Nettle - medicinal properties and contraindications. Nettle root medicinal and beneficial properties Healing properties of nettle for the body

Nettle is a plant with healing properties that almost everyone knows. Many people remember those “indescribable” sensations from a nettle burn. The plant is found almost everywhere in the country, especially in forests, ravines, and on the banks of rivers and streams. Due to its widespread distribution, it received the “title” of a weed.

Application

In folk medicine, the herb is indispensable; with its help, an incredible number of ailments are treated. Official medicine recognizes the healing properties of the plant; therefore, today many preparations contain nettle. But nettle is used not only in medicine.

Due to its taste properties, soups, salads, and sauces are prepared from it. Widely used in cosmetology, few people do not know about the beneficial effect of the herb on. And in ancient times, sails were made from nettle fabric, ropes and ropes were made. It was believed that evil spirits were very afraid. In a word, the plant is unique.

Beneficial properties of the root

It is also surprising because almost all parts of the plant are used: leaves, seeds, stems, roots. In medicine, I most often use leaves and roots, both fresh and dried.

What properties does nettle root have:

contains a substance that enhances the production of interferons, which protect our body from various viruses;
have a strong diuretic and choleretic effect;
pronounced expectorant effect;
healing properties;
has an anti-inflammatory effect;
a strong stimulant and tonic;
hemostatic agent for all kinds of bleeding (uterine, nasal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal);
cleanses the blood.

Moreover, medicinal remedies from the roots are often more effective than those from the leaves of the plant. The range of diseases for which nettle root is used is huge:

ulcers, worms, furunculosis;
bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, prostatitis;
impotence, anemia, asthma.

And this is not a complete list. Specific and female diseases have been treated with nettles for a long time, long before the advent of official medicine. It is not only used to treat various diseases, but is actively used as a means of raising general tone and giving strength. The rich vitamin and mineral composition allows it to be such a popular and widely used remedy.

Benefits and harms of the root

Having a rich set of microelements in its chemical composition, nettle can have the most beneficial effect on the human body.

Benefit

Vitamin K is responsible for increased blood clotting and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Ascorbic acid is contained in nettles even in greater quantities than in currants, and in combination with other trace elements contained in the plant, it has a beneficial effect on the bronchi. It is a means of preventing cardiovascular diseases.
The amount of carotene in nettle exceeds that of carrots, sea buckthorn and sorrel, which helps strengthen the retina.
A large amount of chlorophyll causes anti-radiation effects.
The bioflavonoids contained in nettle make it an effective remedy for asthma.
The content of potassium and calcium normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

This plant is often used as a means of normalizing metabolism and lowering blood sugar, so nettle is used in the complex fight against diabetes.

Interesting! Taking a nettle broom with you to the bathhouse can help you cope with radiculitis pain.

Harm

The drugs are contraindicated for people who have diseases such as:

varicose veins;
thrombophlebitis;
thick blood;
increased coagulability.

This is due to the fact that the drugs affect the blood and increase clotting. It is also not recommended for use for various kidney diseases, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Important! during pregnancy, because it can cause uterine tone.

Harvesting roots

Since the healing effect of the roots is higher, you can think about preparing this raw material. Before flowering begins, the roots are dug up. Thoroughly washed, crushed and dried, avoiding exposure to sunlight.

Then, as needed, nettle roots are brewed and nettle infusions are taken to combat ailments.

There are several ways to brew roots. Depending on the needs, the roots are soaked in water overnight, then boiled, and milk is used for cooking.

Traditional medicine recipes with nettle root

The choice of recipe depends on the ailment that needs to be dealt with.

Febrifuge

Take nettle roots, garlic, vodka in a ratio of 1:1:5. Pour vodka over garlic and nettles and leave for a week. This relieves fever and can also serve as a means of rubbing a cold.

To remove kidney stones

Medicinal collection required:

45 g calendula flowers;
25 g cornflower flowers;
15 g dandelion roots;
12 g nettle roots;
3 g sweet clover.

