Made of nettle roots this potent stinging nettle extract possesses many medicinal benefits that might help to stimulate hair growth or increase the flow rate and urinary volume in men.
While you might prefer to keep a distance from nettle, this nutritious herb is in fact medicinal from top to its roots. The most popular part of nettle are the leaves as we like to use them in teas, infuse them in oil or just simply eat them. Some people, however, use its root that has
specific medicinal properties that are unique from those of the other parts of the plant.
Stinging Nettle root vs. leaves
Nettle leaves and stems possess anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties, reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, itchiness or joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Nettle root, on the other hand, is considered a tonic to a bladder and urinary tract easing symptoms of urinary tract inflammation. Moreover, it is recognized as a powerful antioxidant and hormonal balancing tonic that helps reduce prostate size and treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men with BPH or hair growth
nettle root benefits and uses
Men above the age of 50 suffer from an enlarged prostate gland commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH (up to 50% of men) which leads to serious discomfort during urination. Research revealed that powerful herbs such as nettle might prevent the conversion of testosterone into a more powerful form called dihydrotestosterone and consequently reduces prostate size. Human Studies conducted with people suffering BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extract reduces the size of the prostate which significantly helps with urination problems without any side effects. However more research is needed to compare with conventional medicine.
Improve menstrual cycle conditions, oily skin or acne in women with high testosterone levels (hyperandrogenism)
Early research suggests that stinging nettle root preparation when taken for a period of 4 months might help to improve symptoms of hyperandrogenism in women.
This study confirms that herbal extract from Urtica dioica stimulates new hair growth and might possibly help against alopecia. This nettle oil promotes healthy hair growth and adds a shine to your hair when used topically.
Nettle Root
In addition to seeds, stinging nettle grows and spreads by stolons forming a network of yellow, lateral creeping rhizomes. There are two types of rhizomes. Thin young runners rhizomes, light yellow or beige in color, grow horizontally and spread just below the surface. Thick and more fibrous rhizomes of darker yellow color are robust and grow vertically. They have excellent therapeutic effects and are easy to harvest and preserve.
When to harvest nettle root
Plan your harvest in early spring or late autumn. At this time, the energy from the plant is directed to the production of roots rather than leaves, seeds or flowers.
If you live in a warm climate where it does not freeze, you can harvest the roots even in winter.
In early spring, it is best to dig out the roots before new shoots begin to sprout. That happens when the energy of the plant is directed to above-ground growth and not to the development of roots.
How to harvest stinging nettle root
When you are ready to harvest, take a digging knife with you in addition to gloves, long sleeves and trousers. Start by cutting off the top of the plants so that you don’t get stung right away. Set them aside and use them later to cover the disturbed area and improve future soil growth. Then carefully dig a wide circle around the base of your plants.
Gradually, as you start digging lower you will come across a network of runners that grow more on the surface. Pull them out and work your way down to the thicker roots that are underneath. It is easier to pull out the roots when the soil is moisturized and not too dry. Bag your harvest making sure the disturbed area is covered with vegetation again so that it can be restored quickly. Never take more than 30 percent of the plants so that the crop can continue and the nettles can be colonized further.
How to make nettle extract
Step 1
Once you manage to get 5 nettle roots, shake the dirt. Clip the leaves and stems with scissors and gloves on. Use a knife to remove the remaining dirt.
Wash the roots thoroughly to remove any additional dirt and let them dry for a few hours before using them in the extract.
Step 2
Cut the roots into 1 – 2 cm pieces with a sharp knife or scissors.
Step 3
Add small pieces of dried nettle root into a sterilized glass jar in the ratio 1:3
Step 4
Pour 100-proof vodka over it, seal tightly with a lid and keep it in a dark dry place, where you can see it
Step 5
You will need to shake it daily for a period of one month
Step 6
After 4-6 weeks strain the liquid with a cheesecloth, disregard root and keep the tincture in a dark dropper bottle.
Nettle Root Tincture can be diluted in water or fruit juice
Take Suggested Use: Traditionally Taken: 1-3 droppers 2 – 3 times per day or as directed by a Herbal practitioner. 20 drops from the glass dropper equals approximately 1ml.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center , nettle root and nettle leaf are considered safe, however, they may cause an upset stomach in some cases.
Avoid using this preparation if you are pregnant and discuss use of this extract with your practitioner before using it.
Hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a widespread dermatological problem that affects not only men but also women. Nettle root has the ability to inhibit conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, high levels of which are associated with AGA. Nettle root increases vascular growth factor and supports new hair growth.
The best result can be achieved by combining nettle root extract internally with nettle oil applied topically on the scalp. .
Stinging nettle root extract recipe
Made of nettle roots this potent stinging nettle extract possesses many medicinal benefits that might help to stimulate hair growth or increase flow rate and urinary volume in men.
Materials
- 64 g (1/2 cup = 2.25 oz) dried nettle root
- 120 ml (1/2 cup = 4 oz) 100-proof alcohol
Tools
Instructions
- Once you manage to get 5 nettle roots, shake the dirt. Clip the leaves and stems with scissors and gloves on. Use a knife to remove the remaining dirt.
- Wash the roots thoroughly to remove any additional dirt and let them dry for a few hours before using them in the extract.
- Cut the roots into 1 - 2 cm pieces with a sharp knife or scissors.
- Add small pieces of dried nettle root into a sterilized glass jar in the ratio 1:3
- Pour 100-proof vodka over it, seal tightly with a lid and keep it in a dark dry place, where you can see it
- You will need to shake it daily for a period of one month
- After 4-6 weeks strain the liquid with a cheesecloth, disregard root and keep the tincture in a dark dropper bottle.
Notes
If you purchase the root you can skip the first three steps.
If you decide to use fresh nettle root, double the amount and use 1 cup of fresh nettle root.
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