Nettle : Organic

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a leafy plant found in most temperate regions of the world. The name Urtica comes from the Latin word uro, meaning “I burn,” referring to the tiny hairs on the leaves that can cause a stinging or burning sensation when they come into contact with the skin. Both the root and the leaves have long been used in herbal medicine.

Nettle has a long history of use. The tough fibers from the stem have been used to make cloth, and cooked nettle leaves have been eaten as vegetables. From ancient Greece to modern times, nettle has been traditionally used to support urinary tract and prostate health, relieve coughs, and stimulate hair growth.

The identity of the current active constituents of nettle is not well known. It is thought that the polysaccharides (complex sugars) and lectins are the active constituents. Test tube studies suggest that nettle leaf exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. This effect is believed to result from nettle’s ability to help inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds known as prostaglandins. Nettle root also appears to influence hormones and the proteins that transport sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, in the body. This may help explain its traditional use in supporting prostate health, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).