Stinging nettle as hair growth treatment and the herbal remedy for hay fever

When the Roman Empire marched into Britain during the first Century AD, they brought the Stinging Nettle along. Soldiers would purposely brush the stems and leaves of this peculiar plant against their legs to ‘warm’ them in the harsh weather of Northern Europe.

As barbaric as that sounds, ancient Roman and Greek healers would also frequently ‘whip’ the arms and legs of paralyzed patients in an attempt to stimulate their muscles. Other cultures practiced a similar treatment, believing it to relieve pain in arthritic joints. Even more shocking however, is that many accounts show that the Ancient Romans believed Nettle to cure impotence and would whip their genitalia with the stinging plant. Although there is no record of whether this technique was actually successful, it would probably be a safe to assume that the number of men who continued to report such an ailment, quickly declined.

Stinging Nettle, or Urticca Dioica, stands about three feet tall with greenish clusters of flowers that hang from the middle of the stem, at the point where each heart-shaped leaf unites. When touched, these inconspicuous plants release histamine and formic acid, the same substance secreted by fire ants. The name Urtica comes from the Latin verb ‘Urere’ meaning to burn; and burn it does according to those who the have had the unfortunate opportunity to run into Stinging Nettle.

This ‘hellish’ plant as it is often referred to, has similar symbolic references to the thistle and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible as a form of punishment. Four different species of nettle currently grow in Palestine, all of which posses stingers that operate much like that of a bee, breaking off when inserted into the skin. When touched, the hollow needles inject their unsuspecting victim with acid, leaving itchy, raised, white welts, reminiscent of poison ivy. The Israelites named the plant Harese and Seref from the verb roots meaning to scorch or burn.

Native to the colder regions of Europe and Asia, today, Stinging Nettle can be found in most temperate areas throughout North America, Europe and the tropical regions of South America and Australia. The plant was naturalized in Brazil where it remains an invaluable source for diabetes, excessive menstrual bleeding, respiratory, urinary and skin problems.

There is an apparent difference between the nettles of Europe and those of North America, the latter producing both male and female white to yellowish flowers on the same plant. This unique species has stinging hairs that are found under the leaves and on the stem which helps it to thrive in disturbed forest regions or abandoned areas such as along the edges of fields or abandoned homes. Historical literature recounts tales of the nettle ‘following’ people around. Botanists today also believe this to be more than just a simple wives’ tale since, as it turns out, nettle thrives in nitrogen rich soil, and where humans reside, there tends to be organic waste, which ultimately creates this type of environment.

Stinging Nettle has been used for some centuries as hair tonic to stimulate new hair growth and bring back natural hair color. But researchers today are still studying the relationship between dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a hormone linked to hair loss in both men and women, and nettle. To date, no specific clinical studies have been conducted on this relationship, however, research does indicate that nettle can prevent testosterone from converting to DHT, the hormone also responsible for male-pattern balding. It is beleived that Nettle root extract contains chemicals which block 2 enzymes, 5a-reductase, which makes the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and aromatase enzyme, which makes estrogens. Studies showed that nettle root extract was effective in inhibiting these 2 enzymes which was a leading cause of hair loss.

Interestingly however, a US patent was filed for a product containing a combination of nettle root and other herbs for use this very use.

Despite the unpleasant bite from the Stinging Nettle, Ancients were known to pick the plant and use its stem and dark green leaves as a remedy for snakebites. The early shoots are an excellent source of Vitamins C and A, and when cooked, are similar in taste to spinach. Along with histamine and formic acid responsible for the plant’s stinging sensation, fresh leaves also contain high levels of iron, chlorophyll, potassium, serotonin and acetylcholine (essential neurotransmitters), glucoquinones (stimulate milk production), Vitamin B, flavanoids (antioxidant properties), including tannins, silica, protein and dietary fiber. Once heated or cooked, the nettle loses its ability to sting and some early 16th century recipes mention Stinging Nettle in such culinary delights as Nettle Pudding and even Nettle Beer.

