This herbaceous flowering plant may be considered as an annoyance to many when they brush against its sharp, stinging leaves, but for thousands of years, people around the world have used stinging nettle to treat a wide variety of health conditions. The scientific name of stinging nettle is Urtica dioica, and the plant is one of six subspecies within the Urtica genus. The native range of stinging nettle, also known as common nettle in some places, is extensive, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant itself is relatively small, rarely growing past five feet in height. The leaves and stems in some of the subspecies have long stinging hairs that inject an array of chemicals when touched, including histamine, formic acid, serotonin, and acetylcholine. This produces an irritating, uncomfortable sensation in the skin, which is why some of the other common names for stinging nettle are burn weed and burn nettle.

However, once you boil these stems and leaves, or extract the powerful oils, the stinging substances are neutralized and the real benefits of the plant can be enjoyed. Some cultures even make nettle soup or include it in cheese-making to add some healthy boosts to their meals. Stinging nettle leaves are most commonly brewed as a tea, which captures many of the most essential health benefits, but the plant can also be applied topically in the form of an oil extract. However, be sure to combine this natural oil with carrier oils, as it can be extremely potent. As more and more research is done on stinging nettle, it is becoming even more popular, as the diverse range of its proven medicinal effects is impressive, to say the least.

Health benefits

Despite its reputation for pain, stinging nettle is used to help a number of ailments. Studies have shown stinging nettle has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, astringent and analgesic capabilities.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, the plant has been used most commonly throughout history as a diuretic and for treating painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, it’s used primarily to treat urinary issues, as well as allergies and joint pain.

The most proven health benefits of using stinging nettle help with the following:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Urinary Issues

BPH symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra. BPH sufferers experience varying levels of increased urges to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, painful urination, post urination dripping and reduced urinary flow.

Doctors are still not entirely sure why stinging nettle alleviates some of these symptoms, but many clinical studies infer that it contains chemicals that affect the hormones that cause BPH. When taken, it also directly affects prostate cells. Stinging nettle root extract has also been shown to slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells.  It’s usually used in combination with saw palmetto and other herbs. The root of the plant is primarily used in connection with urinary issues.

Stinging nettle is used as a successful general diuretic and can help urine flow as well. It’s also used in home remedies for bladder infections.

Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis sufferers often experience joint pain, typically in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Nettle works alongside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to allow patients to decrease their NSAID use. Because prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause a number of serious side effects, this is an ideal pairing.

Studies also show that applying nettle leaf topically at the site of pain decreases joint pain and can treat arthritis. Nettle can also provide relief when taken orally. Another study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory power against other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Hay Fever

Histamine production in the body creates the adverse reactions related to allergies. Allergies cause uncomfortable congestion, sneezing, itching and more.

Stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory qualities affect a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, preventing hay fever symptoms if taken when they first appear. The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in allergy treatment, but there is history of using histamines to treat severe allergic reactions.

There is also evidence that in severe reactions, low plasma histamine levels (as opposed to high levels) are present. Another global study from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine found that stinging nettle use for allergy relief was rated higher than placebos in a 98-person, randomized, double-blind study.

Bleeding

Certain products containing stinging nettle have shown, when applied to the skin, can reduce bleeding during surgery. The product, called Ankaferd blood stopper, is made up of alpinia, licorice, thyme, common grape vine and stinging nettle, and has also shown evidence of reducing bleeding after dental surgery.

Eczema

Eczema is a dry, itchy rash that can last on sufferers for a very long time. Because of stinging nettle’s antihistamine and anti-inflammatory qualities, it can be a natural treatment for eczema, as the Penn State University College of Medicine study referenced above notes. Sufferers can use a combination of nettle taken orally to tackle the eczema internally, as well as a cream to provide relief from the rash’s itch and redness.

More research is needed, but stinging nettle is also said to:

Promote lactation

Stimulate hair growth

Help control blood sugar in patients with diabetes

Reduce bleeding connected to gingivitis

Treat disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract

Provide relief from water retention

Prevent or treat diarrhoea

Decrease menstrual flow

Provide asthma relief

Heal wounds

Treat haemorrhoids

Stimulate contractions in pregnant women

Treat insect bites

Treat tendonitis

Treat anemia

How to Use Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle can be harvested or products can be purchased from a local health food store. Before purchasing or making a stinging nettle product, it’s important to identify whether your ailment needs the aboveground parts or the roots, as they have different pharmacological qualities.

Stinging nettle products come in dried or freeze-dried leaf form, extract, capsules, tablets, as well as a root tincture (suspension of the herb in alcohol), juice or tea. There is currently no recommended dose, because so many stinging nettle products have varying amounts of active ingredients. Work with your doctor to determine the right dosage.

Some of the more common stinging nettle uses include:

Nettle Tea

Stinging nettle leaves and flowers can be dried, and the dried leaves can be steeped and made into a tea. There are many variations of nettle tea recipes that feature a number of other herbs like raspberry leaf, Echinacea or goldenseal.

Cooked Nettle

Stinging nettle leaves can be stemmed and cooked similar to spinach. Once cooked, they can be added to soup or stew. Nettle has also been pureed and used in recipes like polenta, green smoothies, salads and pesto.

When cooked, the nettle has a flavour similar to spinach mixed with cucumber. Cooked nettle is a great source of vitamins A, C, protein and iron.

Topical Nettle

Stinging nettle extract and root tinctures can be applied directly to joints and painful areas of the body. Stinging nettle is also available in cream form.

Stinging Nettle Capsules and Tablets

Stinging nettle capsules and tablets can be taken orally. There is inconclusive evidence on whether stinging nettle capsules or tablets for allergy relief are better ingested on an empty stomach or not. If there is concern about upset stomach and other side effects, take stinging nettle with food.