Stinging Nettle - Herb of The Month

Allergy seasons seem to be getting longer, and a little worse that past few years. And our ‘herb of the month’ can help take on seasonal allergies. Stinging nettle or Urtica dioica has a frightening name, but it can be your best friend in the spring.

It’s amazing how nature provides for us. Nettle is an opportunist, a nice word for a weed, and as such, you can often find it growing at the edge of roads and trails. So on those days when you are out for a walk and are starting to feel those allergy symptoms kicking in, chances are there is relief right next to you. But don’t pick it just yet, we’ll get to that. Nettle is a member of the thistle family, as are artichokes, which also have some beneficial properties.

As it’s name suggests, stinging nettle stings in the wild. The best way to use it is to buy the dried leaves, though the stinging part of the plant has been used historically for pain relief. When the leaves come into contact with an area of the body that is already in pain, it can decrease the original pain. It’s referred to as a counterirritant. I’ll admit I’m not brave enough to try this yet.

The dried leaves, however, make a pretty good tea, are very safe, and have a wealth of benefits beyond balancing the immune system: it’s high in iron, and can be very beneficial in anemia. It has been used for eczema, arthritis, and gout. It is used to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH) in much the same way that saw palmetto commonly used.

Nettle also has some anti-inflammatory properties, and has been shown to enhance the activity of some NSAIDS. So they should probably not be taken together, or at least reduce your NSAID intake (not a bad idea anyway). Pregnant, and nursing women should avoid it as well.

For the rest of us, Nettle Leaf Tea might be a wonderful addition to our spring diet.

Check this website from the University of Maryland Medical Center for more good info on Stinging Nettle, and for recommended dosage: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/stinging-nettle-000275.htm