2 tbsp. l. Brew the herbal mixture into a thermos with boiling water, add a few tablespoons of sugar (if desired, replace sugar with honey, but add it to the cooled infusion), let it brew for several hours. Take the product 4-5 times a day, a whole glass 15 minutes before meals.

Decoction for liver diseases

You will need:

3-4 tbsp. l. crushed nettle;
1 tbsp. l. honey.

Pour half a liter of water over the nettle. Place the mixture on the stove, bring to a boil, then keep on low heat for another 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and filter through several layers of gauze. Add honey to the slightly cooled broth. Drink half a glass warm 4 times a day.

A good addition for treating the liver is a salad of nettle and dandelion leaves for breakfast, seasoned with kefir. To avoid “burning” the leaves need to be doused with boiling water, and the dandelion leaves should be kept in cold water for 20 minutes.

For acne

Nettle is an effective remedy for fighting acne. They use both external agents and decoctions for internal use.

Decoction for fighting acne:

Boil 1 tsp in a glass of milk. nettle roots.
Take 2 tbsp. l. throughout the day with an interval of 2 hours.

The fight should be waged from the inside and outside, using various nettle masks, decoctions for washing, powders and lotions.

3 tbsp. l. nettle;
1 liter of boiling water.

Prepare the decoction in a water bath for 15 minutes, allow to cool and use for washing. Also drink on an empty stomach 2 times a day.

Acne mask:

Olive oil, tea tree oil (a few drops), and a teaspoon of honey are added to dried nettle leaves.
Before applying the mask, the face is thoroughly cleansed.

For the treatment of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is treated with tincture of nettle roots:

1 kg of chopped roots;
half a liter of vodka.

The washed and chopped roots are placed tightly in a glass container and filled with vodka. Close the container and hide it in a dark place for two weeks. Every day the container needs to be taken out and shaken. The resulting product is taken orally, 1 tbsp. l. before bedtime. The tincture is also used to rub sore spots and give massages.

Interesting! It’s very good to use a nettle broom to clean sore spots!

Treatment of bronchitis

To combat bronchitis, prepare a decoction of nettle roots:

1 tbsp. l. dry roots;
300 ml boiling water.

The root is poured with boiling water and cooked in a water bath until the total volume of liquid has evaporated by a third. The broth is filtered and cooled. As a remedy for bronchitis, take 1 tbsp three times a day. l. before meals.

Asthma

For bronchial asthma, the decoction should be drunk every day:

1 tbsp. l. crushed nettle roots;
1 cup boiling water.

The roots are filled with water and boiled over low heat for 5 minutes, the broth is infused. Take 1 glass. This decoction will be more effective in combination with other traditional medicine.

Traditional medicine knows many recipes, but no matter how miraculous these or those plants are, you should not self-medicate. In matters of returning to health, a competent opinion is always required. Before deciding to use any product, consult your doctor.

A perennial herbaceous dioecious plant from the nettle family, 70-150 cm high, with a powerful long creeping rhizome. The stem is erect, branching in the upper part, slightly obtusely tetrahedral. The leaves are opposite, heart-shaped, simple, serrated, petiolate, with large stipules. The entire plant is covered with long, stinging hairs. The flowers are greenish, small, unisexual, collected in pendulous spike-shaped inflorescences. The fruits are ovoid nuts enclosed in the remaining perianth. Blooms from mid-June to autumn.

It is found in forest clearings, burnt areas, wastelands, ravines, near housing, mainly in forest and forest-steppe zones.

Stinging nettle is a valuable multivitamin. Young leaves contain twice as much ascorbic acid than its well-known source - black currant fruits, and the carotene content is higher than in sea buckthorn berries, carrot roots, and sorrel leaves.

Nettle preparations accelerate the process of blood clotting, increase the content of hemoglobin and red blood cells, improve metabolism, lower blood sugar, normalize the menstrual cycle, tone the muscles of the uterus and intestines, and have an anti-inflammatory and epithelializing effect. They are used for various internal bleeding (uterine, intestinal, pulmonary, renal), halo- and avitaminosis, anemia, subserous fibroids and weak involution of the uterus in the postpartum period, menopause, the initial stages of diabetes, rheumatism, habitual constipation. Externally, nettle is used as a rinse for sore throat, gingivostomatitis, periodontal disease and as a rub for baldness and seborrhea of the head.

