What Is Stinging Nettle?

Stinging Nettle is also known as Urtica dioica is an annual flowering plant that is found in many parts around the globe. It is found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. It's often at the height of seven feet. It is easily identified by its heart-shaped leaves as well as its bristly and rough the lining.

The fine hairs are extremely uncomfortable to the contact. The plant's stem and leaves are covered with hairs that resemble needles known as trichomes. They protect plants from getting consumed by animals. In the event of contact, trichomes emit the body with a chemical cocktail high in neurotransmitters and histamines such as serotonin and acetylcholine.

Although it is a little irritant to touch Although it is a bit stingy, people have used this plant to treat their ailments for centuries.

Stinging Nettle Components

Stinging nettle is an effective antioxidant as well as an antimicrobial. It is a rich source of substances that include vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

These chemicals differ, based on the component of the plant (root stalk, leaves).

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The plant's leaves are a source of large amounts in vitamins A, C, D, E F and P, and Vitamin B complexes ( 1). They also contain significant amounts of zinc, selenium magnesium, and iron.

The various minerals and vitamins are known to be involved in hair growth before. Vitamin E For instance has been particularly effective in increasing the amount of hairs within a specific part of the scalp, in a study conducted in 2010 ( 2).

Zinc and iron also have a significant role to play in the growth of hair due to their contribution to the synthesis of DNA and gene expression ( 3).

The Different Parts of the Plant

The leaves are the most macronutrient and micronutrient rich. The leaves have higher levels oils and proteins in the leaves compared to the stalk, and the roots.

When it comes to bioactive substances The roots of the nettle have the lowest amount of nutrients in the portion. They have high levels of sugars, starches and resins, but are lacking in terms of fats, proteins and micronutrients.

The origin and the formulation of nettle also affect the composition of nutrients. Here's a quick analysis of nettle leaf powder versus powder from nettle leaves ( 4, 5):

It is logical that nettle leaf powder which is an unhydrated and concentrated type of leaves of nettle will have higher macronutrients.

The Connection Between Stinging Nettle, Inflammation, & Hair Loss

The scalp is prone to inflammation and is a recognized cause of chronic hair loss. If the scalp is damaged caused by harmful or foreign particles, like the free-radicals DHT as well as bacteria the body responds and tries to fight off the problem.

One of the most prominent signs of androgenetic alopecia is the chronic inflammation that is low-level ( 6). The inflammation isn't apparent for the untrained eye however researchers can detect it using microscopes as they examine the follicles' immediate surrounding (the so-called perifollicular space). Whatever the reason, whether it's an effect or cause of hair loss pattern and is an indication of a sagging scalp.

A few studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory properties that stinging nettle has. It was found that the results depend on the dose. That means the more stinging-nettle extract is in the cell culture the lower level of inflammation it experiences ( 7).

Urtica extracts are high in flavonoids as well as phenols, which are powerful antioxidants. These are crucial for combating free radicals. In this article, we will look at Free radicals, and the roles in inflammation in greater detail.

Free Radicals, Antioxidants, and Hair Loss

Molecules consist of atoms. Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, electrons and. Electrons are in pairs, which allows the atom to remain in a stable state.

The free radicals in your body are unstable. They are able to attack other molecules with stable structures to steal their electrons. This causes an insecurity within living cells. This causes widespread damage, which can eventually trigger an inflammatory response of the type that is seen in persistent hair loss.

The amount of hair loss caused by free radical damage is not well-studied. Some studies have found that an increased oxidative stress on the scalp with the alopecia ( 8). In comparison to healthy controls people with androgenetic hair loss have an average of more oxidative stress markers.

Antioxidants keep free radicals out of creating damage through the donation of one of their electrons.

There are likely to be thousands of antioxidants (vitamin C as well as vitamin E and beta-carotene just to mention just a few) to fight various subsets of free radicals.

(Learn more about a specific type of vitamin E (tocopherol) and how it may help with loss of hair in this article.)

Recent research from Guder and al. have revealed that stinging nettles are high of antioxidants ( 9). Most notable are polyphenols and flavonoids, each of them possess demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, too ( 10).

Stinging nettle is also Vitamin C. It is believed that this vitamin, along with its antioxidative properties, aids in maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Antimicrobial Properties

Stinging nettle has demonstrated antibacterial properties, which include ones directly affecting hair. Particularly, folliculitis is a frequent skin disorder that is manifested by the hair follicles becoming inflamed. It's usually caused by itching or a soreness.

The main reason for folliculitis is bacteria, and specifically the species Staphylococcus aureus. Although it is normal to have the bacteria within the pores of the skin they could become excessively active on the scalp, causing hair follicle damage.

