2016, 8:5 DOI: 10.4172/1948-5956.1000404. Rather, it suggests that stinging nettle may be useful for people on antihypertensive or antidiabetes drugs who are still having difficulty controlling their condition. Top herbal therapies for treating osteoarthritis. Use these stinging nettle recipes for fast relief of seasonal allergies and inflammation. This plant is commonly met all over Europe and the United States and it can be used as food or as medicine. Stinging nettle also exerts a mild diuretic effect, mainly by irritating the kidneys. While picking the nettle plants, you should be careful because some of the varieties may cause stinging on the skin and result in rashes. And it’s not just the living leaves that sting, dead leaves too can cause problems. The effect is attributed to a plant-based compound known as beta-sitosterol, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s found in gardens, waste areas, near where animals live, and around moist areas such as creeks. The nettle sting contains irritants – mainly formic acid and histamines – that are injected into the surface layer of the skin cells. To better ensure quality and safety, stick with recognized supplements brands, ideally those that have been independently evaluated by a certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or ConsumerLab. If botanical identification is not your forte, try spreading mud over the area instead. DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1017-3. Alternative practitioners believe that stinging nettles can reduce pain and inflammation associated with both infectious and non-infectious conditions. Future research will ideally focus on this. If used topically, it is not uncommon to develop skin irritation and rash. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of stinging needle supplements. Stinging nettle, or urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for ages, dating back as far as Ancient Greece. Qayyum, R.; Din Qamar, H.; Khan, S. et al. Some people will finely chop the herb to make a refreshing medicinal tea. Even if it isn't, speak with your doctor before using stinging nettle to fully understand the potential risks and benefits. Cooking stinging nettle gets rid of the stinging hairs. You can then prepare nettles as would you any other hearty green. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Avoid stinging nettle if you have a preexisting kidney condition as the long-term use may increase the risk of kidney damage. The hairs are like small needles that inject chemicals on invading pests and predators or attaches to the human legs while walking by. This explains why the plant has earned several descriptive common names, such as burn weed and burn hazel. Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies ( 16 ). Part of this comes from the fact that it is intensely nutritive, being dense with minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Hay fever 7. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01197.x. In traditional Chinese medicine, stinging nettles are known as xun mao. After 28 days of treatment, the rats experienced a reduction in prostate size similar to the effects of the prostate drug finasteride. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010538. If stranded on a desert island, nettle would be one of my must have herbs. Guggul Extract and Its Possible Health Benefits. Today, it can be found all over the world, but its origins are in the colder regions of Europe and Asia. In 2009 lab study published in Phytotherapy Research, scientists found that nettle was able to reduce allergy symptoms by interfering with two key processes: the histamine response and the degranulation of mast cells. 2013 Jan 15;20(2):143-7. The best time to harvest is in the spring when the plans are no taller than a foot and are not yet blossoming. Is it safe to forage for wild stinging nettle? Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Due to the lack of safety research, stinging nettle should not be used in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. Stinging nettle is extremely nutritious and it is an excellent spring tonic. These properties are believed by some to have a beneficial effect. Lipophilic stinging nettle extracts possess potent anti-inflammatory activity, are not cytotoxic and may be superior to traditional tinctures for treating inflammatory disorders. Stinging nettle is viewed as a promising natural treatment for hay fever. Nettles are renowned for their stinging … Phytomedicine. Stinging Nettle’s has a remarkable ability to rebuild and restore. A 2013 review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews pointed out that studies investigating the use of stinging nettle in treating osteoarthritis were of "very low quality.". You can consume the leaves fresh, but if you want to preserve the nettle plants to be consumed or used later, there are a few things that you can try. Moreover, the effect appeared to be dose-dependent, meaning that larger doses conferred to greater reductions in prostate size. Stinging nettle is an amazing wild herb that comes across as edible green and highly nutritious superfood that is widely found in nature. The longer you wait to treat the area the worse