Stinging Nettles & Arthritis

Stinging nettle is also known as the common nettle and the garden nettle.The prickly shrub grows all over the world and it is used to treat a number of conditions, according to Dr. Steven Ehrlich, a naturopathic physician. Researchers have begun to take a look at the effectiveness of stinging nettle for treating arthritis and other conditions.

History

• Stinging nettle has been used for medicinal purposes all over the world.

  According to the BBC, stinging nettle was used for medicinal purposes as long ago as the time of the Roman Empire.

  Erhlich, in a review of stinging nettle for a University of Maryland Medical Center website,
  noted that stinging nettle is used to treat anemia, arthritis, eczema, gout and painful joints and muscles. It is also often used to treat enlarged prostate, hay fever, sprains, tendinitis and urinary tract infections.

Theories/Speculation

• The prickly hairs on stinging nettle contain pain-reducing compounds.

  The fine and prickly hairs that give stinging nettle its name contain neurotransmitters that may decrease arthritis pain by lowering levels of inflammation and interfering with the transmission of pain signals.

  Another theory about stinging nettle's pain reduction capability, according to BBC News, suggests the sting may act as a counter-irritant or that the prickling hairs work like acupuncture needles.

Research

• The research is still inconclusive, according to Ehrlich, but topical applications have seemed to help reduce joint pain and oral extracts seem to amplify the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

  The website arthritistoday.com reported that a German study found stinging nettle extract to contain inflammation-suppressing compounds and that a Turkish study found the extract to have analgesic and antimicrobial effects.

  A 2002 study published in "The Journal of Rheumatology" found that in lab cultures, stinging nettle reduced inflammation responses in cells associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

  Scientists from the University of Plymouth applied stinging nettle leaves to the hands of people with arthritis for a week and found that they significantly reduced pain and kept pain levels low.

Formulations and Dosages

• An infusion is made with hot water and fresh leaves.

  Stinging nettle supplements are usually made from leaves and stems, but some preparations are made with stinging nettle roots. Roots, according to Ehrlich, seem to have different effects than the leaves and stems of stinging nettle.

  Stinging nettle may be purchased as dried or freeze-dried leaf, as extract or tinctures, in capsule form or in creams. You may make teas with dried stinging nettle leaves or infusions with fresh leaves.

  The "Arthritis Today" website recommends taking up to 1,300 milligrams of stinging nettle daily or applying the leaf directly to the skin.

Possible Side Effects and Interactions

• Stinging nettle can amplify or interfere with other medications.

  Side effects may include hives or allergic rash, fluid retention or upset stomach, Ehrlich noted. Stinging nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and should be avoided by pregnant women. Stinging nettle can interact with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, and with blood thinners, diuretics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.