The versatile effect of stinging nettle: from prostate problems to allergy relief

Veröffentlicht am: July 04, 2024
Irina  Fink
Irina Fink

Naturopath

Have you ever walked past a seemingly harmless plant and accidentally brushed against it, only to feel a slight stinging pain? Chances are good that you have come into contact with a nettle plant.Although you may curse the plant for the temporary pain, stinging nettle is actually a useful perennial that helps with a variety of ailments. Probably the most popular application is the preparation of nettle tea from the leaves of the plant. It is considered one of the healthiest drinks and has been proven to have a positive effect on the health of the skin, bones and urinary tract, as well as alleviating allergies.


➤  Nettle was voted medicinal plant of the year 2022. 


 

So how can this plant, which should be avoided at first glance, become a popular remedy?

 

Contents

 

Stinging Nettle

What is stinging nettle?

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial flowering plant that was already used as a medicinal plant in ancient Greece. Today it can be found all over the world. Nettle is best known for the burning reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with the fine stinging hairs (also known as trichomes) on its leaves and stems. However, when processed and used medicinally, stinging nettle has a number of useful health benefits, according to the Department of Dermatology at Penn State University College of Medicine.

Most nettle products are made from the stem and leaves, but the roots also have health-promoting properties.
The herb is rich in protein and contains numerous nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin C, minerals such as iron, potassium and magnesium and secondary plant substances such as flavonoids. The seeds of the plant contain linoleic acid, an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and vitamin E.

 

4 health benefits of stinging nettle

Nettle is generally considered to stimulate the metabolism, have a diuretic (draining) effect and promote blood circulation. It has strong antioxidant and pain-relieving properties. Furthermore, studies have shown remarkable antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Nettle therefore has a positive effect on, among other things:

  • Urinary tract and prostate problems
  • Allergies and hay fever
  • Osteoarthritis and joint pain
  • Eczema and skin problems

1. Nettle root for urinary tract and prostate problems

Did you know that around 40% of all men over the age of 50 develop an enlarged prostate? It is the most common urological condition in men. This is because the prostate, a gland of the male reproductive system, can grow as a man ages, which often leads to various problems.

With benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the gland presses on the urethra, resulting in the feeling of a constantly full bladder and an urgent need to urinate. In addition, the constant pressure weakens the bladder muscles so that the bladder can no longer empty completely. This can lead to dribbling or incontinence after urinating.

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate are

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Delayed onset of urine flow despite increased urge to urinate
  • Weaker urine stream
  • Incontinence or dribbling after urinating
  • Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder (also directly after urinating)
  • Pain when urinating

The symptoms of BPH can be extremely stressful and restrictive in everyday life. Incomplete emptying of the bladder and residual urine often lead to painful prostate and urinary tract infections. Surgical and drug treatments are not always helpful and can even worsen the situation in some cases. In this context, nettle root extract in particular has established itself as a proven home remedy.

Capsules with nettle root extract effectively alleviate symptoms in the urinary tract, such as a constant urge to urinate and weak urine flow. Many sufferers have already reported a positive effect on the symptoms of BPH. It is also believed that taking nettle root extract slows down the growth of the prostate. Nettle root extract has also been shown to slow or stop the spread of prostate cancer cells.

In a 6-month comparative study with 620 participants, the effect of a therapy against the symptoms of an enlarged prostate with the extract was examined. It was found that nettle root led to a noticeable and significant improvement in symptoms. Positive results were also achieved with regard to prostate size.

Nettle is used as a successful general diuretic and can also promote urine flow. It is also used in home remedies for cystitis.

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2. Stinging nettle for hay fever

The body's own histamine production causes the unwanted reactions associated with allergies. Allergies cause unpleasant side effects such as a blocked nose, sneezing, itching and more. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of stinging nettle act on a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions and prevent hay fever symptoms when taken at first onset. The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in the treatment of allergies, but histamines are known to be used to treat severe allergic reactions.

