Nettle has been used in traditional medicine since at least the 1300s. If you spot this plant in nature, you’ll notice it’s covered in tiny stinging hairs called “trichomes”, which inject irritants through the skin when touched. This is why it’s also called stinging nettle. Despite this unfriendly welcome in the wild, when the plant is dried it loses its sting and contains many restorative properties to serve our entire body.
Herbalist David Hoffman wisely recommends, “When in doubt, choose nettle.” Most of us these days are not receiving the nutrients we need through our food on a daily basis and are walking around deficient and depleted. Nettle is an herb you can count on for optimal nourishment.
OVERVIEW
HOW IT WORKS WITH THE BODY
Nettle is one of the most nutritive herbs there is, containing HIGH amounts of Calcium, Chromium, Chlorophyll, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Protein, Selenium, Sulfur, all B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Zinc.
Boron is a compound in nettle that’s used for building strong bones, treating osteoarthritis and arthritis, building muscle, and for improving thinking skills and muscle coordination. Women sometimes use capsules containing boric acid, the most common form of boron, inside the vagina to treat or prevent yeast infections.
The diuretic action of removing excess water from the body makes it useful in the treatment of edema, arthritis with swollen joints, and congestive heart disease.
Nettle has been shown to inactivate and inhibit the H1 receptors (H1 blocking medications are used to treat allergies) and stabilize mast cells which prevents extra histamine being released in your body. This herb is incredible for seasonal allergies and conditions like MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome).
It rebuilds the adrenals and acts as a thyroid tonic.
It is a wonderful friend to new mothers by promoting milk flow and building blood, and during pregnancy to provide blood building nourishment to mom & baby.
Iron deficiency is common with both pregnancy and during menstruation, so nettle helps to replenish those levels.
For women, nettle decreases excessive menstrual bleeding, and mid cycle and menopausal spotting.
Nettle contains high amounts of silica, an important mineral that improves the integrity of connective tissues and quickly promotes tissue repair. Silica strengthens bones and can be used as a tonic to prevent osteoporosis and strengthen teeth. Ensuring sufficient silicic acid in the bloodstream hastens the healing of broken bones, torn tendons, cartilage, and injured muscles or joints. It also accelerates tissue healing after a surgical procedure.
It supports the digestive system and helps with food sensitivities and leaky gut, nourishes the liver, and decreases gastrointestinal inflammation.
Helps with respiratory infections such as bronchitis and cold + flu, pneumonia and asthma relief.
It helps to detoxify the body by supporting elimination organs.
Nettles anti-inflammatory actions helps to decrease pain, especially pain associated with chronic illness.
CAUTIONS
It’s always best to try new herbs in small amounts and to consult with your physician prior to taking any new herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
Check out our offerings that contain Nettle:
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical/health advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before taking any actions based upon such information, it is encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals. Please consult with your physician prior to the use of any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.