Healthy Habits: Nettle

Stinging nettle has gained the nickname ‘Nature’s Multivitamin,’ because it provides calcium, manganese, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, choline and Vitamins C, K, A, B1, B2, B3, B6 & B9; as well as fiber, protein, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes and chlorophyll.

Always do your research and/or check with your health practitioner before trying nettle. There are some, such as for those currently taking pharmaceutical medications for high blood pressure, blood-clotting and kidney disease. www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/an-essential-guide-to-nettle-history-benefits-and-uses

If you are looking into alternative medicines, and are currently taking prescribed pharmaceuticals, then seek a second opinion from a homeopathic/naturopathic doctor, and find out how to detox and start over with herbal treatments. There is a process, and it would depend on your condition and careful monitoring by a naturopathic doctor, in order to get you switched-over from one pathway to the other.

That being said, here are some of the many possible health benefits of nettle:

• speeds-up the healing process
• helps your body detoxify
• helps lower blood pressure
• provides relief from respiratory challenges
• helps treat enlarged prostate
• promotes kidney health
• strengthens bones & teeth
• treats UTIs
• alleviates joint & muscle pain (anti-inflammatory)
• heals skin conditions such as eczema
• antioxidant
• provides relief for menopause
• reduces tension & stress
• relieves seasonal allergies
• balances blood sugar levels
• stimulates healthy blood circulation
• helps remove stones from the kidneys & gallbladder
• promotes hair growth
• immune system booster
• antiviral
• antibacterial
• improves digestion
• cardioprotective and prevents & treats osteoporosis
• If you’re growing nettle in your garden, or have been an avid hiker for most of your life, as I have, then you are well aware of the sting, similar to what you’d experience with fire ants, when you handle these leaves without gloves, or accidentally run into them on a trail. Take precautions when harvesting!

A tea or more potent infusion can easily be made by pouring boiled, filtered water over the leaves and stems, steeping and straining. You can also purchase in tincture, capsule or powder form. Don’t take nettle for an extended period of time.

Choose organic, non-GMO and Made in the USA. If you aren’t growing your own, or wild-harvesting, then I recommend purchasing Frontier Co-op Brand Organic Nettle.

Be Well and God Bless You.

Jennifer Wimmer