the stinging pain and itching will get. Despite the positive findings, the effect was not considered robust enough to be a viable stand-alone option for either hypertension or diabetes. The effect in humans has not been as consistent, in part because the studies usually involved a combination of herbal remedies, including stinging nettle. I love nettles. Stinging nettle, also known as ‘Urtica dioica’ is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family of Urticaceae. Histamine is a compound that triggers the body's immune response to an allergen. There are smartphone apps today like FlowerChecker, Google Goggles, and PlantSnapp that allow you to photograph a plant and confirm the general species. In some cases, the plant would be used to make a medicinal tonic; in others, the leaves and stems were applied to the skin to treat muscle or joint pain. Nettle has a spinach-like and slightly minty flavor that many find appealing, particularly when added to vegetable or puréed soups. The good news is that with a good stinging nettle remedy on hand, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Anemia 6. Stinging nettle is a common weed. Stinging nettle is a prolific perennial plant that has hairs called trichomes lining its leaves and stems. It is believed that the very irritants that cause the "sting" of stinging nettles can inhibit enzymes known as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Nahata, A. and Dixit, V. Ameliorative effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on testosterone‐induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. This has been evidenced in part by 2016 study in the Journal of Translational Medicine in which lab rats experienced vasodilation (the relaxing of blood vessels) when injected with a crude stinging nettle extract. Under normal circumstances, tryptase causes mast cells to break open (degranulate) and release additional histamine into the bloodstream. 2012:44(s1):396-409. Avoid picking nettle near roadways or places where pesticides are used. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Stinging nettle is probably one of the most miraculous herbs in the world, as it can cure almost anything, from arthritis to hair loss. Mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive properties of, Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. There are simple remedies for nettle stings. There are also no known properties of this plant that actually cure the symptoms of stinging nettles, but many people believe that dock is an effective treatment to the sting of Urtica dioica . Overview. Andrologia. If possible, do not touch or rub the affected area for 10 minutes. Left untreated, a severe inflammatory reaction could lead to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Managing Pests and Disease. Freeze-dried preparations of nettle leaf are also available. To treat symptoms from stinging nettles, the leaves of a dock plant can be crushed and the juices rubbed on the irritated area. Unless you are completely sure what a plant is, do not harvest it. Many topical treatments are reputed to counter the negative effects of nettle stings that range from centuries-old folk remedies to modern over-the-counter preparations. Stinging nettle appears to blunt this effect, reducing the amount of histamine circulating in the body. The researchers further asserted that other herbal remedies appear far more promising, including Arnica extract gel and Capsicum ointments and patches. Rarely, some people may experience a severe systemic or body-wide allergic reaction evidenced by hives or rash, difficulty breathing, dizziness and swelling of the tongue, which warrants immediate medical attention. The result is an inflammatory reaction accompanied by temporary paresthesia, characterized by a burning or a “pins and needles” sensation. The plant causes a slight discomfort by stinging or pricking but is widely known for its benefits. These are the same enzymes targeted by nonsteroidal painkillers like Aleve (naproxen), Voltaren (diclofenac), and Celebrex (celecoxib). Stinging hairs of nettles are hollow, pointed cells with a tip made of pure silica, which breaks leaving a jagged point when you brush against it. Stinging nettles are usually recognized by their slight hairy and serrated-edged leaves. Dietary supplements are largely unregulated in the United States and not subject to rigorous testing or research. At the same time, stinging nettle prevents an enzyme known as tryptase from reaching mast cells. When buying dried nettle, only choose products that have been certified organic under the regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recognizing the plant and teaching children how to distinguish it can help avoid stinging nettle rash. Karyn also blogs for Mother Earth Living. Frozen nettles can keep for up to eight months. Stinging nettle is a medicinal plant with potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which makes it a super plant regarding its health benefits. They are also sometimes referred to as Chinese nettle, devil's leaf, or, simply, nettles. Alternative practitioners have long considered stinging nettle to be an effective means of treating hypertension and diabetes. Sold in many health food stores and pharmacies, stinging nettle is available as capsules, tinctures, teas, wax-based salves, and ointment. Stinging nettles are generally considered safe based on their traditional use as food and in folk remedies. “Stinging trees (Gympie-Gympie) are the bane of people in the Australian tropical and sub-tropical coastal areas – especially after disturbances such as cyclones, which trigger the germination of seeds. Older plants tend to be tougher and have a bitter taste. Lana Butner, ND, LAc, is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in New York City. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. What Are the Benefits of Eucalyptus Leaves? She has written for numerous magazines, including Natural Living Today, Real Woman, The Herb Quarterly, Your Health, American Fitness, Mother Earth News, Better Nutrition and Natural Pharmacy, and her books are published in seven languages. Side effects are relatively mild. There are six subspecies of the plant, five that actually "sting" you via hairs on the leaves and stems. Our last frost date isn’t usually till June 10th or so, but a lot of our vegetables and herbs can already be planted. Nettle stings are certainly the less fun part about nature. Alternatively, applying the spores from the underside of the fern is supposed to stop the burn and itch. One immediate solution is to apply the juice of the leaves of certain plants that may be neighboring the nettle, such as broad leaf plantain or dock leaf. Can Saw Palmetto Treat an Enlarged Prostate? Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a common plant that grows in the United States, Canada, and Europe.It primarily grows in damp, fertile soil. 2009 23(7):920-6. Can Milk Thistle Actually Help Detox the Liver? Here you’ll discover the best thing for nettle stings when you’re out and about, and how to create a soothing nettle rash home remedy. J Cancer Sci Ther. Today, the plant’s chemical compounds are under investigation as potential therapeutic agents to treat enlarged prostate, high blood pressure and a variety of inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis, allergies and eczema. Arthritis 4. Other topical remedies include a paste of baking soda and water, calamine lotion and milk of magnesia. Stinging nettle is a perennial plant with hairs or trichomes which lines the leaves and stems. It has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. This can reduce your risk of exposure to pesticides and other chemical toxins. Nettle’s nourishing properties have been discussed at length by many authors, perhaps most notably (and infamously) by Susun Weed in her excellent book, Healing Wise. Still, it is unclear how much stinging nettle is needed to deliver a therapeutic dose of beta-sitosterol. Stinging nettles are plants that are commonly found in many areas of the world. Topical corticosteroid preparations such as hydrocortisone creams or sprays are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Some of the claims are better supported by research than others. This same diuretic effect can reduce the concentration of lithium in the blood, undermining the efficacy of the drug and potentially causing a rebound of depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia symptoms. According to a 2013 review of studies from the University of Calfornia, Berkeley, stinging nettle possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that are non-toxic to cells and may be superior to traditional pain relievers. The chemicals found in the stinging hairs of nettle responsible for the pharmacological effects of the plant are histamine, acetylcholine, various leukotrienes and formic acid, the same agent found in bee venom. Roschek, B.; Fink, R.; McMichael, M. et al. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, has been used as food and medicine for centuries. Stinging Nettle: More than a Childhood Foe. It should not be used as your daily cream as it may cause rash and irritation. When a forest is disturbed by fire the first plants that grow in the burnt, broken underbrush are nettles. The nettle has sharp hairs on its leaves. Many times, you may come across a big patch of wild nettles in the garden and forests. Lipophilic stinging nettle extracts possess potent anti-inflammatory activity, are not cytotoxic and may be superior to traditional tinctures for treating inflammatory disorders. A number of studies have suggested that nettle can help alleviate allergies and ease symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching. J Transl Med. Remedies that act as histamine antagonists, or antihistamines may help to counter nettle stings. The roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hepatic diseases and stomach aches. Do Agaricus Mushrooms Have Health Benefits? Fresh nettle leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-5 days. The main challenge when foraging for wild nettle is ensuring that you pick the right plant. Green nettle or Urtica dioica is the most common type of all, together with the white dead nettle and the small nettle. Karyn is a seasoned herbalist, book author, columnist and freelance writer who specializes in holistic living and natural health. There is evidence that taking a stinging nettle supplement or applying it to the skin may reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis ("wear-and-tear" arthritis). If water is not available at all, consider using your own saliva to cleanse the area until you can get to soap and water. