Health benefits of stinging nettle leaf
Urtica dioica
Nettle leaf: anti-rheumatic, antiallergic, depurative, styptic (hemostatic), counter-irritant (topically, fresh leaves). Nettle leaves contain flavonol glycosides (especially rutin), sterols, scopoletin (isolated from the flowers), chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins (including C, B group, K1), minerals, plant phenolic acids (especially chlorogenic and 2-O-caffeoylmalic acids). The stinging hairs contain amines, including histamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. This herb contains a component known as quercetin, which helps in reducing in inflammation of the nasal passage caused due to sinus. Stinging Nettle is also rich in anti-histamines which help in clearing the congestion of the nasal passage and chest, thereby providing relief from symptoms of sinus congestion.
Detoxifies the BodyThe wide range of beneficial nutrients found in stinging nettle makes it an ideal detoxifier for the body and it has been known to gently cleanse the body of toxins. As a diuretic, it can also ensure that the toxins being neutralized in the body are eliminated quickly, says the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. It helps improve the nutrient uptake efficiency of the gut and ensures that the digestive processes run smoothly, thereby preventing the accumulation of dangerous toxins. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, helping rid the body of excess toxins in the kidneys as well.Aids in Pregnancy |
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Stinging nettle tea is often suggested for women who are undergoing excessively painful labor. In addition, it helps to protect against excessive bleeding with labor, as it can act as a coagulant. Furthermore, it will help stimulate the production of milk and make lactation easier. A study by Dr. Rachel Emma Westfall, Centre for Environmental Health Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Canada, has listed stinging nettle as one of the herbal medicines to be used in pregnancy and childbirth. Promotes Feminine HealthStinging nettle has a number of active components that affect feminine health. For painful premenstrual symptoms, it can give relief from cramping and bloating, while also minimizing blood flow during menstruation due to its astringent capabilities. For women undergoing menopause, stinging nettle can smooth the transition and act as a restorative aid, so the hormonal shift isn’t as dramatic in the body. Improves CirculationThe combination of high vitamin C and iron content in stinging nettle makes it ideal for stimulating red blood cell production. Vitamin C optimizes iron uptake in the gut, while the iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin. By increasing the RBC count and the blood circulation, as well as speeding up wound recovery, the body’s extremities receive essential oxygenation to boost energy levels. For the same reason, stinging nettle is often recommended to relieve fatigue or anemia, which is characterized by general muscle weakness, exhaustion, cognitive difficulties, and headache.Prevents Kidney StonesStinging nettle has long been known as a diuretic, but it also affects the kidneys in a different way. It has nephritic qualities, meaning that it can help break down stones in the kidney and gallbladder. This prevents those painful conditions from worsening or requiring those stones to be either passed or surgically removed. Also, as a diuretic, stinging nettle helps eliminate toxins quickly, thereby protecting against bladder infections and excess fluid retention (edema). Furthermore, it also aids in preventing urinary tract infection, according to a study published in Elsevier’s Phytomedicine journal. Anti-inflammatoryStinging nettle is a stimulant and rubefacient substance, making it very effective against various inflammatory conditions. Researchers from Germany in their study have revealed that the herb can treat rheumatic arthritis and chronic muscle pain. Furthermore, stinging nettle tea or herbal supplementation can also effectively treat gout. Strengthens BonesAlthough we don’t hear much about boron, it is still an important mineral found in stinging nettle. Boron has been linked to maintaining calcium content in our bones, which means that stinging nettle can help to slow the onset of osteoporosis. When you combine that effect with the hormone-regulating impact that stinging nettle has, which helps to regulate and monitor bone health as well, it seems like this herb truly can do it all. Treats Respiratory IssuesStinging nettle has also been connected to the treatment of a variety of respiratory conditions, including hay fever, asthma, and other seasonal allergies. Also, certain extract combinations from stinging nettle can significantly reduce allergic reactions. This is confirmed in a study conducted by Dr. Randall Alberte, et al., Chief Scientific Officer of HerbalScience Group LLC, US. Regular consumption of its tea has been associated with curing asthma in Australia for generations. Protects Heart HealthIt only makes sense that this amazing cure-all herb would also be able to positively affect the heart. Research has revealed that regular consumption of stinging nettle tea can help to lower systolic blood pressure and relieve tension and stress on the cardiovascular system. Skin CareWhen the extracts are applied to the skin, stinging nettle has been proven to reduce the severity of acne and can even prevent bacterial infections. Due to its antioxidant properties, it can also speed healing, reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes, and promote anti-aging effects to reduce wrinkles and age spots. Is stinging nettle an antibiotic?in the scientific literature. The papers documented a positive effect of nettle for more than 30 Gram positive and Gram negative bacterias, yeasts and fungis. The medicinal use of nettle as an antimicrobial became the focus of research due to infectious diseases rapidly spreading in modern societies. Word of Caution: While many of these benefits seem miraculous, it is important to remember that some of these remedies for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and menstruation can also have a flip-side. Before adding such a potent and comprehensive herbal remedy to your diet, be sure to consult a physician and ensure that you won’t be complicating any ongoing treatments.
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