Joint pain and stiffness, the two most distressing symptoms of arthritis, can decrease mobility and make life difficult for sufferers. While conventional medical treatments control inflammation and restrict the progression of the disease, there are many herbal remedies that can ease pain naturally.
One such remarkable herb that’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and is a treasure house of bone-essential minerals is stinging nettle.
How Does Stinging Nettle Work?
Nettles are packed with anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in calcium, boron, magnesium and silicon. Not only do they help build strong bones, they also ease pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
According to experts, daily consumption of nettle leaves can reduce your intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by almost 20 percent. Nettles prevent the retention of water in the joints, thus nipping inflammation in the bud. Being known diuretics, nettles also keep the kidneys clean and healthy.
How To Use It
- Add five to six fresh nettle leaves (or 1tsp dried and crushed nettle leaves) to a cup of boiling water and steep for about 10 minutes. Drink once cool. You can add honey or cinnamon for additional flavor. Have this twice a day to ease your symptoms.
For more interesting stories, visit our Health page and read about other Natural Remedies here.
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References:
1. Johnson TA, Sohn J, Inman WD, Bjeldanes LF, Rayburn K. Lipophilic stinging nettle extracts possess potent anti-inflammatory activity, are not cytotoxic and may be superior to traditional tinctures for treating inflammatory disorders.Phytomedicine. 2013 Jan 15;20(2):143-7. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.09.016. Epub 2012 Oct 23. PubMed PMID: 23092723; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3529973.
2. Broer J, Behnke B. Immunosuppressant effect of IDS 30, a stinging nettle leaf extract, on myeloid dendritic cells in vitro. J Rheumatol. 2002 Apr;29(4):659-66.PubMed PMID: 11950004.
3. Randall C, Randall H, Dobbs F, Hutton C, Sanders H. Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain. J R Soc Med. 2000 Jun;93(6):305-9. PubMed PMID: 10911825; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC1298033.