The leaves are included in multivitamin, gastric and laxative preparations and the complex preparation allochol.

Nettle was known in folk medicine already in the 17th century. An aqueous infusion (daily dose of 3 tablespoons of crushed herb per 2 cups of boiling water) is used for diseases of the liver and biliary tract, bleeding, anemia, dropsy, constipation, hemorrhoids, diabetes mellitus, hysteria, epilepsy, fever, menstrual disorders, obesity, poor milk production nursing mothers.
A decoction of roots and rhizomes is recommended to drink as a blood purifier for acne, skin rashes, boils, and helminthic infestations. An aqueous infusion of flowers is used as an expectorant for coughs and bronchitis.

A strong infusion of leaves is used as a lotion for wounds, ulcers and burns, washing and rubbing for acne, lichen, dandruff, and hair loss. A decoction of the whole plant is used for compresses for tumors. The juice of fresh leaves is instilled into the nose for bleeding. Use brooms made from pre-boiled nettles to steam in saunas for lower back pain and articular rheumatism. Powder from dry leaves is sprinkled on ulcers and ulcers.

Nettle is widely used for preparing salads, soups, borscht, and pickles.

Treatment of diseases

Nettle root is used in the treatment of the following diseases:

Haemorrhoids
Diabetes mellitus
Dropsy
Hysteria
Worms
Epilepsy
Constipation
Seborrhea
Anemia
Furunculosis
Bronchitis
Furuncle
Bronchitis
Diabetes mellitus
Menstrual irregularities
Hysteria
Dropsy
Seborrhea
Haemorrhoids
Anemia
Epilepsy
Worms
Constipation
Furuncle
Furunculosis
Haemorrhoids
Diabetes mellitus
Dropsy
Hysteria
Menstrual irregularities
Worms
Epilepsy
Constipation
Seborrhea
Anemia
Furunculosis
Bronchitis
Furuncle
Haemorrhoids
Diabetes mellitus
Dropsy
Hysteria
Menstrual irregularities
Worms
Epilepsy
Constipation
Seborrhea
Anemia
Furunculosis
Bronchitis
Furuncle

Content

Nettle is a very useful plant - the medicinal properties and contraindications of its leaves, roots, and herbs are worth studying in more detail for proper use. Even as a weed, it is actively used for medicinal purposes. A peculiarity of the plant is the presence of burning hairs on almost the entire surface. Nettle is sold in pharmacies in different forms, and is often prepared independently. To achieve the effect, you need to know not only the contraindications and healing properties of nettle, but also the recipes for preparing products based on it.

What properties does nettle have?

Contraindications and medicinal properties of stinging and stinging nettle have been known since antiquity. The Greeks used its varieties to increase potency in men, the Romans - to relieve pain or warm up. Russian herbalists valued this burning weed for its minimum contraindications, hemostatic and wound-healing properties. To “burn out” the disease, it was customary to hit each other with nettles. The list of medicinal properties of this herb includes the following:

Thanks to the vitamin A content, it supports good vision;
helps in creating all the elastic structures of the body, connective tissue;
acts as an antioxidant due to the large amount of vitamin C;
helps speed up calorie burning;
thins the blood, which is useful for varicose veins;
speeds up metabolism;
reduces the amount of sugar in the blood in the treatment of diabetes;
in the form of masks eliminates skin inflammation;
increases hemoglobin content;
increases lactation of lactating women.

Chemical composition

The medicinal properties and contraindications of the plant are manifested due to its rich chemical composition, which contains vitamins, sets of micro- and macroelements, and amino acids. They have a general strengthening effect, so this herb is even used to prevent various diseases. It includes 9 out of 10 essential acids, which, in the absence of contraindications, ensures the maintenance of intellectual and physical performance at a high level. The chemical composition contains:

protein;
lignin;
fiber;
carbohydrates;
threonine;
glycine;
calcium;
beta carotene;
cystine;
potassium;
magnesium;
nickel;
cobalt;
manganese;
zinc;
iron;
copper.

