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Nettle

*****WARNING I am not an herbalist. Consult your physician before consuming. DO NOT consume if you take blood thinners, blood pressure medicationsd, and/or dieuretics******

 

 Nettle, also known as stinging nettle due to the fresh (non-dried) leaves causing a stinging sensation when touched. This herb is a nutritious plant rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, and phosphorus. Nettle also contains antioxidants such as polyphenoids, carotenoids, and flavonoids. 

 

Nettle BEFORE pregnancy

    Nettle has many beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and blood sugar control, and in some instances it decreases blood pressure. There are many more benefits with the consumption of nettle, but we will discuss 3 in this section. 

    Anti-inflammatory—Nettle contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is good for conditions like arthritis, seasonal allergies, and eczema. Nettle contains compounds that block chemicals like histamines, which play a role in physiological and immune responses. Its properties can also soothe the skin and reduce joint pain.

    Diuretic—Nettle acts as a diuretic. Its compounds cause an increase in urine production, work by promoting kidney function, and help with excretion. The excretion eliminates toxins, fluid, and sodium. Its high potassium content helps maintain electrolyte and fluid balance. 

    Blood sugar control—Studies have shown that nettle increases insulin secretion and insulin content of the blood. It also enhances the uptake of glucose. These mechanisms reduce blood glucose levels and inhibit the enzyme alpha glucosidase, which is involved in carbohydrate digestion. Carbohydrates play a major role in sugar content because the carbohydrates are usually broken down to sugars. 

 

Nettle DURING pregnancy

    Nettle is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, iron, and calcium. It contains vitamin B9, also known as folate, which is crucial for the neural tube development of the fetus. 

    Nettle's astringency properties are known to tighten and strengthen blood vessels and maintain arterial elasticity. This helps decrease varicose veins and decrease the chances of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. 

    Nettle has a high magnesium content, which may help regulate blood pressure. Magnesium helps relax smooth muscles in blood vessels, which causes them to widen and lower blood pressure.  During conducted studies, drinking nettle regularly decreased systolic blood pressures over an hour. This is also due to its diuretic properties. 

 

Nettle POSTPARTUM

    Nettle is rich in iron and may help with postpartum blood loss and anemia. It's also rich in vitamin K, which is one of the main components for the synthesis of blood clotting factors within the body. 

    Nettle may also increase milk supply. It is known to be a galactagogue (substance that increases breast milk production) because of its effect on the hormones, which may increase estrogen and stimulate the release of prolactin. Prolactin is a vital hormone that plays a crucial role in milk production and lactation. 

 

Until next time... Wombmen Are The Future