Nettle Herb

Other Names of Nettle Herb: Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica

Useful Parts of the Plant: Leaves and roots

Nettle herb is native to Europe and most of Asia. It grows freely, along roads and in gardens. Nettle herb is a perennial plant, which grows to a height of 3 to 7 feet. It has opposite and cordate leaves and bears small, greenish flowers. The flowering season is usually between July and September. Nettle herb may be used as tea, decoction, or tincture. It is also available as an essential oil. You can use only the dried leaves or roots of the herb, the fresh parts may cause skin irritation and itching on account of the formic acid content in the plant.

Nutritional Information and Properties of Nettle Herb

Nettle is commonly used to cure malnutrition on account of its high content of important nutrients. In fact, it is used as a vital component in diets of patients suffering from fatal diseases. Some of nutritional components found in nettle herb are vitamins D, A, and C and minerals including iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Nettle is also a rich source of a protein, namely histamine, which helps boost the immune system of the body, thereby improving the functioning of all the physiological systems. Nettle is also a rich source of anti-inflammatory flavonoids and certain plant sterols. As such, nettle herb is widely used as a source of nutrition and is also known for its therapeutic uses.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Nettle Herb

Nettle herb has a variety of uses, some of which are as under:

Nettle is a powerful coagulant, which assists in the process of blood coagulation. As such, it leads to faster healing of wounds and also prevents septic infections. Nettle herb is also a hemostatic and prevents hemorrhaging.
Nettle herb is also used as an emanagogue, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle. It also helps control heaving bleeding.
Nettle, being a rich source of iron, helps in formation of red blood cells, thereby preventing and treating anemia.
Nettle is known for its diuretic properties. It promotes the excretion by way of urination, thereby allowing the body to expel waste materials and toxins.
Nettle herb has astringent properties and serves to cleanse the digestive system. It also regulates bowel movement and prevents a variety of digestive disorders.
Nettle may also be used to regulate and control blood sugar. Diabetics may consume nettle tea at least once a day to control the level of sugar in the blood stream.
Nettle herb also helps reduce the blood pressure, thereby preventing a variety of cardiovascular diseases.
Nettle herb is a galactogogue, which promotes milk flow in lactating mothers.
A decoction of the roots of nettle herb may be used to treat hair loss.
Nettle herb may also be used to prevent and treat diseases related to the skeletal system, including arthritis and rheumatism.
Nettle can used to treat a common cold and fever.
Nettle herb is also known as tonic for the body, which maintains the overall physiology of the body.
Nettle herb has also proven effective against ovarian cysts and other polycystic cysts.
Nettle herb also prevents and cures a variety of ailments of the urinary tract. Also, it helps cure kidney stones by dissolving them.
Nettle also is also instrumental in relieving certain skin diseases including eczema and acne.
Nettle is anti-allergic in action and prevents allergies.
Nettle herb may also be used to treat prostate enlargement, thereby preventing diseases related to the reproductive system in males.
Nettle herbs may also be used to cure burns and insect stings.
Nettle may be deployed to relieve a nose bleed.
Another benefit of nettle herb is its use in treating problems related to the nervous system such as neuralgia.
Nettle, being a rich source of vitamin D, helps prevent diseases like rickets.
Nettle juice may be mixed with juices and given to patients suffering from AIDS and cancer. This helps provide strength and nourishment.