Benefits That Nettles Offer

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When found in your garden, nettles can be a major source of annoyance. But only few people know the numerous nutritious and health benefits that nettles offer. Although these plants pack a prickly punch, their various health benefits outweigh their stinging properties any day. They act as a magnet for useful wildlife, that can be converted into great plant food and can also be used to add extra flavour to the numerous ingredients used around the kitchen.

Nettles are also important because they play a major role in the ecosystem. This is so because they are the main food source of catterpillers, and play a key role in the survival of butterflies. Let us look at the various benefits that nettles have to offer.

Prevent Kidney Stones
One of the main medical uses of nettles is that it is a great diuretic. Therefore, it helps in preventing kidney stones and urinary tract infection. Nettles allow the water to flow through the kidney and bladder. This function of nettles prevents the crystals from turning into stone and always helps in flushing all the bacteria out.

Reduce Arthritis Pain
Another great health benefit of nettles is that, it reduces the pain of arthritis. Numerous studies have shown that nettles work just as well as anti inflammatory drugs in reducing the pain caused by various types of arthritis problems. It can also be used to enhance the functioning of the anti inflammatory drugs. This can be seen in the case of people with osteoarthritis, where nettles enhance the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac.

Restorative Nettle Tea
Nettle tea has a number of excellent medicinal properties, as well as being a delicious and refreshing drink. Nettle tea is reputed to help combat several ailments, including eczema, asthma, hay fever and muscle aches. Nettle tea is very simple to prepare. All you have to do is to add fresh tips to the boiling water and remove them when the water turns slightly green to avoid the tea being bitter.

Hay Fever
Research has proven that nettles help in reducing the sneezing and itching suffered by people susceptible to hay fever. This is mostly due to the nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen.

Nettle Leaf Juice
Nettle leaf juice is one of the best ways to consume nettles to reap its various health benefits. Drinking nettle leaf juice will ensure that the pain and inflammation felt by people suffering from arthritis will be reduced to a large extent.

These are some of the most important use of nettles.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.