Application

Traditional medicine uses all parts of nettle: leaves, stems, roots. The pharmaceutical industry offers several medicinal products based on this plant:

Liquid extract. It is a tincture of plant leaves with the addition of 70% ethyl alcohol.
Filter packages. Used for brewing nettle teas.
Briquettes from leaves. They are crushed compressed raw materials. It is filled with water, then left to infuse for 10 minutes, after which it is filtered.
Dried leaves, seeds or roots. They are often used to strengthen hair.
The drug Allohol. It is an extract of nettle with garlic, activated carbon and dry animal bile. Used as a laxative or choleretic agent.

What are the benefits of nettle for the body?

Even with a number of contraindications, the plant has many medicinal properties. Different parts contain specific substances that have a specific effect on human health. Due to the small number of contraindications, leaves, roots or seeds are used in medicine. In general, they have the following effects on the body:

normalize lipid metabolism;
increase blood clotting;
have a diuretic effect;
increase intestinal tone;
have an anti-inflammatory effect;
thanks to phytoncides, a bactericidal effect is manifested;
improve respiratory and cardiac activity;
accelerate tissue healing;
increase hemoglobin;
stimulate and tone, activate metabolism..

Leaves

Stinging leaves contain a large amount of ascorbic acid, beneficial microelements, B vitamins, and organic acids. The main medicinal substance is chlorophyll, due to which nettle leaves have a general strengthening and restorative effect. In addition, they enhance the activity of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Infusions or decoctions of the leaves are effective for acne due to their antiseptic and wound-healing effects. Nettle green tea helps in the treatment of anemia, gout, nervous disorders, cough, bronchitis, and suffocation.

Root

The roots of this plant also have medicinal properties. Syrup or tincture of them activates the functioning of the gallbladder and liver, improves appetite, and has a mild laxative effect. The root has a choleretic effect. This is especially useful for liver diseases. The root also enhances the production of interferon, which protects the body from the penetration of viruses.

Seeds

The seeds contain about 78% linoleic acid, oils, and flavonoids. As for their benefits, they are effective for improving potency and strengthening erections. In addition, nettle and prostate adenoma are treated, as well as a number of other diseases of the male reproductive system. Main medicinal properties of seeds:

normalize the female monthly cycle;
relieve swelling;
stop internal and external bleeding;
exhibit antihistamine effects;
increase performance.

Healing properties of nettle

The medicinal properties of nettle are very numerous, and there is a small list of contraindications, so treatment with it is effective for diseases of different body systems. The benefits of the plant include the following effects:

improved kidney function;
increased uterine tone;
eliminating constipation;
decreased stomach acidity;
stops hemoptysis in tuberculosis;
relieves itching due to allergies;
narrows the walls of blood vessels;
stimulates the muscles of the heart.

Decoction

For external or internal use, you can use nettle decoction. It is prepared from seeds, leaves or roots. Externally, the decoction is used in the form of baths, warm poultices, lotions or compresses. It is effective in cases of lichen, eczema, burns, and urticaria. Taking the decoction internally is useful for hemorrhoids, furunculosis, swelling, and heart pathologies. For a healthy person, this remedy can be used to prevent vitamin deficiency.

The ability of nettle infusion to stop bleeding is ensured by a large amount of vitamin K. If you add additional lingonberries during brewing, you will get an excellent antibacterial agent. Other properties of nettle infusion:

restores hair strength and shine;
fights fungal infections;
strengthens hair follicles;
soothes muscle pain and headaches.

Infusion

Heat treatment leads to the destruction of some medicinal components, so nettle infusion is much more beneficial. The grass or roots are infused with an alcohol base, leaving for several days at room temperature in a place protected from light. The finished product can be used for compresses to relieve pain. They even rub the infusion to warm the extremities.

