Nettle

Other Names:

Urtica urens

Nutrition:

The leaves and roots of nettle provide a range of nutrients, including vitamins A, C and K, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, fats, amino acids, polyphenols and pigments. Many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside the body which protect cells from free radicals. Studies suggest that blood antioxidant levels can be risen by stinging nettle extract.

Could reduce inflammation

Nettle contains many compounds that may reduce inflammation. One study shows that stinging nettle reduces inflammation by interfering with the production of inflammatory hormones. Stinging nettle could be particularly beneficial for those suffering from inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Research shows that taking a supplement containing nettle significantly reduced arthritis pain, so much so that participants of the study felt they would be able to reduce their dose of anti-inflammatory pain killers.

Urinary tract health

Nettle may help remove harmful bacteria from the urinary tract. This could benefit those who suffer from urinary conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH is an enlarged prostate in men, which can make passing urine quite painful. A study showed that this plant may prevent testosterone into dihydrotestosterone and stopping this could reduce prostate size. Nettle can help treat short- and long-term urination problems in people with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

May lower blood sugar and pressure levels

Stinging nettle was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure and scientific research supports this theory. It may encourage nitric oxide production, which relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels and widens them. The plant also contains compounds that block calcium channels, relaxing the heart by reducing the force of contractions.

Compounds in nettle are thought to mimic the effects of insulin, meaning it could aid in lowering blood sugar levels. One study showed that taking 500mg of stinging nettle extract three times daily for three months significantly lowered the blood sugar levels of 46 people.

Typical Uses:

Nettle can be made into tea or taken as a supplement. We suggest taking 1-2 capsules of our All Natural Organic Nettle Root Extract daily with food, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9923611/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20015358/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16985920/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27585814/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24273930/