Although the chemicals released by the Stinging Nettle during an unfortunate encounter can be quite painful, depending on the recipient’s sensitivity, the rash can last anywhere from one to 24 hours. Since it is an alkaline, a base such as baking soda or even human saliva can ease the pain the in the interim. Ironically however, when the Stinging Nettle is used to treat areas of the body already in pain, these same chemicals have a calming effect, decreasing the original pain. Juice from this ‘counterirritant’ is therefore useful for such things as insect bites or even nettle stings themselves.

Known for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, nettle is making great strides within the scientific community. Numerous studies purport the incredible effects of Stinging Nettle. In one such study, 40 patients suffering from acute arthritis received either a 200 mg dose of the standard anti-inflammatory drug, Diclofenac or 50 mg of Stinging Nettle in combination with 50 mg (one quarter the normal does) of the same drug. Researchers were astounded to see learn that subjects receiving the nettle and only one-quarter the dose of the anti-inflammatory drug had as much or more relief in symptoms as those receiving the drug alone.¹

Nettle has also long been used to treat such ailments as kidney and bladder infections. Its diuretic effectiveness, due in part researchers believe, to its high potassium and flavanoid levels, increases urine production and promotes toxin elimination. This would also explain why each spring, ancient Europeans would regularly use nettle as an over all health tonic to cleanse the body.

In the past, Nettle was commonly used with great results, for a variety of skin conditions, including cases of childhood eczema. Its anti-allergen, immune stimulating properties were lauded for centuries and nettle was commonly used as a tonic for general hay fever symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. Europeans were known to use nettle to treat Asthma and other respiratory conditions. Its anti-hemorrhagic effects are still being utilized in such countries as, Brazil, India, Peru, and the US. In fact, there is an early account of a Civil War Surgeon who frequently used bandages soaked in a nettle infusion to stop bleeding in his Confederate soldiers.

It is important to note there are differences between the root and the leaves and stem of the Stinging Nettle depending on where it will be used. Recent studies indicate that the root is beneficial in treating benign prostrate hyperplasia (BPH). BHP is not cancer and is a situation in which the prostrate gland slowly enlarges, eventually narrowing the urethra opening, causing urine to back up, ultimately resulting in severe irritation and possible infections.

To make a very complicated explanation short, studies show Stinging Nettle, when used in combination with other herbs such as Saw Palmetto, will inhibit the growth of new prostrate cells.² In one study, nettle was shown to inhibit the growth of prostrate cells by as much as 30 percent in only five days. It was also seen to reduce symptoms of BPH, such as retained urine, frequent and nighttime urination.³

A connection between balding in men and the risk of BPH is being studied, however, preliminary studies would suggest a direct correlation. The effectiveness of nettle has become so well known that statistics show as many as 80 percent of European men with BPH will choose to use nettle as a treatment over surgery or traditional medications. In Germany and Japan, nettle is considered an approved medical treatment for the condition.

Nettle can be taken as an infusion, a tincture or in capsules. The dosage will depend on the condition for which it is being taken, however 300mg, 2 – 4 times daily is recommended during allergy season to prevent hay fever. Side effects are rare, apart of course, from touching the fresh leaves and stem of the plant. Nettle is considered quite safe but is also considered a diuretic so water should also be taken to counteract the depleting effects.

References:

1. Chrubasik, S. Enderlein, W., Bauer, R., Grabner, W, “Evidence for antirheumatic effectiveness of Herba Urticae dioicae in acute arthritis: A pilot study”, Phytomedicine 1997; 4(2): 105-108.
2. Koch E. and A. Biber. "Pharmacological effects of saw palmetto and urtica extracts for benign prostatic hyperplasia." Urology, 1994; 34(2): 90-95.
3. Hryb, D. J., et al. “The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human prostatic membranes”, Planta Med. 1995; 61(1): 31-2.