Nettle Leaf
Nettle or Stinging Nettle is a medicinal plant that grows wild in many areas of the United States. Both the leaves and roots are used medicinally, each having it own very specific effects. This synopsis will focus on the medicinal qualities of Nettle Leaf. Nettle Leaf is primarily used for allergies, hypertension and respiratory problems.
As you can see from this PubMed abstract, Nettle Leaf benefits seasonal allergies via multiple chemical mechanisms: “A nettle (Urtica dioica) extract shows in vitro inhibition of several key inflammatory events that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. These include the antagonist and negative agonist activity against the Histamine-1 (H(1)) receptor and the inhibition of mast cell tryptase preventing degranulation and release of a host of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause the symptoms of hay fevers. The nettle extract also inhibits prostaglandin formation through inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D(2) synthase (HPGDS), central enzymes in pro-inflammatory pathways.”
The National Library of Medicine recognizes Nettle Leaf as an underestimated plant. “Nettles contain a significant number of biologically-active compounds. For example, the leaves are rich sources of terpenoids, carotenoids and fatty acids, as well as of various essential amino acids, chlorophyll, vitamins, tannins, carbohydrates, sterols, polysaccharides, isolectins and minerals. Extracts from the aerial parts of nettles are rich sources of polyphenols, while the roots contain oleanol acid, sterols and steryl glycosides. Due to the variety of phytochemicals and their proportions they contain, nettles show noticeable activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These properties make nettles suitable for a range of possible applications, including functional food, dietary supplements and pharmacological formulations. Despite these benefits, the nettle is still an underestimated plant source.”
The Health Benefits of Nettle Leaf:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• Helps to alleviate Anemia.
• Blood Circulation may be improved by supplementation.
• Helps alleviate High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• According to folklore alleviates Constipation.
• May promote remission in Crohn’s Disease patients.
• May facilitate the expulsion of Intestinal Parasites from the Digestive Tract.
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
• Functions as a mild Diuretic.
HAIR
• Prepared as a tea, applied topically to the Scalp is a good tonic for the Hair especially if Skin eruptions are present on the Scalp.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• 400-800mg every four hours may alleviate Allergies.
• Helps to stimulate T-Lymphocyte activity.
• Nettle Leaf may inhibit the following Viruses:
▪ Cytomegalovirus
▪ Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
▪ Influenza Virus Type A
▪ Respiratory Syncytial Virus
• Inhibits both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
• Inhibits the production of Interleukin 1, Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-Kappa B) and Tumor Necrosis Factor.
• Lowers C-Reactive Protein (CRP).
• Inhibits the proinflammatory enzymes Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D(2) synthase (HPGDS).
METABOLISM
• Can lower elevated Blood Sugar.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• May improve the symptoms of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis due to its ability to lower Interleukin 1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor which are highly implicated in the development and progression of these diseases.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• Beneficial in the treatment of Asthma.
• Alleviates Hay Fever.
• Beneficial in the treatment of allergic Rhinitis.
• Sinusitis may be alleviated by supplementation.
Health Benefits of Stinging Nettles
USAGE
Nettle Leaf Tea and the whole herb should be consumed on an empty stomach between meals. Some people report upset stomach and or tingling sensations in the skin from Nettle Leaf, if you do, discontinue use. For allergies Nettle Leaf should be consumed every four hours either in capsule form or as a tea. Start slowly and follow label directions.
My Personal Recommendations:
For enhanced allergy protection consider adding Quercetin and Vitamin C with Nettle Leaf.
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