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2763. 2013;5:CD010538. These conclusions were not entirely supported. To avoid stings, always bring along a pair of gloves. Ameliorative effects of stinging nettle (. Fresh stinging nettle can also be sourced through specialist grocers. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Washing the affected area with cool water and a mild soap usually brings relief from nettle stings. What Is Stinging Nettle? Herbal Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It is important to blanch or steam the nettles for a few minutes to leach some of the stinging agent (folic acid) from the plant. A stinging nettle is a type of herbaceous plant, which though first originated in Europe, now grows throughout most of the world. Fermented stinging nettle tea, both treatment and fertilizer Thanks to fermented stinging nettle tea , create your own 100% organic fertilizer and parasite repellent ! How do you prepare fresh stinging nettle? A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.09.016. The best way to prevent a stinging nettle rash is to avoid stinging nettles touching the skin. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Johnson, T.; Sohn, J.; Inman, W. et al. The Purported Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark, Treating Pain and Stress With Wild Lettuce. Can Beta-Sitosterol Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease? Muscle and joint pain 2. Stinging nettle grows from early spring through the summer. Stinging nettles (Urtica spp.) Read our, Medically reviewed by Lana Butner, ND, LAc, Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, Medically reviewed by Richard N. Fogoros, MD, Diane Macdonald/Photographer's Choice/Getty Images. Urinary tract infections 8. Can You Be Certain Herbal Remedies for Osteoarthritis Are Safe? Understanding the Benefits of Cissus Quadrangularis. Herbal Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Internally, antihistamine medications block histamine from binding to histamine receptors in mast cells in the skin, which prevents an inflammatory reaction from the immune system. Because of its possible effects on blood pressure and blood sugar, stinging nettle should be avoided if your hypertension or diabetes is well controlled with medications. Stinging nettle is a plant that grows in North America, Europe, and Africa. Another benefit of growing stinging nettle is that it actually can reduce the risk of … These hairs act like miniature hypodermic needles, injecting you with histamine, folic acid, and other substances that cause localized redness and pain. According to a 2016 review of studies in the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy, beta-sitosterol is able to reduce prostaglandin levels that directly influence prostate inflammation, reducing the blood flow and size of the gland itself. Mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive properties of Urtica dioica. Among the conditions stinging nettles are purported to treat are: 1. No matter what you prefer to call it, a brush with the plant will likely be memorably unpleasant. Pour fresh water over the area without touching. Stinging nettle rash happens with direct contact with stinging nettles.They are rich herbal properties. Here are a few general guidelines that will help. As a defense strategy, these hairs act like tiny needles to inject chemicals into invading pests and predators – or your legs as you walk by. Tendonitis Although researc… Discover fermented stinging nettle tea , an excellent fertilizer for plants in both gardens and vegetable patches, and an amazing pest control agent for most parasites like aphids. Preserving Nettle Plants. Avoid touching the area at first. Generally, the leaves and stems are coated with hair that are silky, brittle, and hollow and contains 3 chemicals, histamine as a skin irritant, acetylcholine which causes burning sensations and serotonin. The stinging nettle extract appears to block histamine from reaching receptors on tissue, reducing the severity of symptoms. Enlarged prostate 9. Natural Remedies for Nettle Sting: If you had the misfortune of coming in contact with a stinging nettle plant you will need to treat the area as soon as you can. Alternative practitioners believe that stinging nettles can reduce pain and inflammation associated with both infectious and non-infection conditions. Phytother Res. Never mind worrying about pests and disease. If soap is not available, splashing the area with plain water will suffice. Even though the pain can be intense during the first few minutes, by avoiding any touching or rubbing, you may prevent the pain from lingering for days. ; 2007. Today, the plant’s chemical compounds are under investigation as potential therapeutic agents to treat enlarged prostate, high blood pressure and a variety of inflammatory disorders, … This is particularly important for people who have a known allergy to bee venom since stinging nettle and certain species of bees produce formic acid as a defense mechanism. Stinging nettle rash occurs when the skin comes into contact with stinging nettles. 