The nettle herb has been known to treat many medical conditions, and perhaps the most common use is to turn the leaves of the herb into nettle tea, which is a natural remedy commonly used to treat allergies. So learn about its most important benefits and harms and how to use it.

Nettle plant

Nettle herb is a perennial medicinal plant that has been used throughout the ages, and is used in the manufacture of some medicinal products and prescriptions, due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can have an effective effect in treating many health problems. And its other names are Qurais, Fire, or Al-Anjara.

Rich source of nutrients

The nettle herb is characterized by containing a group of nutrients such as:

• vitamins: Such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and a number of vitamin B compounds.
• minerals: such as iron, phosphorous, calcium, and sodium.
• amino acids: Nettle herb is characterized by containing all the essential amino acids.
• Antioxidants: Which protects cells from damage caused by free radicals that cause many diseases such as cancer.
• Fats: such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid.

Nettle benefits

The above-ground parts of the herb are usually used to relieve allergies and some breathing problems, and are also commonly used as a diuretic, and to treat joint pain, eczema, and anemia.

It is also used primarily in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Among the most prominent benefits of nettle herb:

1. Treating an enlarged prostate

Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia appear as a result of an enlarged prostate gland that presses on the urethra. It affects nearly 50% of men 51 years of age or older.

This may lead to people with BPH suffering from increased urge to urinate, painful urination, and dripping after urination.

Studies have shown the effectiveness of nettle plants in treating this condition, such as finasteride, which is usually used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

2. Treating inflammation and joint pain

Arthritis patients usually suffer from joint pain in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Therefore, doctors may recommend using nettle herb along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with the aim of reducing the use of these drugs,

This is because long-term use of NSAIDs may cause serious side effects. Some studies also indicated that using nettle leaves topically on the site of pain helps relieve joint pain.

3. Treating allergic rhinitis

The production of histamine in the body leads to negative allergic reactions. This causes symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, itching and congestion.

Therefore, the nettle plant, with its anti-inflammatory properties, affects a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, which include blocking histamine receptors and working to stop immune cells from releasing chemicals, which prevents allergy symptoms from appearing (hay fever).

Although the nettle herb may be a promising treatment for the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms, it still needs more long-term studies.

3. Lowering blood pressure

High blood pressure is a concern for many people around the world, as it increases the risk of heart disease and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death in the world.

Laboratory studies conducted on mice have shown that using nettle may help lower blood pressure. Where the plant helps to expand blood vessels. The plant also contains compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relaxes the heart by reducing the force of contractions.

However, the effect of the plant on treating blood pressure in humans is still unclear, due to the limited current studies.

4. Other benefits

Among the benefits of nettle herb, which are often referred to, but still need more scientific research, are the following:

• Diarrhea treatment
• Reducing menstrual flow
• Helping heal wounds
• Treatment of hemorrhoids
• Insect bite treatment
• Anemia treatment
• Stimulate hair growth
• Promote lactation

How to use nettle herb

Nettle herb, its dry leaves, or nettle capsules, which are available in pharmacies, can be used. Also, ways to use it:

1. Drink nettle tea.
2. Steaming nettle leaves, its leaves are edible.
3. Use nettle oil topically to relieve joint pain.
4. Take nettle capsules or tablets by mouth, but it is preferable to take them with food in order to reduce any possible side effects such as stomach upset.

Note that there is currently no recommended dose, so it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to determine the correct dose for the case. Determining whether the pathological condition requires the use of plant parts above the ground, or the use of roots, given that each of them has different medicinal properties.

Nettle herb damage

Nettle is a safe plant when used properly, but you should avoid using it in the following cases:

• Mixing different types of herbs: Avoid using it with other herbs and supplements, as this may result in side effects. So consult a doctor first before taking it with any other types.
• In the case of pregnant women: Since it affects the menstrual cycle and can stimulate uterine contractions, which may lead to miscarriage.
• Diabetics: Some empirical evidence indicates the effectiveness of nettle in affecting blood sugar and interfering with the control of diabetes mellitus. It can also affect the effectiveness of diabetes medications. Therefore, diabetics should not use nettle unless under the supervision of a doctor.

Possible side effects

Also, when using nettle herb for the first time, some people may experience the following symptoms:

• stomach trouble
• swollen mouth
• diarrhea

Therefore, it is recommended to start with a small dose first, and to consult a doctor before use to determine the appropriate dose according to each disease.

drug interactions

Nettle may interact with the following types of medications:

• Blood thinners
• blood pressure medications
• Diabetes medications
• Diuretics and water pills
• lithium
• sedative medications