What Is Nettle?

People seeking relief from the congestion and irritation associated with seasonal allergies often swap one set of problems for another. Typical over-the-counter medicines cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and other problems that make it just as difficult to function normally. Natural remedies are not miracle cures, but they can work well without causing side effects. One herb that is well-known to remedy allergy symptoms is nettle. 

Nettle, sometimes called stinging nettle, is an herb that has been studied extensively and used for hundreds of years. It has also proved promising in treating many diseases, but it is especially helpful in treating seasonal allergy symptoms. As with most herbs, nettle has more than one use. Its root and leaf have different properties and are used to treat different conditions.

Nettle root is used as a remedy for male problems such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia -- conditions which are often precancerous. Preliminary research shows it may also be effective in preventing male-pattern baldness.

Nettle leaf boosts immune system function -- among other things. It is very effective in treating the symptoms allergic rhinitis such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. It has also been proven to perform better than some precription drugs.

If you have ever suffered from allergy symptoms or hay fever, then you know how frustrating it can be just to breathe in and out. Pollen, molds, and other particles get into your system, causing inflammation in the nasal passages, which in turn causes sneezing, red itchy eyes, and other uncomfortable issues.  Many people resort to prescription or over-the-counter drugs to get relief.

The problem with those types of medicines is three fold.  Sometimes they don’t work, and most of the time they can cause drowsiness. More importantly, your body becomes immune to the medicine after a while.

The way Nettle helps with allergy and hay fever symptoms is that some parts of the nettle are able to reduce the amount of histamine that is produced in a person’s body. When something like pollen aggravates the immune system, the body produces more histamine. While the body is actually trying to get rid of anything foreign, such as the pollen, it actually creates a problem by causing irritating and sometimes debilitating symptoms.

Nettle does not provide instant relief for allergy sufferers.  It should be taken for at least 30 days in order for you to realize its full effects.  Once it is in your system, then the power behind it works at its full force.  If you have chronic problems, you can take Nettle every day to keep allergies at bay.

I drink Nettle tea everyday because I find it helps my allergies which I have all year long. A few years ago I had problems with my energy level -- I was tired all the time. My doctor felt I had sleep apnea because I was so stuffed up and couldn't breath at night.

I tried an apnea machine but it didin't help -- I was too stuffed up for the air to get in. I started drinking Nettle tea everyday. I also use a Neti pot filled with Nettle tea to clear my sinuses along with an herbal eyewash. 

It took time, but a little over a month later my sinuses cleared up and I could breath at night -- no more waking up gasping for air. I can also tell you that Nettle is far cheaper than an apnea machine or a prescription for allergy medication.

As I already mentioned, most herbs have multiple uses and Nettle is no exception. This herb has been found useful in the following conditons:

• Male pattern baldness 
• Arthritis
• PMS
• Urinary Tract Infections
• High blood pressure

There are many brands of shampoos, teas, creams, and capsules containng Nettle at health food stores. Just make sure to follow the directions on the package. Children under the age of 2 should not take Nettle. If you are taking prescription drugs, check with your doctor first because Nettle is also a diurectic. Generally speaking, it is considered a very safe herb as it has been in use for hundreds of years.

Herbal remedies are a great way to stay healthy and save money. If you are just getting started with herbs, I suggest you try the Learning Herbs kit. It contains everything you need to get started and step-by-step instructions from an expert herbalist.