A randomized double-blind study with 98 participants from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine concluded that the use of nettle extract for allergy relief was rated better than the use of placebos.

3. Stinging nettle for osteoarthritis

People suffering from osteoarthritis often have joint pain, typically in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Nettle is used together with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help patients reduce their NSAID consumption. As long-term use of these drugs can cause a number of serious side effects, this is an ideal combination.

Studies also suggest that topical application of nettle leaves to the site of pain can relieve joint pain and treat arthritis. When taken orally, nettle helps to relieve pain. Another study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows the anti-inflammatory effect of nettle in other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Stinging nettle for eczema

Nettles are an effective herb in the treatment of eczema. Its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties have a positive effect on chronically dry and itchy skin. In particular, a combination of orally taken nettle capsules and a cream to relieve itching and redness have proven to be extremely helpful in studies.

Other effects that the plant is said to have include

  • Stimulation of hair growth
  • Relief from asthma
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Nettle seeds for infertility and impotence
  • Reduction of water retention
  • Stimulation of milk production
  • Promoting labor in pregnant women
  • Digestive effect

 

Itchy skin

What side effects can occur when taking nettle and nettle root extract?

As a rule, the intake of nettle (root) extract capsules is harmless and is classified as well tolerated. Occasionally, however, the following side effects may occur:

  • Mild gastrointestinal complaints
  • Increased sweating
  • Skin rash or hives

Which groups of people should avoid taking stinging nettle?

It is controversial whether or not pregnant women should take nettle capsules due to their possible labor-promoting effect. 

People taking the following medicines should also discuss possible interactions with their doctor or alternative practitioner:

  • Blood thinners
  • Medication for high blood pressure
  • Medication for heart disease
  • Medication for diabetes
  • Diuretics

 

 



Sources (in English):

Dhouibi, R., Affes, H., Ben Salem, M., Hammami, S., Sahnoun, Z., Zeghal, K. M., & Ksouda, K. (2020). Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and others benefits. Progress in biophysics and molecular biology, 150, 67–77. doi:10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.05.008

Otles, S., & Yalcin, B. (2012). Phenolic compounds analysis of root, stalk, and leaves of nettle. TheScientificWorldJournal, 2012, 564367. doi: 10.1100/2012/564367

Akbar Karami, A., Sheikhsoleimani, M., Reza Memarzadeh, M., Haddadi, E., Bakhshpour, M., Mohammadi, N., & Mehdi Mirhashemi, S. (2020). Urtica Dioica Root Extract on Clinical and Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Randomized Controlled Trial. Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS, 23(10), 1338–1344. doi:10.3923/pjbs.2020.1338.1344

Safarinejad M. R. (2005). Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy, 5(4), 1–11.

Konrad, L., Müller, H. H., Lenz, C., Laubinger, H., Aumüller, G., & Lichius, J. J. (2000). Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract. Planta medica, 66(1), 44–47. doi:10.1055/s-2000-11117

Hirano, T., Homma, M., & Oka, K. (1994). Effects of stinging nettle root extracts and their steroidal components on the Na+,K(+)-ATPase of the benign prostatic hyperplasia. Planta medica, 60(1), 30–33. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-959402

Mittman, P. (1990). Randomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Planta medica, 56(1):44-47. doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-960881

Yatoo, M.I., Gopalakrishnan, A., Saxena, A., Parray, O.R., Tufani, N. A., Chakraborty, S., Tiwari, R., Dhama, K. & Iqbal, H. M. N. (2018). Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Herbs with Special Emphasis on Herbal Medicines for Countering Inflammatory Diseases and Disorders - A Review. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, 12(1):39-58. doi: 10.2174/1872213X12666180115153635.

Roscheck, B.Jr., Fink, R. C., McMichael, M. & Alberte, R. S. (2009). Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytotherapy Research, 23(7):920-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763.