Nettle

Introduction

Nettle is a plant found in temperate regions worldwide. Its tough fibers have been used for making cloth, and its cooked leaves are consumed as a vegetable. Historically, nettle has been used for various medicinal purposes, including relief from coughs, tuberculosis, arthritis, and promoting hair growth.

Common Names

• Nettle
• White Nettle
• Hemp Nettle
• Common Nettle
• Greater Nettle
• Stinging Nettle
• Devil’s Leaf

Latin Name

• Urtica dioica

Uses

Nettle is commonly used for:

• Alleviating hay fever symptoms (sneezing, itching)
• Treating urinary tract infections and kidney stones
• Increasing urination
• Addressing premenstrual bloating and excessive menstrual bleeding
• Relieving early symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Application

Historically, nettle has been applied topically to relieve arthritis pain. While this method has not been proven effective, it is generally considered safe, albeit somewhat painful.

Scientific Insights

There is an ongoing debate regarding the active constituents in nettle. Many researchers suggest that polysaccharides and lectins may be the primary components, but this remains uncertain.

Side Effects and Cautions

• The FDA has not evaluated Nettle for safety, effectiveness, or purity.

Sources

• Information was accessed from Drugs.com and Wikipedia.

This summary encapsulates the key points about nettle, its uses, and considerations regarding its safety and efficacy.