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What Are Nettles Good For?

Nettles or the Stinging nettle is a plant which grows in tropical areas around the world. Commonly found in South American countries, as well as Northern Europe and Asia, stinging nettles owe their name to the sting felt by the bristly hairs on its leaves. Despite their prickly exterior, nettles are used to treat an array of common aliments including allergies, arthritis, malnutrition as well as the treatment of anemia and bladder infections.

Allergies
- Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medication can lose effectiveness over time, and often include side effects such as drowsiness and high blood pressure. Nettles are a highly-effective and natural way to treat allergies without side effects. Dr. Andrew Weil, MD, a premier source of natural health and wellness, touts the use of nettles for allergy relief including the relief of hay fever. In a double blind study at National College of Naturopathic Medicine, 58 percent of participants given capsules of stinging nettle experienced a reduction in their allergy symptoms.
Prostate Health
- Stinging Nettle is widely used in to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In combination with other herbs, such as Saw Palmetto, patients may experience reduction in symptoms including incomplete emptying of the bladder, post-urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate. These symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra. According to the University of Maryland, laboratory studies show stinging nettle to be comparable to Finasteride, a medication commonly prescribed for BPH, in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells.
Arthritis Pain
- A study from the University of Plymouth in the U.K. showed what many folk and home remedy users have believed for centuries: topical application of stinging nettle can reduce pain associated with arthritis. While the cause of pain reduction is still unclear, researchers theorize that Serotonin transmitters send and receive signals from the brain and act on nerve endings to block the transmission of pain from histamine compounds in the nettle. The team found the treatment significantly reduced the amount of pain, and 63 percent of the patients treated expressed a wish to continue treatment.
Diuretic Effects
- Nettle has distinct diuretic effects and was used in the middle ages to relieve excess water in the body. Nettle is often used to relieve symptoms associated with urinary tract and kidney infections. The diuretic activity has been shown in a number of German studies, and German health authorities allow root preparations to be sold for symptomatic relief of urinary difficulties. Researchers suggest that the herb's high potassium content and flavonoids contribute to its diuretic action.

Nature