In the 3rd century BCE, Ancient Greek doctors prescribed nettle juice externally to heal snakebites. Roman soldiers flailed themselves with nettles in the cold to help their blood circulate. This practice, called urtication, continued as a traditional remedy for arthritis. In the nineteenth century, nettles were used to treat everything from hair-loss to tuberculosis. Today nettle is used to reduce inflammation and treat allergy symptoms.

Leaves prepared as tea or in capsules.

• Mild diuretic
• May ease the pain of gout
• Reduces inflammation
• Relieves symptoms of hay fever
• May help urinary tract infections
• May relieve symptoms of prostate enlargement

 

Nettle is very high in Vitamin C and iron. When boiled, it tastes like spinach and will no longer sting. Young nettle shoots are also free of stingers. Nettle is a good source of quercetin, a substance which reduces the release of histamine, the compound which causes hay fever symptoms.

 

Some reports suggest that nettle may cause indigestion or diarrhea. To reduce stinging effects, boil or puree nettle leaves before use. Pregnant women should avoid using nettle internally as it can stimulate uterine contractions.