Nettle Leaf Herbs

Stinging nettle, the plant with tiny hairs that provide a painful sting when touched, has medicinal properties. Recorded information traces the use of this herb back to Hippocrates. Through its history, nettle leaf has been used by various cultures for treatment of conditions ranging from relief of insect bites and stings to an aid in childbirth. This medicinal herb is just beginning to receive attention from the scientific research community. Consult your health care provider before using nettle leaf.

Basics

• Both the leaf of the stinging nettle plant and its roots are used in alternative and homeopathic medicines. The leaves and roots are used in the treatment of separate conditions, suggesting these two plant parts have different pharmacological properties. Nettle leaf is available in various forms, including dried leaves, extract of nettle leaf and capsules. Health food and herbal stores are likely to carry nettle leaf products.

Modern Uses

• People use nettle leaf to combat the symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies. Topical application of nettle leaf to aching joints provides temporary relief, and a study published in the journal "Arthritis Research & Therapy" in 2009 shows that people with osteoarthritis who used a food supplement that includes stinging nettle were able to reduce their dosages of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Additional uses include using nettle leaf for urinary tract infections, medicinal creams and ointments or in a poultice for strains, sprains and insect bites.

Science

• Scientific evidence of nettle leaf's efficacy in relieving physical conditions is in its preliminary stages. One human study, which was published in the July 2009 edition of "Phytotherapy Research," investigated the mechanisms that make nettle leaf effective in the treatment of seasonal allergies. This use, along with other uses of the herb, requires more research and replicated study results before traditional medicine will embrace it.

Considerations

• No medicinal substance is without the potential for side effects or adverse reactions. The most common side effects are mild nausea and fluid retention; a rash may occur from topical use. UMMC states that the safe use of nettle leaf in children has not been established. Pregnant women should not use nettle leaf as it may contribute to miscarriage. Nettle leaf also has the potential to interact with other herbs or medications, such as high blood pressure medicine, blood thinners and water pills. Nettle leaf is being investigated for its ability to help lower blood sugar, but it should not be taken without your health care provider's recommendation.