Stinging Nettle – A Wonderful Plant for Allergy Sufferers

The stinging nettle plant thrives in temperate environments, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find this plant growing in mainly temperate areas around the globe. The parts of the plant used for medicinal purposes are the leaves and the root. I have to give you one piece of advice before I talk about its health benefits. The plant has the word “stinging” in its name for a reason. Both the leaves and stem of the plant have tiny hairs which can cause burning and irritation for hours if they come in contact with the skin. Use caution if you grow this plant yourself. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about some of the health benefits this plant holds for its users.

This plant has been in use since the time of ancient Greece for various illnesses and health conditions. The ancient Greeks used it for everything from coughs and tuberculosis to arthritis and hair tonic. It seems as though men were preoccupied with male pattern balding even in ancient Greece.

The leaf of this plant has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an ideal treatment for allergic reactions of the skin. This plant is also beneficial for seasonal allergies like hay fever, runny nose, and congestion. It’s also been shown to be helpful in treating urinary tract infections and a scalp condition known as seborrhea.

Another interesting benefit of taking stinging nettle is that it helps stimulate the production of breast milk in pregnant women and nursing mothers. If you have an enlarged prostate or lupus, this plant is helpful for you as well.

Healing Benefits of Stinging Nettle

• Hay fever – In small amounts, stinging nettle stimulates the production of immune cells called T cells. These cells help to regulate the activity of other immune cells known to cause allergy symptoms. This and other anti-allergy actions of the plant have made it a popular extract among allergy sufferers. If it’s used before a meal, it’s also helpful in alleviating food allergies.
• Anemia – This herb is high in several nutrients which help prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency.
• Enlarged prostate – The root of this herb slows the rate of cell growth and division in the prostate gland. This means less pressure on the urethra and an easier time going to the bathroom.
• Low sex drive – This herb helps keep testosterone active in the bloodstream which helps maintain a healthy sex drive in both men and women.
• Hives – The leaf of this herb speeds the recovery process from rashes, especially rashes caused by eating shellfish. It contains a compound called caffeic malic acid, which has anti-hystamine effects.
• Lupus –this herb has shown to be effective against inflammation associated with lupus in animal experiments.

Considerations and Uses