{"id":6672,"date":"2019-06-03T02:12:20","date_gmt":"2019-06-03T02:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=6672"},"modified":"2021-06-10T13:53:19","modified_gmt":"2021-06-10T13:53:19","slug":"15-stunning-health-benefits-of-stinging-nettle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-stunning-health-benefits-of-stinging-nettle\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Stunning Health Benefits of Stinging Nettle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Amongst the most incredible health benefits of the humble stinging nettle include its ability to actively detoxify the body. It can also help to boost immunity and to increase circulation. Much maligned as something to be avoided due to the nasty sting it can inflict when it comes into contact with the skin, this plant is probably up there with the most misunderstood things in the natural world. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Far from being something which is only there to harm us, the stinging nettle has huge potential in terms of helping us, especially as we look to move away from over the counter medications and the pharmaceutical industry, and towards a more sustainable and nature-based approach to health and wellbeing. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 of the most stunning health benefits that someone can expect to benefit from when using stinging nettles. Be careful not to sting yourself when trying these out, but nothing good ever came easy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Detoxifies<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a wide range of really beneficial nutrients that can be found in stinging nettle, which makes it an ideal detoxifier for the body. It has also been known to be able to gently cleanse the body of any unwanted toxins<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When employed as a diuretic, stinging nettle can go even further by neutralizing the harmful toxins in the body, which then makes their elimination much more of a speedy process. The inclusion of stinging nettle in the diet can also ensure that the uptake of nutrients within the gut is working to the most efficient standard and that the digestive tract is running as smoothly as it is capable of running. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This helps to prevent the build-up of any dangerous toxins within the digestive tract and also means that the body is able to remove any excess toxins which may be found in the kidneys as well.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Pregnancy Aid<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remarkably, stinging nettle tea<\/a> is something that is often suggested as a natural remedy for women who may be going through an unusually and excessively painful labor. The use of stinging nettle tea can also help to guard against any excessive and heavy bleeding during labor, given that it can act as a pretty effective coagulant. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving beyond the actual birthing stage of pregnancy and on to the antenatal side of things, stinging nettle tea can also stimulate and encourage the production of breast milk, which subsequently makes post-birth lactation a lot easier. There have been several studies that confirm stinging nettle tea as a very effective natural remedy and herbal medicine for use in pregnancy and childbirth. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most notable of these studies perhaps was that carries out by Dr. Rachel Emma Westfall, of the University of Victoria, Canada. This study found that more than 80% of participants in a trial found stinging nettle tea to be useful and effective.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Promotes Feminine Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of active components found in stinging nettle which clearly impact feminine health. Where a person is suffering from unpleasant and painful premenstrual symptoms, the use of stinging nettle <\/a>can give satisfactory relief from the pain delivered by cramping and bloating. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because it is a natural astringent, stinging nettle can also minimize blood flow during menstruation, which is particularly beneficial for people who may suffer from irregular or heavier bleeding during menstruation. Even for women going through the menopause can stinging nettle be useful. Despite its stinging nature, this natural remedy for feminine health can create a much smoother transition for the hormonal shift that takes place during this process. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, stinging nettle can also act restoratively during the menopause, meaning that the whole process can be made much less destructive. Who would\u2019ve thought that stinging nettle could be a girls\u2019 best friend? Well, it is!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Improves Circulation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As it has been shown to improve blood flow, aid proper circulation <\/a>and actively fight the causes of inflammation, stinging nettle could be the natural agent of choice when it comes to providing the necessary support to the body\u2019s fantastic circulatory system. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stinging nettle can boost heart health by cleverly controlling a person\u2019s blood pressure It is even hypothesized by some people that the prolonged and consistent use of stinging nettle can actually go some way towards preventing complications like heart arrhythmia from developing at all. For these remarkable effects to become a reality, two different applications of stinging nettle can be utilized.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first option is for a person to consume the stinging nettle by way of brewing it into a tea, or even into a soup. The second method that could help people reap the circulatory benefits of stinging nettle would be through the ingestion of the nettle infused steam.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Prevents Kidney Stones<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because it has long been understood that stinging nettle is a natural diuretic, it is perhaps not at all surprising to see that it can boost the health of the kidneys<\/a>. It isn\u2019t just limited to being useful as a diuretic though, as stinging nettle can affect the kidneys in a different way entirely. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to its diuretic capabilities, stinging nettle also has nephritic qualities, which means that it is able to help in the breaking down of any stones that may form inside the kidneys or the gallbladder. This means that stinging nettle can help to guard against these painful conditions becoming much more of a serious problem, whereby the stones would need to be removed either surgically, or bypassing them naturally. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neither of these options is particularly preferable to the other one, it has to be said. A diuretic and a kidney stone smasher, stinging nettle really does look after the kidneys.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Anti Inflammatory<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wherever on the body and whatever the type of inflammation, be it on the inside or on the outside, the inflammation <\/a>usually comes with a variety of accompanying health implications that range from the mild to the moderate, to the potentially severe. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great deal of research has gone into working out just how stinging nettles can actually inhibit inflammation, which is something that a lot of people may struggle to comprehend, especially if they\u2019ve been stung in the past. One example of a research study discovered that when stinging nettle was used as a topical application, following boiling, it was actually capable of reducing inflammatory markers by a huge percentage. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These inflammatory markers in the blood of mice were significantly reduced in all of the subjects following topical appointment. As controversial as animal testing may be, and whatever your own personal view on the method, there can be little argument about the performance of stinging nettle as an anti-inflammatory agent, which is all the more impressive considering what it is actually best known for, stinging.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Strengthens Bones<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As some people may know, it is suspected that an active ingredient in stinging nettle is a substance called eugenol<\/a>. This substance is well known when it comes to stimulating the absorption of the exact balance of minerals which are necessary for the strengthening of bones. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people from different walks of life are supplementing their children\u2019s diets with stinging nettle, as some civilizations have done for centuries, usually as a liquid with the dissolved nettle juices within it, as it is very effective in stimulating the growth of new bone. Some people would say that stinging nettle is actually a little miracle worker when it comes to bone growth, meaning that stinging nettle could be a key ingredient in the development of a functional and healthy skeleton. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strengthened bones can mean increased stability and better mobility, meaning that there are many varied potential applications for stinging nettle as something to aid bone growth.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. <\/strong><\/span> <\/strong>Treats Respiratory Conditions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Upper respiratory infections, which are more commonly known as the common cold, will affect most adults up to 3 or 3 times over the course of a 12 month period. When this is considered, it is very important to investigate anything which might be considered helpful, even if only a little, given that a common cold must be given the time and space run its course. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The use of stinging nettle as a decongestant <\/a>is quite effective when it comes to improving any mild or temporary respiratory conditions, however the application of this ingredient when it is infused into a steam, could even become something that would provide at least some symptom relief for anybody suffering from even the most severe of respiratory conditions, even something as serious as emphysema. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The optimum method to use stinging nettle in the treatment of symptoms of respiratory conditions would be to place several leaves, stems, and roots in a bowl of boiling water and for a person to then sit with the towel covering their head and the whole bowl. This, in effect, creates a small steam room environment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Stop Allergic Reactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from allergies<\/a>, then supplementing with stinging nettle can reduce your symptoms. Around the change of seasons, particularly between spring and summer, there is plenty of pollen in the air before the seasonal rains start. As a result, people with allergies find that they experience an increase in allergy attacks during this time of the year.
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Allergy attacks vary in their impact on the patient. Some individuals may develop problems with the sinus, increasing symptoms of sneezing, and a runny nose. Other allergy attacks affect the upper-respiratory-tract, causing coughing fits and issues with breathing. Whatever your affliction, consuming stinging nettle extract can soothe your symptoms.
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The polyphenols found in stinging nettle helps to stop anaphylaxis occurring in hypersensitive patients. The antihistamine properties of stinging nettle also help to reduce the reaction of allergens on the H1- receptor, suppressing symptoms associated with allergy flares. Consume a few drops of the oil extract in the morning with some purified water to boost your defense against allergy attacks.
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10. Heal Urinary Tract Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Urinary Tract Infections<\/a> (UTIs) affects thousands of Americans every day. There are numerous reasons why you may develop a UTI, from kidney dysfunction to bladder infection, and even contracting a sexually transmitted disease, (STD.)
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In most cases, a UTI resolves by itself, with no need for medical intervention. The infection sticks around for four to seven days, before fading away. Some diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, (CKD,) cause frequent kidney infections due to protein passing through the kidneys into the urinary tract where it causes the onset of a UTI.