Syrup

You can find this remedy at the pharmacy or make it yourself. In the latter case, honey is additionally used for preparation. The finished syrup is effective in gynecology in women with uterine bleeding and infertility. It also helps in strengthening the body after childbirth, with vitamin deficiency and hormonal imbalances. In general, this remedy has a general strengthening and multivitamin effect.

Juice

Young shoots and fresh nettle leaves are passed through a juicer. Drinking fresh juice improves blood clotting, helps strengthen the body and speed up metabolism. In addition, this product has a hemostatic and expectorant effect. Nettle juice can be used as a mouth rinse, nasal drops or as a lotion on wounds, trophic ulcers, bedsores or burns.

Nettle treatment

The beneficial properties of nettle are used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases of almost all body systems. The form in which the herb will be used depends on the specific pathology. Stinging nettle is used to prepare decoctions, tinctures, juice or syrup. Each of them is taken according to a specific scheme, so that the course of treatment has a truly positive effect.

For liver diseases

To treat liver diseases, nettle is used in the form of decoctions. They can have different concentrations, so the cooking recipes also differ:

Steam 1 tablespoon of leaves with a glass of boiling water and boil for 1 minute. Infuse the product for about half an hour. Take 1-2 tbsp after each meal.
Prepare 2 tbsp. dry raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water, then simmer for another 15 minutes in a water bath. When finished, let stand for 1 hour, strain and drink 100 ml before each meal.

For joint diseases

Take a glass jar and fill it with leaves without compacting it. Pour enough vodka on top so that it covers all the grass to the top. Leave for 12 days in a dark place, shake periodically. Use before bed for rubbing and compresses.
Pass enough leaves through a meat grinder to make 4 tbsp. juice Next add 4 tbsp to it. port wine, 2 tbsp. birch sap and 4 ice cubes. Divide the resulting cocktail into 2 servings to drink throughout the day.

For stomach ulcers

In case of exacerbation of gastric ulcer or gastritis, treatment with nettle infusion is indicated. You can prepare it in different ways:

Pour 1 tbsp with a glass of boiling water. fresh leaves, simmer them in a water bath for about 10 minutes, cool until warm. Use 1 tbsp before meals. up to 4 times during the day.
Mix mint, St. John's wort, knotweed and nettle in equal proportions. About 4 tbsp. Pour the resulting mixture with a liter of boiling water and leave for a couple of hours. Take a teaspoon of the product 4 times a day before each meal, diluting with 100 ml of water.

For dandruff

In cosmetology, in case of hair loss, weakening and dullness or dandruff, it is very useful to rinse your hair after washing with nettle infusions. They are prepared according to the following recipes:

Pour a bunch of dried or fresh herbs with cold water and boil for 3-5 minutes over low heat. Cool to a comfortable temperature, then rinse your hair with the broth after shampooing.
Pour 2 tbsp into a container. crushed leaves, add half a liter of boiling water. Leave the product for half an hour, then pour in 5 tbsp. vinegar and strain the solution. Rinse your hair with the broth every evening, then wrap it until completely dry.

From heel spurs

Pour a small amount of water into 2 tbsp. starch, add 2 tbsp. dried nettles. Fill the container with 2 liters of hot water. Soak your feet in the resulting mixture for 15 minutes, then wipe and roll a small elastic ball with your feet.
Take May nettle and pass it through a meat grinder. Next, put the resulting pulp on a burdock leaf, make a compress from it on the sore spot, secure with a bandage and leave overnight. Repeat the procedures for 2 weeks.

For nervous diseases

Nettle infusion stimulates the nervous system. The following options for preparing such a remedy are considered more effective:

Wash and dry the young shoots of the plant, chop them finely and put them in a jar. Pour in cold boiled water and cover with gauze on top. Let it brew for 10 hours at room temperature. Use 0.5 tbsp. up to 3 times a day.
Take a tablespoon of nettle seeds and add a glass of water. Boil the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Let stand for 1 hour, then add a spoonful of honey. Drink half a glass of the product before bed.

