Stinging Nettle

by Edith Richards

Can I Use Stinging Nettles To Control My Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The simple answer is yes, well not for all, but for many, Yes nettles really can offer some relief from the pain and inflammation . Nettles have been used for thousands of years in one form or another for there healing properties. In the case osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis many plants and natural substances exist that that are known to aid joint pain and inflammation, with the most extreme probably being the common Stinging Nettle.

The science behind the myth is somewhat confusing, having said that recent studies carried out at the University of Plymouth UK, offer some scientific proof that this ancient folklore therapy can actually work.

During research at the University of Plymouth stinging nettle leaves were applied to the hands of 27 arthritis sufferers daily for a week, The results were then compared to the effect of a placebo, namely, the white dead nettle leaf, which does not sting, the white deadnettle leaf was also applied for a week. The researchers found that stinging nettles not only significantly reduced pain, but also that the level of remaining pain stayed lower through most of the treatment.

How Does It Work?

The theory is, the nettle leaf contains thousands of microscopic stinging spines which are thought to pierce the skin similar to acupuncture which triggers histamine (the body's own anti-inflammatory) as well as a sting, to concentrate on the treated area, the by product being arthritis pain and inflammation relief. Pain relief was most likely to occur if a sting with weal's (nettle rash) was produced.

This is an ancient folklore, that seems to work for many people all over the world. The stinging nettle is a freely available plant which grows in may countries around the world and its sting seems a safe treatment.

How to Treat Your Arthritis Using The Stinging Nettle Treatment

The traditional way to treat your arthritis with stinging nettles is simply to grasp the plants stem with a gloved hand and then thrash or rub down the affected joint area with the leaves until nettle rash appears, repeat the same process for all affected areas, in many cases this will help reduce the pain and swelling quickly all be it for a short period of time.

Does this all sound a little barbaric? Well nature has provided many long and short term answers for arthritis, with nettles being at the extreme. There are easier and far less abrasive ways of reducing your pain and inflammation believe me.

About the Author:

I Suffered With Rheumatoid Arthritis For Over 16 Years Before I Found This Successful Method Of Treatment, Now I No Longer Need Any Medication To Live A Normal, Pain Free Life, Read my story at howicuredmyarthritis.com