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Doctors may treat persistent UTI with the use of antibiotics to kill off the bacterial infection. However, research on the effects of stinging nettle extract on resolving a UTI is promising. Stinging nettle acts as a natural diuretic, increasing urine production and the frequency to urinate. This effect helps the body flush out the bacteria or virus, causing the infection, accelerating healing time.
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11. Skin Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stinging nettle extract has a potent rejuvenating effect on the skin that slows the signs of aging. Take a few drops of the essential oil and mix it with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Coconut oil<\/a> also contains anti-bacterial properties that make it ideal for treating wounds, sores, scrapes, and burns. Rub the oil mixture onto the affected area of your skin for immediate relief and protection from infection.
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Stinging nettle extract oil also makes a fantastic slave. Place a small saucepan on the stove over low heat. Add three ounces of beeswax and a tablespoon of coconut oil to the pan. After the ingredients melt, pour in four tablespoons of stinging nettle extract oil. Blend the ingredients using a wooden spoon, and then pour the mixture into small glass jars, and store in the fridge for up to a year.
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Rub the salve onto eczema rashes to accelerate healing time, or slather it onto wounds to protect your skin from infection.
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12. Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nearly 3-million men in the United States, are living with the effects of prostate cancer. While prostate cancer is curable in most cases, some patients may experience severe, life-threatening complications. However, the five-year survival rate for the disease is excellent, with 90-percent of patients making a full recovery.
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If you have a history of prostate cancer<\/a> in your family, it\u2019s vital that you receive regular prostate checkups once a year, after the age of 40-years old. Prostate cancer is reasonably easy for doctors to manage using medications and minor procedures to kill the cancer cells.
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People who are suffering from prostate cancer, or other prostate conditions, such as BPH, should consider supplementing with stinging nettle extract. Research shows that stinging nettle suppresses the growth of prostate tissues, reducing the chances of developing BPH or prostate cancer. Adds a few drops of stinging nettle extract oil to purified water, and drink it in the morning before breakfast, and with your evening meal.
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13. Prevent DNA Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who develop cancer experience changes or mutations in their DNA<\/a>. As a result, cells start to undergo abnormal changes that result in the development of cancerous tumors. If you have a family history of cancer, or you live in an area of the country where the disease is common, then you may gain protection against developing the condition by drinking stinging nettle tea.
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Manufacturers remove the toxins from the leaves and then process them into tea. Drinking this tea two or three times a day provides your body with nutrients and polyphenols that offer a protective effect against the development of cancer cells.
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Adding stinging nettle tea to your daily diet plan helps to prevent damage to DNA and cellular membranes, reducing cancer risk. You can find the beverage at online health retailers for an affordable price. Never pick fresh nettle leaves and try to make tea, as it may result in life-threatening consequences.
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14. Keep Hair Healthy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have issues with greasy or oily hair, or you are experiencing hair loss, then including stinging nettle extract in your shampoo bottle is a fantastic way to improve the health of your scalp. Add four tablespoons of the oil to your shampoo bottle and shake well to combine. Wash your hair using the shampoo, and let the lather sit on your scalp <\/a>for a few minutes before rinsing.
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Another strategy for improving the health of your scalp is to mix 5-drops of stinging nettle extract to a teaspoon of coconut oil. Massage the blended oil into your scalp and let it sit there for an hour before rinsing it out of your hair.
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Stinging nettle extract oil is rich in silica and sulfur, two compounds that hydrate the scalp and remove any fungal infections responsible for hair loss. Repeat these hair treatments two or three times a week for best results.
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15. Relieve Hypertension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with high blood pressure, suffer from a condition known as \u201chypertension<\/a>.\u201d Hypertensive individuals are often unaware of the increase in blood pressure, which is the reason why medical professionals refer to the disease as \u201cthe silent killer.\u201d
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Hypertension is a severe, adverse health disorder that results in the development of many health complications. High blood pressure can lead to problems with your kidneys, and it also has a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system as well. When a patient has high blood pressure, there is more pressure on the heart, resulting in a drop in circulation.
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Doctors treat patients with high blood pressure using diuretics to manage the inflammation and fluids in the body. Increases in blood pressure may also lead to the development of edema in the lower limbs of the patient. Stinging nettle extract contains potent diuretic properties that help to reduce the presence of edema and reduce blood pressure to healthy levels.
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