Stinging Nettle and Hair Growth
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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The leaves of stinging nettle are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These can help reduce scalp inflammation which is a major factor in hair loss.
It is also a diuretic, which can help with reducing water retention. It can be consumed orally or applied topically.
1. It is rich in sulphur and silica
The leaves of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The plant has long been used in herbal remedies and medicinal preparations. It can be taken in the form of tea, tinctures, capsules tablets or ointments and is known to promote health in several ways.
Stinging nettle is rich in sulphur and silica which helps make hair shinier and healthier. It also helps in re-growing lost hairs, and can even help restore the original colour of your hair. Nettle leaf extracts are also used as a scalp mist to clear dandruff and reduce hair fall.
It is a broad-leafed weed commonly found in gardens. The cotyledons (seed leaves) are round to oval and hairless with a few stinging hairs on the outer surfaces. The first true leaves are opposite on the stalk, and have toothed margins. They are 2-1/2 to 5 inches long with 3 to 5 veins radiating from the base.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, stinging nettle can be beneficial to the kidneys and bladder. It contains many essential minerals that are necessary to support healthy urination. These include potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Nettle ointments and creams are often used for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and hay fever. They also contain antihistamines and other substances that reduce itching, redness, and inflammation in the body.
It is a good natural alternative to medications for treating dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin disorders. It contains many antioxidants and polyphenols which help to prevent inflammatory conditions and keep the body strong.
This herb is a natural pain reliever and can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatism, shingles, and fibromyalgia. It has a high content of silicon which helps to reduce the itching and irritation associated with these conditions.
A tincture of dried nettle leaves can be taken orally or applied topically to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation. It can also be used as a diuretic to promote urination and flush out waste.
The nettle plant has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments and is now becoming increasingly popular. It is available as a dried or frozen herb, in teas, tinctures, ointments, and creams.
2. It is rich in antioxidants
Nettle is rich in antioxidants that help the body detoxify and protect itself against oxidative stress, which can cause cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health issues. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for hair growth and thicker hair.
It is an excellent source of dietary minerals like potassium, iron, and silica. It also contains vitamins A, B, C, and K. It helps boost your immunity and nourishes your kidneys. It also improves your skin and promotes blood circulation.
A few studies have shown that stinging nettle can reduce the symptoms of urinary tract infections. It can also be used to treat hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
Some studies show that stinging nettle can reduce inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis and gout. It can also be helpful in lowering your blood pressure and controlling diabetes.
If you are taking certain medications, stinging nettle may interfere with their effects. It may block enzymes in the CYP1A family that break down some medications, such as melatonin or warfarin.
Stinging nettle may also increase the free testosterone in your body, which could make some health conditions worse. It is also believed that stinging nettle may stop the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which is a more powerful form of testosterone.
This can reduce the size of your prostate gland, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. If you have an enlarged prostate, talk to your doctor before taking stinging nettle.
In addition, stinging nettle has a positive effect on your immune system. It can also help prevent and cure colds, flu, and other allergies by reducing your body's inflammation.
Moreover, it can help you fight against certain types of acne. Its antioxidants can help expedite healing, lessen scarring, and diminish age spots.
You can find stinging nettle in the form of dried leaves, capsules, tincture, root, tea, and cream. You can also use it to prepare compresses and ointments for joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.
Nettle is a plant that can be found in most countries. It is a common herb in herbal medicine, and is considered a powerful plant for treating various ailments. It is often used to treat hay fever, urinary tract infections, and eczema.
3. It is rich in Vitamin C
Stinging nettle is a plant rich in Vitamin C, which is known to have a variety of health benefits. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off free radicals and other harmful chemicals. It is also beneficial for people with diabetes as it can help control blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that is necessary for your immune system to function properly and prevent diseases such as cancer. It also protects the body against inflammation and infections, which can lead to a wide range of health problems.
Nettle contains a high amount of vitamin C, which can help improve your skin tone and complexion. It can also help reduce your risk of developing skin problems such as eczema and acne.
It can also help reduce inflammation in the joints, which can be caused by arthritis and other conditions. It can also help with hair growth and promote a healthy scalp.
In addition, stinging nettle is a great source of iron and calcium. It is also an excellent source of folic acid and protein. It can also help with digestion and boost your immune system.
If you want to reap the benefits of stinging nettle, you can make a tea out of fresh leaves or dried leaf powder. You can also use stinging nettle in soups, stews and smoothies.
Adding stinging nettle to your diet is also an effective way to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergies. It can help block histamine receptors and stop the production of chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms.
You can also try drinking stinging nettle tea to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. The herb is a diuretic and can help increase urine flow, which can prevent the buildup of pathogens that cause these conditions.
You can also use stinging nettle tinctures, fluid extracts, tablets and creams to get the health benefits of this herb. Before taking any type of herbal supplement, it is important to talk to a health care provider. They can advise you on the best dose and how to use it correctly.
4. It is rich in iron
Stinging nettle is rich in iron, which promotes blood circulation and helps to increase oxygenation in the scalp. This in turn, can lead to healthier and stronger hair. In addition to iron, stinging nettle is also packed with vitamins A and C and silica. These nutrients promote hair growth and can be incorporated into your diet to improve the condition of your hair.
Aside from the hair-boosting benefits of stinging nettle, it is also rich in other nutrients that are essential for good health and skin tone. The vitamin A in the herb helps to keep your skin soft and smooth, reducing blemishes and acne. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe irritated and itchy skin. The antioxidants in stinging nettle help to fight free radical damage, which can cause premature aging and cancer.
The vitamin C in the herb is helpful for repairing damaged and dry skin, while it also aids the absorption of minerals and vitamins from your diet. The vitamin A in stinging nettle can also help to improve your skin's overall appearance by promoting collagen production and preventing wrinkles from developing.
Taking stinging nettle in tea form is another way to benefit from its health-enhancing properties. It is especially helpful for those who suffer from hair loss or thinning of the hair, as it can boost blood flow to the scalp and stimulate new hair growth.
It is important to note that stinging nettle is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can trigger uterine contractions. It is also best to avoid using it in combination with diuretics or medications that reduce potassium levels.
When consuming stinging nettle, you may want to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. It is also advisable to use an ice cube in your cup as it cools down the tea quickly, and ensures that you get the full benefits of stinging nettle.
As a result, stinging nettle can also be beneficial for brittle or weakened hair, as it helps to strengthen the root structure and prevent breakage. It is also useful for improving the overall health of your scalp and preventing dandruff.
Conclusion
For a long time, people have been using stinging nettle (urtica dioica) as a herbal treatment for a range of ailments. The leaves and stem of the plant are covered with fine, needle-like hairs known as trichomes, which defend the nettle from predators like insects.
They also contain anti-inflammatory agents that help calm itching and rashes caused by irritation to the skin. This means stinging nettle is useful for a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, as well as chronic scalp and dandruff issues.
It may also benefit those who suffer from alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the follicles and cause hair loss. Research suggests nettle has the ability to stop this process by regulating and blocking DHT, a hormone that causes baldness.
The nutrients in stinging nettle are a great addition to your natural hair care regimen. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds that support the health of your scalp and the growth of new hair.
Vitamin A helps to promote the production of sebum, which is an oil that moisturizes your scalp and keeps strands strong and healthy. Vitamin B and C also help to produce keratin in the hair follicles, which gives your locks their structure.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of nettle also have the ability to improve blood flow to your scalp, helping to stimulate healthy hair growth. It can be taken by mouth as a supplement, or applied topically in an oil.
