Nettles!

Yes, the same stinging nettles that aggravate your skin if you get the stingers on you. Nettles has been used for centuries to help treat allergies, particularly hay fever, which IS the most common type. According to Dr. Andrew Wiel, M.D., he knows of nothing more effective than nettles for allergy relief. All the over the counter stuff, the scripts, even medications such as Allegra & Claritin treat only the symptoms of allergies and tend to lose effectiveness over time. With side effects such as drowsiness, dried up sinuses, insomnia & high blood pressure, they should not be taken all the time anyway. Nettles has none of those side effects and can be used on a regular basis. But the benefits of nettles doesn't stop here.

The properties of nettles is as follows: it's an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-rheumatic, anti-asthmatic, anti-convulsant, anti-histamine, astringent, decongestant, diuretic and more! What's wonderful too about it is it's a great all-over tonic for the body!! It's great for the adrenals & so many have adrenal issues now & don't even realize it.

Nettles can be used for: seasonal allergies, arthritis, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, sinusitis, tendonitis, high blood pressure, inflammatory conditions, hair loss, eczema, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, Alzheimer's, asthma, bladder infections, hives, kidney stones, MS, PMS, sciatica....to name a few!!!

Warning: Nettles may lower blood pressure & heart rate, so be cautious. Do not take if breast-feeding or if pregnant.

Most stinging nettle products are made from the stem and leaves, but the roots also have pharmacological qualities. The herb has anti-inflammatory qualities that can affect treatment of many health issues. The aboveground parts have typically aided in allergy relief and other breathing-related problems. The roots are able to provide relief for urinary disorders and enlarged prostate as well

More research is needed, but stinging nettle is also said to:

• Stimulate hair growth
• Help control blood sugar in patients with diabetes
• Reduce bleeding connected to gingivitis
• Treat disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract
• Provide relief from water retention
• Decrease menstrual flow
• Provide asthma relief
• Heal wounds
• Treat hemorrhoids
• Stimulate contractions in pregnant women
• Treat insect bites
• Treat tendonitis
• Treat anemia

 Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain:

Arthritis sufferers often experience joint pain, typically in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Nettle works alongside anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to allow patients to decrease their NSAID use. Because prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause a number of serious side effects, this is an ideal pairing.

 

Studies also show that applying nettle leaf topically at the site of pain decreases joint pain and can help treat arthritis. Nettle can also provide relief when taken orally. Another study published in the Journal of Rheumatology shows stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory power against other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Hay Fever:

Histamine production in the body creates the adverse reactions related to allergies. Allergies cause uncomfortable congestion, sneezing, itching and more. Stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory qualities affect a number of key receptors and enzymes in allergic reactions, preventing hay fever symptoms if taken when they first appear. The leaves of the plant contain histamine, which may seem counterproductive in allergy treatment, but there is history of using histamines to treat severe allergic reactions.

Info taken from the internet & DrAxe.com