To boost immunity

There are several recipes for folk remedies to strengthen the immune system. Among them, the following receive especially good reviews:

Take about 200 g of young nettle, add half a liter of vodka or 70% alcohol to it. Wrap a cloth around the neck of the jar, leave it on the windowsill for a day, then put it in a dark place for 8 days. Strain, take 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast and another one before bed.
Mix raisins, nettles and rose hips in equal parts. Take 2 tbsp. means, pour 2 cups of boiling water, boil for another 10 minutes. After 4 hours, strain. Drink half a glass up to 4 times a day.

To thicken the blood

It is useful to add this plant to soups, main courses and salads. In spring and summer, the following recipes can be used to thicken the blood:

Take the nettle stem and leaves, rinse and dry, then grind through a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice and take several spoons a day.
Prepare 1 tbsp. dry herb, add a glass of boiling water to it, leave for a couple of hours. Next, strain and take 3-4 tbsp. during the day.

For radiculitis

In the treatment of radiculitis, this herb is often used externally as compresses and rubbing. For this purpose, products based on this plant are prepared as follows:

Wash and dry fresh nettles, then finely chop and place in a half-liter jar. Fill it to the brim with vodka, then put it in a cool, dark place for 3 weeks. At night, rub the problem area with the prepared product.
Take a few nettle leaves, wash and dry them, then chop and mix with hot capsicum and petroleum jelly in a ratio of 2:1:1. Rub the resulting ointment onto your lower back up to 2 times a day. The course of treatment lasts until the pain disappears completely.

Contraindications

Any medicinal plants have a number of contraindications. Using them in some cases can cause harm to the body. The main contraindications to the use of this plant are:

therapy with antidepressants and drugs against insomnia;
hypertension;
plant intolerance;
severe kidney disease;
varicose veins;
first trimester of pregnancy;
thrombophlebitis;
atherosclerosis;
increased blood clotting;
bleeding due to a uterine tumor, cyst or polyp.

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Stinging nettle is a fairly unpleasant herb, but taking unserrated tablets orally has a moderately strong anti-inflammatory effect that may relieve a runny nose. Does not increase testosterone, despite the fact that this has been stated, although it may have a beneficial effect on prostate adenoma and pathological changes in urination.

Properties of nettle

Also known as: stinging nettle, nettle root, common nettle, nettle (Ortica), nettle (Tsuknida) Note:

Quite a few studies have included numerous other plants in addition to nettle, so the observed beneficial effects cannot be attributed to stinging nettle alone.

Apparently rubbing stinging nettle leaves on painful joints (although supplements are made from the roots due to the high levels of active ingredients) may help with joint pain

Variety:

Testosterone booster

Stinging nettle: application

120 mg of stinging nettle (root) taken three times daily (360 mg total) has been associated with benefits for prostate adenoma. For allergies, the dosage studied is 300 mg of freeze-dried nettle leaves twice daily. The evidence is stronger for nettle root and prostate hypertrophy than for nettle leaf and allergies.

Sources and structure

Background information

Stinging nettle, also known as stinging nettle in the nettle family, is a common plant often used for "men's health"; Usually its beneficial effects relate to the prostate gland and urinary tract. It originally grew in Africa and some regions of Asia, but today it is widespread in all temperate zones of the continents. Sometimes used to stimulate hair growth and lactation, and also prevent uterine bleeding after childbirth.

Structure

As an herbal supplement, stinging nettle contains many nutrients. These include:

The active ingredient is considered to be beta-sitosterol; is a docosterol molecule after glucose is separated from it. There is some doubt whether it is an active molecule or not, as the total amount of beta-sitosterol is less than 0.01%, with the isolated beta-sitosterol having the most effective effect on prostate health (most widely used stinging nettle) at a dose above 60 mg.

