Sooth it with Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herb with a long history of medicinal use, especially for urinary tract issues. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, stinging nettle is a diuretic, and both of these properties make it helpful for prostate issues, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis and urinary tract symptoms associated with those disorders.

Men over 50 risk of developing BPH. Cells in the prostate gland can overgrow, causing swelling that may obstruct the urethra, which then makes urination difficult. This can lead to incontinence, a weak urinary stream, hesitancy, and other uncomfortable urinary symptoms such as increased frequency and urgency during the night.

Stinging nettle has been used to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. It has also been used to treat hay fever, or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.

The root of stinging nettle is widely used in Europe to treat BPH. Research suggests that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs may be effective at relieving BPH symptoms, such as reduced flow of urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the continuous urge to urinate. These symptoms are caused by the enlarged prostate gland putting pressure on the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder. Scientists have theorized that nettle root reduces symptoms because it may contain chemicals that affect hormones or because it directly acts on prostate cells. It is important to work with a doctor to treat BPH, and to be certain you have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.

The stems and leaves of stinging nettle have long been used to treat arthritis and sore muscles. Studies have been small and inconclusive, but they do suggest that some people find relief from joint pain by applying nettle leaf topically to the painful area.

A study in Germany looked at the impact of an extract of stinging nettle root on the growth activity of human prostate cells. They showed that the stinging nettle extract effects where dependent on the concentration of the extract. There was a significant effect on reducing cell growth during the first seven days.

Stinging Nettle, Saw Palmetto, and BPH

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) products are made from the fruit of a small palm tree which is native to Florida and was a former staple food of Seminole Indians. Not only has the combination of saw palmetto and nettle root been found to be safe and effective in long-term clinical trials in men with BPH, in some trials it has also been shown to be as effective as standard drug therapy.

Stinging Nettle and Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, sometimes caused by a bacterial infection. For men who have prostatitis, stinging nettle has demonstrated some benefit in men who had the chronic bacterial form of the condition. Nettle root is a very nutritious herb, with a lot of vitamins, minerals and carotenoids. Because of nettle root's proven diuretic effect, users can also see an increased elimination of uric acid.

Occasional mild side effects of stinging nettle may include stomach upset, rash, and fluid retention. Men who have BPH or suspect prostate problems should not self-treat with stinging nettle but instead consult their healthcare provider.

Also beneficial to your prostate is Pygeum. Pygeum is a tree native to the higher elevations of central and southern Africa. Sometimes referred to as the African Cherry because of its close relationship to the cherry tree, and like the cherry it's a member of the rose family The dull gray-brown bark of this towering evergreen is the part used for traditional medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples who pulverized the bark, and used it as a tea to treat urinary tract infections. Pygeum has become an endangered species in parts of Africa because of the high demand.

Stinging nettle, along with Saw Palmetto and Pygeum, can help alleviate your BPH symptoms and help you have a better quality of life.

Prostate problems are a common part of growing older for many men. You can, however, take a very comprehensive formula that includes Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Lycopene, Beta-Sitosterol, Pygeum Africanum and Stinging Nettle, a total of over 30+ ingredients; a very comprehensive formula; Prostate Health Essentials (click here to view). Prostate Health Essentials contains 30+ natural ingredients shown to support prostate health.