The healing properties associated with nettle extracts have long since been recognised and were first used by the ancient Greeks. In World War 2, when the Channel Island of Guernsey was occupied by Nazi Germany, nettles were commonly used by islanders to make nettle tea.
Health Benefits of Nettle Extracts
Nettle extracts and nettle leaves are identified as having multiple health benefits and one of the plant's earlier uses was for treatment of venomous snake bites. In 1,001 Home Health Remedies, Browne et al. (2007) highlight key health benefits associated with nettles, to include the following:
- natural antihistamine for allergies
- lowers uric acid levels
- treatment for nail problems and to improve nail growth
- agent to help shrink prostate
- powerful diuretic
- lowers high blood pressure
- reduces bloating from premenstrual syndrome
- prevents snoring
- fight urinary tract infections (UTIs) - flush bacteria out of system
Further health benefits associated with nettles, as identified by Lakin et al. (2006) in Healing Supplements, may include as follows:
- skin inflammation reduction
- inflamed joint pain relief
- relief from eczema symptoms, skin rashes
- easing of hay fever itchy eyes/sneezing
- cleansing, detoxifying properties
- treatment for nose bleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding
How to Take Nettle Extracts - Dosage, Usage Guidelines
In The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, Brewer (2010) highlights that the recommended dosage of nettle extracts is around 250 mg, taken twice a day with saw palmetto, while Lakin et al. (2006) recommends taking nettle leaf/root, as follows:
- one cup nettle tea 3x daily
- 250 mg nettle root 2x daily
- one teaspoon nettle tincture 3x daily
- 250 mg nettle extract 3x daily
- nettle tea compress - painful joints
As nettle leaves are well-known to cause a painful sting, be sure to cook mature leaves thoroughly before eating, to deactivate their ability to sting. It is also best to take nettle leaf extracts with food, in order to reduce the possibility of suffering stomach pain.
Side-Effects of Nettle Extracts
According to Brewer (2010), nettle leaf tea has extremely rarely been known to cause breast enlargement in men and milk production in women, while nettle extracts have been linked to mild gastrointestinal upsets and over-dosage may result in temporary kidney problems. Lakin et al. (2007) recognise that nettle is considered a very safe herbal remedy with only minimal risks of causing allergic reactions, indigestion or diarrhoea.
As highlighted above, nettle root, nettle leaf extracts and nettle tea have long been known for their healing properties. Health benefits associated with nettle extracts include detoxifying, cleansing, diuretic properties, reduce eczema symptoms, UTIs, premenstrual bloating, joint pain and hay fever. Side-effects of nettle extracts are rare, but it may cause stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Sources:
Brewer, S. (2010) The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Remedies London: Constable Robinson
Browne et al. (2007) 1,001 Home Health Remedies London: Reader's Digest
Lakin et al. (2006) Healing Supplements London: Reader's Digest
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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