Stinging Nettle Roots

Stinging Nettle Roots – Uses and Benefits

For those of you who are familiar with the plant, it may shock you that stinging nettle plant has a variety of health benefits. Its roots have been consumed for ages for the treatment of several conditions and to provide necessary nutrients. 

How can a plant that causes you to itch and burn like crazy if your hand accidentally grazes against it be doing anyone any good? It’s called ‘stinging’ nettle for a reason, after all.  

However, it is true that stinging nettle roots have various health benefits. Nettle roots are rich in multiple minerals and are cooked to make soup, tea, and are added to other healthy beverages. 

For those of you who do not know about the stinging nettle, the image of the plant in your head may be an ominous one. The stinging nettle is an erect plant whose stem and leaves are covered with tiny hairs with sharp heads, which inject a potion of chemicals when touched, causing the paresthesia or ‘sting’ that the plant is now known for. You do not want to encounter this plant on your morning walk or an adventurous hike. 

But beneath the threatening exterior, the plant hides a wealth of minerals and medicinal benefits in its roots. The nettle roots are consumed as a whole for a wide range of health advantages or applied topically as poultice for wound healing.

Benefits of the Stinger’s Roots

Despite the plant’s defense mechanism, it is actually not as bad as people think it is. People have been using the stinging nettle roots’ extract as a medicinal herb and health supplement for ages. Stinging nettle soup is a widely consumed delicacy made from the plant. The roots are used for several purposes ranging from improving testosterone levels in the blood to healing wounds. Let's explore some of the most common benefits of this plant.

Nutrient Dense

Stinging nettle roots are packed with a lot of nutrients! It is loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and even B, and minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. It also contains many fats, amino acids, and several antioxidants. Consuming nettle extract products can thus help in healthy hair growth, better skin, and overall better health.

Diuretic

Nettle roots are a natural diuretic; a substance that expels excess water and salt from your system through your urine. Nettle roots can also be used to expel unwanted water from the system and prevent continence. Often, men of over 50 years old develop an enlarged prostate, which causes painful or frequent urination. Nettle roots can actually help with that.

Osteoarthritis

It is believed that consuming nettle roots orally or by a topical application can help arthritis patients in reducing their pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Nettle roots have anti-inflammatory properties which inhibit the activation of a protein called NF-κB, which is overactive in arthritis patients.

Wound Treatments

Topical application of crushed nettle roots and leaves has proven to be effective in quick wound healing and prevents scarring from scratches, burns, and rashes. Drinking nettle root tea is also said to alleviate allergic reactions. 

Lenobelle, a dietary supplement containing nettle root extract, is great source of nutrients, including Biotin, Antioxidant, Minerals, Herbs and Vitamins for hair, skin and nails.