factors, including cholesterol and blood pressure.
- More human studies are required to assess the efficacy of nettles in aiding in blood pressure reduction, which includes better blood lipid indicators for those with diabetes and those who do not.
- Blood sugar control
- Nettles were found in animal and human studies to help prevent hyperglycemia by reducing fasting blood sugar levels.
- Nettles are believed to increase insulin release from the pancreatic islets that are part of Langerhans.
- Researchers believe that the processes may be linked to flavonoids present in nettles, which contain carotenoids and tannins with antioxidant properties.
- Anticancer properties
- Nettles are a source of anticancer agents (such as lectins) and flavonoids (quercetin and beta-sitosterol).
- They can reduce the inflammatory signs and are also anti-cancer properties.
- Autoimmune disease
- Nettles and nettle extracts are commonly employed in topical treatments for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Studies have shown that nettles can be a safe and effective supplement to treatment for a variety of inflammatory immune diseases.
- Supports eye health
- Vitamin A and beta-carotene have been shown to maintain the eyes' health.
- The beta-carotene level of the leaves of nettle is ten times greater than that of barley and wheat flour. This vitamin is vital to maintaining an eye's health and ensuring that the retina is able to respond appropriately to light.
- Reduces the risk of getting sick
- Studies have shown that nettle tea has antimicrobial, antiulcer, and antibacterial properties that can assist in the prevention of infections.
- Researchers have discovered that tea made from nettle is beneficial in preventing alcohol-related ulcers. It effectively prevents certain bacteria, which are known to cause health problems.
- Heart health is protected.
- Researchers believe that nettle tea could help prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as blood clots and hypertension.
- According to studies nettle tea has compounds known as phenolics that can help to stop heart disease.
- Nettle tea drinkers might have lower blood pressure, which eases the burden on the heart. The anti-inflammatory properties of Nettle tea help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.
- Gallbladder health and kidneys
- Nettle is a potent diuretic that can reduce the risks of developing kidney stones and gallbladder stones.
- Furthermore, as a diuretic, stinging nettle assists in eliminating harmful substances, such as pathogens, quickly and helps prevent bladder infections.
To get the best health benefits, make tea with nettle using tea bags, fresh nettle roots, or dried nettle leaves.
7 possible side effects that could be a result of the stinging nettle
In addition to its poisonous leaves, nettle is generally a non-toxic herb that doesn't cause any adverse negative effects. After the leaves have been dried or heated, the acid formic (responsible for the rash or sting) is removed.
If used as indicated by the manufacturer, stinging nettle is generally considered safe and healthy for general health. However, please do not overdo it.
However, the seven possible side effects associated with the stinging nettle could include:
- As of now, research on nettles is not conclusive, and it is not recommended to use it as a substitute for standard changes in lifestyle and diet medicines.
- A stinging nettle could possess diuretic properties. If you take blood thinners or blood pressure medications, diuretics, or diabetes medication, consult your doctor before incorporating it as a part of your diet.
- Certain studies have shown that the consistent consumption of nettle tea can increase breast size in men and cause discharge from the nipple in women.
- Although nettle use is generally safe, potential negative side effects could include stomach disorders, including constipation and diarrhea.
- If fresh and unprocessed nettles are applied to the skin, they can quickly trigger skin-related symptoms like itching, stinging, and itchiness.
- Consuming nettles as tea, vegetables, or for medicinal purposes during pregnancy can be risky since they could contain compounds that act as abortifacients. Women should exercise caution when they are lactating since only a small amount of research exists on the security of the nettles.
- Nettles could be involved in a variety of drug-nutrient interactions. There may be minor interactions with hypertension, antidiabetes supplements, or medications because of their potential blood sugar-lowering and antihypertensive effects. The central nervous system is a target for interactions, as are depressants warfarin and lithium could be possible. To ensure security, patients must consider discussing whether they use nettles in supplement or extract form with their physicians or pharmacists.
