It has a bite that is hard to forget. The stinging nettle is well known for its ferocious sting. However this feared plant and its medicinal uses is hard to ignore. Nettles grow well in temperate and tropical areas all over the world. This herb also contain a number of plant chemicals among them coumaric acid, formic acid, sitosterol, sigmasterol, quinic acid and antihistamine.

Benign  prostatic hypertrophy or BPH will  affect most men as they age. This condition can lead to problems with urination.
Did you know that nettle  in combination with another herb called saw palmetto the combustion can work just as well as drugs.    In Germany the root of the nettle has been used effectively  for this condition. Nettle helps men empty their bladders more fully during the day thereby reducing frequency  at night.
It is also effective for prostatitis an enlargement of the prostate. Stinging nettle has been used in Europe to treat prostate problems for a very long time. For that matter the herb as been compared to finastride a medication used  for prostates.

In  one particular study, it seems that nettle can inhibit  the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, this would prevent testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestorone. Although  dihydrostestorone is necessary for prostate health, excess  can cause pathological growth of the prostate. Simply put it appears that most of the processes that encourage the prostate gland to grow is blocked by nettles, in particular nettle root. One study done in the lab showed that nettle root was able to slow the growth of human cancer cells.

Precautions

Nettle can be used fresh or dried. The leaves can be picked in early spring before it flowers. Otherwise the dried leaves can be used in the winter. Extracts of nettle roots is said to  be a potent  diuretic, so  persons on blood pressure medications should be aware.  Nettles can also increase the effect of diuretics.  Don’t use if you are pregnant as this could precipitate contractions. Those with heart, kidney or hormone related cancers should consult their physician before using.