Interaction with hormones

Testosterone

In a study of 558 patients with prostate adenoma, no statistically significant differences were found when testosterone levels were measured between the experimental group and the control group, which took 120 mg three times a day. One study in rats noted an increase in serum testosterone levels associated with stinging nettle, but all experimental groups also consumed testosterone. Stinging nettle further increased circulating testosterone levels, however, through inhibition of a5-reductase. In addition, stinging nettle root also contains aromatase inhibitors, which may explain this effect. In addition, stinging nettle lignans conflict with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and prevent their joint action with estrogens and androgens. A 10% hydroalcoholic extract can reduce the binding of dihydrotestosterone to SHBG by up to 67%, with a slightly less potent effect observed for the aqueous extract. Inhibition is dose-dependent in vitro. The isolated lignans remain potent, inhibiting and even replacing dihydrotestosterone due to SHBG up to 60% (secoisolariciresinol), 73% (enterofuran) and 95% (-)-3,4-divanylyltetrahydrofuran). Stinging nettle may possibly increase testosterone levels, but one study conducted in rats failed to answer this question, and results from human studies remain negative. To date, there is no positive evidence that stinging nettle can increase testosterone levels.

Interaction with organ health

Prostate

A large clinical study of 558 patients found that stinging nettle was able to relieve urinary difficulty associated with prostate cancer when taken at a dose of 120 mg daily three times a day. Stinging nettle can also reduce the size of the prostate gland, but at the same time has no effect (beneficial or negative) on circulating testosterone levels. Similar results have been found in other studies, although they were complicated by the presence of other nutrients such as sabal fruit or saw palmetto. In studies in which use was continued beyond the study period, benefits were observed over a long period of time without increased side effects. At least in rats, relief of decreased urinary intensity was also observed due to the isolated active substance, beta-sitosterol. This effect may be due to stinging nettle extract, which is able to act as a 5a-reductase inhibitor, preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, with an IC50 value in the range of 0.12-0.32 mg in vitro depending on the extraction method (oil and alcohol extracts have the greatest potency); approximately 10 times less active than finasteride. Prostate size can be reduced by inhibiting the prostatic conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The isolated beta-sitosterol has a similar potency to stinging nettle when increased to approximately 60 mg and may represent a prostate active ingredient. The dose of beta-sitosterol found in stinging nettle is, however, lower than that stated above. The related compounds campesterol, sigmasterol and stimast-4-en-3-one may also be active ingredients by inhibiting the prostatic sodium/potassium pump.

Interaction with inflammation

Mechanisms

Stinging nettle has the ability to act as a cyclooxygenase (1 and 2) inhibitor and may also inhibit hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase; three types of anti-inflammatory action. The IC50 value for COX inhibition is 160+/-47 µg/ml for COX-1 and 275+/-9 µg/ml for COX-2.

Local application

Some human studies have looked at the topical use of stinging nettle for its ability to relieve joint pain. One exploratory (non-intervention) study suggested that topical use of stinging nettle was beneficial, while double-blind intervention studies on this issue resulted in conflicting results; Stinging nettle leaves applied to the thumb were significantly more effective than placebo, while their effect on knee pain was no different from placebo. Better results than leaves have been obtained with stinging nettle root cream, but there is only one study on this.

Oral in vivo administration

One osteoarthritis study that examined oral stinging nettle and found benefit was confounded by concomitant fish oil supplementation. Mixed effects were found for inflammatory biomarkers. One study noted a decrease in oral IL-6 levels in type II diabetics, while another noted an increase in IL-6 levels when baseline levels were below normal. Additionally, the former study found no significant effect on TNF-a, while the latter noted decreased TNF-a secretion in response to lipopolysaccharide supplementation. It is possible that stinging nettle may have immune-boosting effects, but there is currently no evidence to support this claim. Has anti-inflammatory potential, but human studies are poor and vary too widely when methods of application are compared. More studies are needed with a constant, same dose.

Effects on the sinuses

Allergic rhinitis

Stinging nettle is used as a natural alternative for clearing allergens from the sinuses. This use of stinging nettle is not associated with any side effects. One double-blind study examining the effects of stinging nettle on allergic rhinitis found that a 600 mg dose was able to relieve side effects associated with allergic rhinitis and that 48% of people considered it better than other over-the-counter medications (not shown). This effect is due to anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In particular, stinging nettle is a histamine antagonist and inhibits mast cell tryptase; two mechanisms of action considered anti-allergenic. IC50 values were 251+/-13 µg/ml (antagonism) and 193+/-71 µg/ml (negative agonism) for histamine receptor and 172+/-28 µg/ml for mast cell inhibition. Other anti-inflammatory effects of stinging nettle, such as inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2, may also explain the effect against sinusitis.

