Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves are known to cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact.
The Nettle plant’s leaves have hair-like structures that sting and can also produce itching, redness and swelling of the skin. However, once Nettle is processed, dried, freeze-dried or cooked, Stinging Nettle can be safely consumed or used topically, and studies have linked it to a number of potential health benefits:
Nutrient Rich
The leaves and root of the Nettle plant contain a wide variety of nutrients, including:
• Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins
• The minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
• Healthy fats including linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
• Essential amino acids
Many of these beneficial nutrients act as antioxidants inside the body, which help defend cells against damage from free radicals. Damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases.
Stinging Nettle Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is often the body’s way of healing itself and fighting off infections, however, chronic inflammation can cause significant harm. Stinging Nettle contains a variety of composites that may help to reduce inflammation.
Studies have shown that applying a topical stinging nettle cream or consuming stinging nettle products appear to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
Treatment of Hay Fever With Stinging Nettle
Hay fever is a common allergy that involves inflammation in the lining of the nose. Test-tube research has shown that Stinging Nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies.
This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergic reactions.
Lowering Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it drastically increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in Australia. Stinging nettle was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure and studies show that it may help lower blood pressure in several ways.
For one, it may stimulate nitric oxide production, which acts as a vasodilator. Vasodilators relax the muscles of your blood vessels, helping them widen.
In addition, stinging nettle contains compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax the heart by reducing the force of arterial contractions.
Other Potential Health Benefits of Stinging Nettle
Nettle may offer other potential health benefits, including:
- Natural coagulant: Medicines containing stinging nettle extract have been found to reduce excessive bleeding, especially after surgery
- Liver health: Nettle’s antioxidant properties may protect the liver against damage caused by toxins, heavy metals and inflammation
- Natural diuretic: This plant may help the body rid itself of excess salt and water, which in turn could lower blood pressure temporarily
- Wound and burn healing: Applying stinging nettle creams may support wound healing, including burn wounds
THE BENEFITS OF NETTLE FOR HAIR AND SKIN
The nettle leaf is packed full of nutrients that provide a range of benefits to the skin and hair:
- Rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D and K
- Good source of iron, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, silica, iodine, silicon, sodium and sulphur
- Contains high amounts of protein and amino acids
- Rich source of chlorophyll and tannin
These powerful nutrients help to support hair health in many ways, including:
Reduces Hair Loss
Stinging Nettle is one of the oldest treatments in the fight against hair loss. It can either be ingested it in the form of a capsule or tea, or it can be used topically on the scalp as an ingredient in shampoo/conditioner, or by massaging nettle essential oil directly into the scalp.
Promotes New Hair Growth
Treats Dandruff
EVERESCENTS ORGANIC SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Nettle is a key ingredient in EverEscents Organic Hair Care’s signature blend of Organic Essential Oils and Extracts and can be found in all EverEscents Organic Shampoos and Conditioners. Nettle is beneficial for all hair types, and regular use of Nettle in hair care has been shown to repair dead skin cells on the scalp, promote hair growth, prevent itching on the scalp, reduce dandruff and scalp conditions, and leaves hair smooth and shiny. These are just some of the reasons why we love Nettle so much and are proud to include it in every shampoo and conditioner across the EverEscents range.
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