Nettles can help ease arthritis
With Be Nice to Nettles Week starting today, medical herbalist Lucy Stephens of London’s Reva Clinic is taking the ‘sting’ out of nettles with some positive tips for using these highly effective but often feared plants.
“Not only do Nettles provide excellent food for some butterflies and moths but we can make use of them in many beneficial ways. Most of us will think of Nettles as an outdoor plant to be avoided - many will have experienced the sting of a nettle and remember frantically searching around for a dock leaf antidote” says Lucy “but I use Nettles frequently in my practice to treat a number of conditions.
Arthritis used to be treated by whipping the joint with stinging nettles, however a recent study that used the underside of the nettle leaf applied to osteoarthritis in the thumb, did actually find that there was a reduction in pain and inflammation within one week of treatment!
Seasonal allergies can be really debilitating and anyone who suffers will be familiar with runny noses, blocked noses, itchy eyes and other related symptoms. Nettle extract has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effect in seasonal rhinitis and has shown positive effects,
Nettle can be used as a diuretic so can be useful for conditions such as cystitis where you need to drink plenty of fluids. As well as being a good herb for urinary tract infections, studies have shown its use alongside conventional medicine for the treatment of enlarged prostates, as it improves urinary tract symptoms. For any of these urinary tract conditions nettle is best taken as a tea.
Studies have also shown that nettle can reduce high blood pressure by releasing certain chemicals and reducing the pressure in the blood vessels. It is important not to self-medicate in cases of high blood pressure however, so speak to your doctor or a medical herbalist.
Nettle is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, so why not boil it up and have a side of nettle greens with your dinner? Just make sure you’re wearing gloves when you’re preparing the nettle so you don’t get stung. Once cooked the sting effect is removed."
(www.revaclinic.com)
Tagged in Health Arthritis blood pressure allergy