Nettle is a perennial plant and common weed that grows in temperate climates throughout the entire world, mainly in North America and Europe. It is roughly two to three feet tall and has dark green, serrated leaves and small inconspicuous flowers. The leaves and stems of this plant are covered with stinging hairs and thus, it is often known as stinging nettle. Typically, the whole plant is harvested as all it is therapeutically valuable from root to leaves. Nettle root, or the whole plant, has been traditionally used as an astringent, a diuretic and a tonic herb.
Even though nettle root’s therapeutic activities are not completely understood, recent studies have confirmed that nettle root is effective in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland which constricts the urethra, the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. This causes frequent urination or difficulty in urinating. Nettle root contains a number of useful phytochemicals which happen to affect the function of the prostate, slow the growth of prostate cells, fight prostate cancer and reduce inflammation. Whatever the mechanism, it has been confirmed that extracts from nettle root is successful in treating problems with BPH, but only when the prostate is slightly to moderately enlarged.
Nettle extracts come as a tincture, capsules, and freeze-dried root. The freeze-dried preparation is made from nettle root that is processed soon after harvesting which allows one to get the full benefit of nettle. Usually, about 1.5g of the root extract is steeped in 150mL (5 ounces) of hot water for 10 – 20 minutes, then strained and consumed as a tea. It should also be noted that even though allergic reactions to nettle are rare, it is not unheard of. Touching the actual plant may cause skin irritation similar to an allergic reaction.
References:
(1)http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Herbal/Research/
nettle.htm
(2) http://www.medicinehunter.com/nettleroot.htm
