Nettle Health Benefits

Stinging Nettles: 5 Health Benefits You Need to Know

Modified on Feb 23, 2023

You are probably familiar with the all too common negative effects of stinging nettle – a sudden, intense pain that feels like hundreds or thousands of invisible needles are pricking into your skin…With that kind of defense mechanism, stinging nettles often get a “bad rap,” but the truth is these feisty plants are also beneficial to our health. Among other things, stinging nettles are good for internal and external bleeding, blood purification, congestion, and skin irritation.

What Are Stinging Nettles? (Won’t They Hurt Me?)

When you think of stinging nettles, you probably only think of them in the negative. Contrary to the commonly held belief that nettles are just a pesky weed, this plant is actually an important component of health remedies and even pharmaceuticals and has been for ages.

Nettles are typically bright green to gray in color and are typically found in the United States and Canada. The plant spreads by seed and creeping roots and may even grow as tall as seven feet. The root as well as the above-ground plant parts are used in making medicine and herbal treatments.

What Are the Major Health Benefits of Nettles?

The stinging nettle has a history that dates back to ancient Greek times – a period during which nettles were used primarily as a diuretic and laxative. While these usage options still hold true today, the application of nettles has grown to encompass an even greater amount of remedies.

Stinging nettles contain important compounds that help decrease inflammation. The herb is also helpful for increasing urine output, relieving muscle pain, curing urinary tract infections, suppressing allergic reactions, and calming itching and irritation from insect bites. The herb also seems to have a positive effect on hormonal production.

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    List of Remedies for Stinging Nettles