Stinging Nettle And Its Many Medicinal Uses.

Stinging nettle is a flowering plant that is also regarded as a weed even though it has numerous medicinal uses, can treat so many ailments and is used as food or vegetable. Stinging nettle has been used for ages and is popularly drunk as a herbal tea. It is botanically called Urtica dioica and also called common nettle, esinsin in Yoruba and agbara in Igbo. It is found in almost every part of the world.Nettle leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins A and C, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium. The parts that are usually used are the leaves, stem and root. Nettle has the following properties;

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antioxidant.
• Anti-microbial.
• Diuretic.
• Astringent.
• Anthelmintic.
• Anti-histamine
• Decongestant.
• Expectorant.
• Rubefacient.
• Anti-spasmodic.
• Anti-histamine.
• Galactagogue.

Due to the fact that nettle has numerous healing properties, it can be used to;

• Reduce inflammation of the prostate gland.
• Treat urinary tract infections.
• Stimulate the lymph system.
• Boost immunity.
• Increase circulation.
• Relieve the symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory conditions of the joints.
• Relieve menopausal symptoms.
• Relieve menstrual cramps and bloating.
• Help with respiratory tract issues like asthma, lung congestion, sinusitis, flu and common cold.
• Help in breaking down kidney stones and support the kidneys.
• Lower blood pressure.
• Treat diabetes.
• Remove uric acid from joints and thereby treat gout.
• Kill intestinal worms and parasites.
• Reduce both internal and external bleeding.
• Treat skin issues like rashes, eczema, psoriasis, acne, pimples, etc..
• Treat constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
• Treat hair and scalp disorders.
• Promote the healing of wounds and burns.
• Purify blood.
• Treat spleen enlargement.
• Treat anaemia.
• Increase milk production in lactating women.
• Stimulate digestion.
• Treat gingivitis and other mouth infections.

Apart from the uses listed above, nettle can be used for so much more. Many plants around us that we classify as weeds are actually medicine or food or both. Stinging nettle is one of such.

Let us know below the ailments you know that stinging nettle is used to cure. Leave your comment, feedback and question below too.  Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.