By Chisom Ibemere
Stinging nettle, botanically called Urtica dioica is a perennial flowering plant, native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is also used as a food source. It is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine.
Scientists say stinging nettle may aid in the reduction of inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, among other benefits.
Stinging nettle is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, making it effective in treating conditions like arthritis. It is also used as a natural remedy for allergies, as it can help reduce histamine levels and decrease allergy symptoms.
Related Posts
Stinging nettle also regulate blood sugar levels due to its ability to increase insulin sensitivity. It is composed of compounds that increase the production of digestive enzymes in the body, help alleviate constipation and other digestive issues.
It also has analgesic (pain-relieving) qualities and can be used topically to treat joint pain and muscle soreness. It has diuretic properties which means that it can help increase urine production and promote kidney health. It is rich in iron, making it an excellent addition to the diet of those suffering from iron deficiency anemia.
Furthermore, stinging nettle can help improve circulation by increasing the production of red blood cells. It has high content of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that are essential for bone health and may help prevent osteoporosis.
It is applied topically to treat skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Stinging nettle in addition to the above benefits is also a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like potassium, manganese, and calcium.
