Nettle Root

What is a nettle root?

As far back as Ancient Greece, stinging nettle, also known as urtica dioica, is a perennially blooming plant that has long been used medicinally. Though its roots are in the colder parts of Europe and Asia, it is now found all over the globe. The plant typically reaches a height of two to four feet and flowers from June through September. It has pink or yellow blooms and has heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in soil that is high in nitrogen.

According to the Department of Dermatology at the Penn State University College of Medicine, stinging nettle has several beneficial health effects when processed and used medicinally. The plant is most known for the stinging reaction that happens when the skin comes into contact with the fine stinging hairs, also known as trichomes, located on its leaves and stems. Homeopathy also makes use of it.

Although the stem and leaves of stinging nettle are used to make most goods, the roots also contain medicinal properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant may influence how many different medical conditions are treated. Traditionally, the aboveground portions have helped with respiratory issues such as allergies. The roots might be able to treat both enlarged prostates and urinary issues.

How do I use nettle root?

You may get tinctures, lotions, pills, and dried or freeze-dried leaves. Ointments made from stinging nettles are often used to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms. Its leaves, stem, and roots may be cooked and used in soups, stews, smoothies, and stir-fries. The dried leaves and blooms can be steeped to produce a delightful herbal tea.

Nettle root benefits:

promotes bone and skin health. Stinging nettle's antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities can cure acne and other skin issues (Gupta, 2021). Amino acids, proteins, flavonoids, and minerals that help develop strong bones—such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc—are abundant in stinging nettles.

◉ May Reduce inflammation: Your body uses inflammation as a defensive mechanism against infections and to mend itself. On the other hand, persistent inflammation might cause serious damage. Numerous substances found in stinging nettles may lessen inflammation.

Stinging nettle inhibited the formation of many inflammatory indicators, lowering levels of those markers in experiments conducted on animals and in test tubes. Applying stinging nettle cream or eating stinging nettle products seems to help reduce inflammatory disorders like arthritis in human trials.

For example, compared to placebo therapy, stinging nettle cream applied to arthritis-affected regions dramatically decreased pain in a trial involving 27 participants. In another trial, consuming a stinging nettle extract pill greatly reduced arthritic pain. Furthermore, participants thought that this pill allowed them to cut down on their anti-inflammatory pain medication dosage.

However, not enough study has been done to support the use of stinging nettle as an anti-inflammatory. Further research involving humans is required.

◉ May Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms: Prostatic enlargement affects up to 50% of men who are 51 years of age or older. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the term used to describe an enlarged prostate (BPH). Although the exact etiology of BPH is unknown, it may cause severe pain when urinating. Remarkably, some research indicates stinging nettles may be beneficial in the treatment of BPH.

Based on studies conducted on animals, this potent herb could stop testosterone from being converted into the more potent form, dihydrotestosterone. Prostate size reduction may be achieved by stopping this process. Research on BPH patients shows that stinging nettle extracts may effectively cure both acute and chronic urine issues without causing negative side effects.

◉ May Treat Hay Fever: An allergy that causes inflammation in the nasal lining is called hay fever. Considered a potential natural remedy for hay fever is stinging nettle. 

Stinging nettle extracts have been shown in test tubes to reduce inflammation, which is a known cause of seasonal allergies. This involves preventing immune cells from producing substances that cause allergic symptoms and inhibiting histamine receptors.

Human studies reveal that stinging nettle is just as effective as a placebo, if not slightly more so, in treating hay fever.

◉ May Lower Blood pressure: In the US, high blood pressure affects about half of adult citizens. Because heart disease and strokes are two of the world's top causes of death, having high blood pressure puts you at risk for these conditions, which are severe health concerns. High blood pressure was historically treated with stinging nettles.

Studies on animals and in test tubes show that it may reduce blood pressure in a number of ways. It might, for starters, increase the synthesis of nitric oxide, a vasodilator. Vasodilators help your blood vessels expand by relaxing the muscles that surround them. Furthermore, substances found in stinging nettles may function as calcium channel blockers, which calm your heart by lessening the power of its spasms. Stinging nettle has been shown in animal experiments to increase the heart's antioxidant defenses and decrease blood pressure.

Where can I buy Nettle Root?

Buy Nettle Root from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Nettle root information (at a glance):