5 stinging nettle benefits for your health

Stinging nettle is a herbaceous plant that, while often viewed as a pesky weed, possesses numerous health benefits. This versatile plant contains essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments. 

So how can you reap the benefits of stinging nettle for your health? Keep reading to learn about how you can use stinging nettle to improve your health and well-being.

What is stinging nettle?

Stinging nettle, also known by its scientific name Urtica dioica, is a perennial herbaceous plant that’s native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Stinging nettle is so named because its leaves and stems are covered with fine, needle-like hairs that release chemicals when they come into contact with skin. These chemicals can cause a stinging or burning sensation, as well as redness and itching. 

While this back garden weed often gets a bad rap for the rash it causes, it’s also highly valued for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. It has been used to treat conditions such as arthritis, allergies, and urinary tract infections, as well as to promote lactation and alleviate symptoms of menopause. It can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or supplement and is also used in topical preparations such as creams and ointments.

5 Stinging nettle benefits 

Stinging nettle is a versatile plant that, once processed, is safe to consume and boasts a wide variety of benefits such as joint pain relief, inflammation reduction, healthy skin and hair and less painful menstruation. 

Stinging nettle for joint pain relief

Stinging nettle has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the joints, which is a common cause of pain and stiffness. Additionally, stinging nettle has natural pain-relieving properties and can reduce the perception of pain by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body. 

Anti-inflammatory effects of stinging nettle

Although further research is needed, studies have shown that you can use stinging nettle products to reduce inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Stinging nettle tea has also been associated with calming eczema and acne, thanks to the plant's natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory qualities. 

Stinging nettle for hair and skin health

The stinging nettle plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for healthy hair and skin. Stinging nettle leaves are rich in sulphur and silica, which means that they can strengthen keratin which is required for nourished, strong hair and hair growth. 

Additionally, stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that make it a useful natural remedy for a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It can be applied topically in the form of a cream or oil or ingested in the form of a tea or supplement to improve skin health. And the benefits don’t stop there. The plant contains Vitamin C, so it can help keep your skin looking youthful and glowing. 

Stinging nettle can help relieve urinary issues

The nettle leaf is associated with helping to combat urinary issues. In addition to flushing out harmful bacteria in the urinary tract, it could also support medications prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other conditions. 

We do recommend speaking with your doctor before you start taking stinging nettle if you take any medications or have been given a kidney disease diagnosis. 

Stinging nettle for periods

Stinging nettle, in supplement or tea form, is known for its benefits in supporting women's health and has been traditionally used to relieve menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding. This makes stinging nettle extremely beneficial for anyone suffering from period pains. It can also lighten your flow, which would help anyone with excessive menstrual bleeding. 

It is rich in iron, which is essential for healthy blood flow during periods. Nettle tea has also been shown to help regulate hormonal imbalances that can cause irregular periods and to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating and breast tenderness. However, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any natural remedy for medical purposes.

How to reap the benefits of stinging nettle

There are multiple benefits of incorporating stinging nettles into your healthcare regime, but not everyone enjoys drinking nettle tea. Not to worry, though; there are other ways to reap the benefits of the plant. 

Stinging nettles are abundant in summer but not so much in winter. We recommend using a freeze-dried formula in a capsule. It's the best and easiest way to benefit from this ingredient. 

We recommend trying our Skin Perfecting Complex, which combines skin-calming ingredients like stinging nettle with vegan amino acid proteins for healthy glowing skin. 

Ready to reap the benefits of stinging nettle? 

While main may view stinging nettle as a weed that should be pulled out at the root, others have used it in traditional medicine for centuries. With its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, as well as its rich supply of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, stinging nettle is an excellent natural remedy. 

Stinging nettle is often used as a remedy for several health issues. However, you should always consult with a healthcare professional before using any natural remedy for medical purposes.