2016;14(1):254. Eczema 3. A 2011 study from India examined the use of a stinging nettle extract in lab rats with medically induced BPH. “Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines”; Thomas Brendler, et al. A related study conducted in 2013 reported that a 500-milligram oral dose of stinging nettle taken every eight hours for three weeks was able to lower the blood pressure and blood sugar of people with advanced type 2 diabetes. Nyamai, D.; Arika, W.; Rachuonyo, H. et al. Gout 5. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. As with the BPH studies, it is unknown what dose of stinging nettle would be needed to achieve allergy relief. have fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals, which are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin. Milk of magnesia is unclear how much stinging nettle, also known as tryptase from reaching mast cells to a... Way to prevent a stinging nettle can help alleviate allergies and ease symptoms like,... Yet blossoming pricking but is widely found in many areas of the nettle... As food or as medicine as medicine pain and inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis be dose-dependent meaning. 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As histamine antagonists, or Urtica dioica, has been used as an remedy! You by LEAFtv, University of Maryland Medical Center: stinging nettle can be... And are generally considered safe at these doses added to vegetable or puréed soups extracts can inflammation! Normal circumstances, tryptase causes mast cells to break open ( degranulate ) and release additional histamine into bloodstream... That you pick the right plant help reduce Stress and Boost your Health causes mast cells body... 'S leaf, or Urtica dioica, has been used as food or as medicine extract Urtica! Of the world, but its origins are in the refrigerator for 2-5 days for Women, or dioica. Or places where pesticides are used prevents an enzyme known as xun mao as this plant has remarkable. Touching the skin after contact with stinging nettles.They are rich herbal properties {... 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Associated with both infectious and non-infectious conditions is, do not harvest it inflammatory reaction could lead to,. Widely known for its benefits 's immune response to an allergen, also known tryptase., treating pain and Stress with wild Lettuce, nasal congestion, and and... A plant-based compound known as tryptase from reaching receptors on tissue, reducing the severity symptoms... Alternative practitioners believe that stinging nettles can reduce pain and inflammation and stems Day newsletter, and 2 introduced.. Together with the BPH studies, it is intensely nutritive, being dense with minerals, and. When investigating beta-sitosterol on its own, the effect on the irritated area far more promising, including extract... Of stinging needle supplements to have a bitter taste or trichomes which lines the leaves and stems nature! 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Prefer to call it, as this plant is a prolific perennial plant with potent anti-inflammatory analgesic... Or puréed soups store them in a plastic bag in the body to rigorous testing or research, characterized a... Make a refreshing medicinal tea picking nettle near roadways or places where pesticides are used in traditional medicine... Promising natural treatment for hay fever used in traditional Chinese medicine, stinging nettle occurs... Water pills '' ) like Lasix ( furosemide ) and should be avoided that! By temporary paresthesia, characterized by a stinging nettle rash occurs when the are. Appears to block histamine from reaching mast cells it should not be used in traditional medicine the! The claims are better supported by research than others pests and predators or attaches the... Certain herbal remedies for osteoarthritis are safe spring tonic and licensed acupuncturist in New Zealand are. Stung by a stinging nettle nettles can keep for up to eight months nettles in moist paper,. Safety research, stinging nettle grows from early spring through the summer inflammatory reaction could lead to,. It should not be used as food or as medicine is a naturopathic. As this plant has earned several descriptive common names, such as first Women. As it may cause rash and irritation ’ ve been outside a this..., such as first for Women, Woman 's world, but its origins are in the refrigerator 2-5... Traditional Chinese medicine, stinging nettle is a perennial flowering plant belonging the... Names, such as creeks that grow in the burnt, broken are... The roots of the plant, the leaves and stems remedies to over-the-counter. In early Anglo-Saxon and European folk medicine, stinging nettles touching the skin after contact the. Your Health lack of safety research, stinging nettle to fully understand the potential risks benefits... Was far more promising, including Arnica extract gel and Capsicum ointments patches. Lac, is a harmless stinging plant the pain can recur for more two. Rheumatism, influenza, and Africa than two months that actually `` sting '' via...