Safety and toxicology

General information

The 50% lethal dose of aqueous extract of stinging nettle in the form of an injection is 1.72 g/kg body weight; it increases to 1.93 g/kg when using the root extract. Oral administration of 1.31 g/kg was well tolerated in rats.

Allergic reactions and irritation

The leaves of stinging nettle are called "stinging nettle" because they burn when touched to the skin. The leaves mechanically irritate the skin, with the body's response to release factors that cause itching, dermatitis (rash) and urticaria (rash) within seconds. The leaves also contain various chemical irritants such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, acetylcholine, histamine, formic acid and leukotrienes. For the most part, temporary contact with stinging nettle is harmless, although it can cause irritation. Despite the irritation, a traditional remedy is to apply stinging nettle leaves to painful joints to relieve pain. Three studies have examined this method of administration and found mixed results. Subjects reported that the leaves were irritating, but not enough to be considered a deterrent.

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List of used literature:

Nahata A, Dixit VK. Ameliorative effects of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Andrologia. (2012)

Nettle is a herbaceous perennial plant of the nettle family. This medicinal plant has long been used as diuretic, wound-healing, restorative, expectorant and vitamin remedy.

In folk medicine, nettle leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots are traditionally used. Nettle seeds help with kidney stones and stomach pain, and an infusion of its flowers is effective for skin diseases.

Indications for use of nettle root

In folk medicine, nettle root is an indispensable remedy used to treat a large number of diseases. It is used for the following diseases, as well as pathological conditions of the body:

high temperatures as an antipyretic;
kidney stones;
acne;
cholecystitis;
digestive disorders;
anemia;
osteochondrosis;
bronchitis;
asthma;
iron deficiency anemia;
diseases of the stomach and duodenum;
bleeding, etc.

Description of nettle root

Nettle root is used in folk medicine either fresh or dried. This plant has the following healing properties:

Stimulates the body's production of interferons that protect it from viruses;
Has a pronounced choleretic and diuretic effect;
Heals wounds;
Has an expectorant effect;
It is a tonic and stimulant;
It has a hemostatic effect, therefore it is useful for gastrointestinal, pulmonary, as well as nasal and uterine bleeding;
Cleanses the blood.

Properties of nettle root

Nettle root reduces blood sugar and normalizes metabolic processes, so it is used as part of complex therapy in the treatment of diabetes.

It also produces an anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes heart function and the condition of blood vessels, has a beneficial effect on the bronchi due to its expectorant effect, helps the body fight viruses, heals wounds, and has a choleretic and diuretic effect.

Compound

Nettle root contains the following components:

Vitamin K, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and increases blood clotting.
Ascorbic acid, which is contained in nettles even more than in currants, has a beneficial effect on the bronchi and cardiovascular system.
A large number of chlorophyll, which has an anti-radiation effect;
Bioflavonoids, relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi and helping with asthma;
Calcium and potassium, normalizing the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Mode of application

Pour a tablespoon or two sachets of the product into a glass of boiling water, then leave for half an hour. The resulting decoction should be taken half a glass several times a day. The same decoction can also be used externally.

Contraindications

Since nettle root has an effect on the blood, it is contraindicated for people who have thick blood, increased blood clotting, as well as those who suffer from thrombophlebitis or varicose veins. In addition, taking nettle root decoctions is not recommended for kidney disease, atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Where can I buy?

You can order and buy nettle root at an affordable price in our online store. The courier will deliver the goods to your address in Moscow or the near Moscow region. We ship goods to other regions by mail. In the capital, nettle root and other medicinal herbs are also sold in Russian Roots herbal pharmacies. We welcome your feedback!

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