Stinging nettle is a popular choice in the world of natural treatments due to the fact that it has a wide range of applications and rarely produces side effects in those who use it. It’s truly stunning to think about how many things you can treat through the use of stinging nettle. In this article, we’re going to go over some of the applications that you can use it for — to give you a closer look at just how beneficial it can be.
The scientific name for stinging nettle is Urtica dioica. It prefers damp soil which explains why it’s prevalent in Europe, Canda, and the United States. It’s worth noting that there are some sharp hairs on the leaf that could irritate your skin so steer clear of these areas. It also contains a chemical that you may already be familiar with — serotonin, but we’ll get more into that later.
1. Pain Reducer
Have you ever come home from work with a bad case of headache after a long day of finishing pilled up deadlines? Ever experienced walking out from PE class with your muscles all stiff since you don’t get to exercise regularly? Or maybe you’ve been slouching on the couch for too long because you were binge-watching your favorite Netflix series, and when you stood up to refill your bowl of popcorn your back ached?
A cup of tea may be just what you need. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, stinging nettle has components that contain natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory compounds. The tiny hairs that cover the nettle leaves contain histamine, serotonin, and other chemicals aid to lessen pain by stimulating pain neurons. You can enjoy this benefit by either steeping it in hot water or applying it directly to the skin around the painful area.