Researchers have discovered that stinging nettle is highly efficient in blocking the Staphylococcus Strand, principally due to the nettle's capability to target the cell wall of the bacterial.

A study conducted by Jan and co. suggests that stinging nettle's benefits are an anti-oxidant, anti-microbial as well as anti-inflammatory ( 13).

Stinging Nettle and DHT

DHT and Hair Loss

Dihydrotestosterone also known as DHT is a sex androgen hormone that the body naturally synthesizes from testosterone. Between 5 and 10% of testosterone that is free through the aid of the enzyme 5-alpha reducetase transforms into DHT. DHT is believed to be the primary cause of losing hair as well as male pattern hair loss.

In adolescence, DHT plays a vital part in the secondary male traits like chest hair, facial hair, a deeper voice in addition to muscle mass. When you reach adulthood, its value is not as clear. Instead of doing anything beneficial it seems to cause two undesirable effects on males.

First cause the prostate to grow. This is known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia or (BHP). Although BPP isn't life-threatening it can create a variety of issues in daily life, such as issues with urination and sleep. Numerous studies have shown that DHT with BPE ( 14).

Second it's implicated in the male-specific hair loss also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). As with BPE scientists aren't able to comprehend precisely how DHT can affect the normal growth of hair. The result of DHT's actions however, is a process referred to as miniaturization of hair follicles. The hair follicles that are affected in the areas of the scalp get smaller and their hair shafts become progressively shorter. The hair shaft becomes so small that it's unable to protrude out of the hair.

Stinging Nettle Inhibits DHT

A study by Nahata and co. investigated how stinging nets on BPH which is caused by testosterone in rodents ( 15). They compared the groups that was treated with nettle to the group taking one mg finasteride. This is a DHT blocker drug that can shrink prostate glands and promote growing hair (we will talk about it later).

Researchers discovered that stinging nettle is a source of substances that are able to hinder the enzyme 5a-reductase activity..

The researchers also discovered that stinging nettle could be able to match the advantages of finasteride while staying clear of unwanted negative side adverse effects.

Another researcher from Iran was attempting to find out whether stinging nettle can be used against BPH for men. He performed an randomized, double-blinded cross-over study on 620 people suffering from BPH ( 16).

He concluded that nettle root extract superior to placebo for therapy of BHP. After six months 81% of those who were taking nettle root extract experienced improvements in prostate-related symptoms. This is in contrast with 43% those who were taking placebo.

The person who conducted this positive study didn't want to speculate on the molecular mechanism that nettle uses to exert its effects. The study did not assert that it is effective in blocking DHT.

With all the other evidence but, it seems to be a plausible hypothesis. If it proves to be accurate this could have major implications for treatment of male pattern hair loss.

Applying Stinging Nettle For Hair Loss

There are a variety of ways to include stinging nettle into your routine for hair care.

Option 1: Use it as an addition

It is not necessary to have the prescription of a physician to begin using the nettle root. It's an readily available product which can be found on Amazon and other online retailers and also at the local health food shop.

The most widely-purchased supplements comes in the form of a capsule with a dosage of between 250-300 mg. It is also available in a liquid extract as the form of a tincture. Certain vendors offer it in the form of a powder that can be dissolved in water.

Each of these forms is meant for oral and systemic use. There is no set dosage guidelines, however 300 mg per day is a good start if you're using nettle to treat hair loss or benign prostate expansion.

Option 2: Take it as a tea tonic

It is easy to mix it into hot water and then drink it as a tea.

It is likely that there could be nettles in your backyard. If you decide to search for nettles, make sure you wear gloves or a long-sleeved t-shirt along with long trousers. If you get in contact with any or part of the plant it could be slightly irritating and could persist for hours.

If you do manage to locate the plant, you shouldn't remove all of the stalk. Instead, you can use scissors or clippers to slice the bracts on the top and bottom on the leaf. This will enable the rest portion of the plants to re-grow to be used again in the future. If you're unable to locate fresh leaves in your area or from the market, you can purchase dried leaves at the market.

Option 3. Infuse the nettle with oil

One of the most efficient methods to make use of the stinging nettle to create oils infusions. Nettle oil has the ability to better reach scalp skin's pores and nourish deeply and heal damaged hair follicles..

It is possible to add nettle into any of your existing home-made shampoo and hair products. It can also be used in its own form as a deep conditioner that can be left overnight to rinse off the next morning.

Stinging Nettle Risks and Side Effects

There aren't any reports of adverse unwanted side effects, aside from the obvious irritation. Avoid stinging nettle when you are sensitive or allergic towards the plant.

Stinging nettle is a wonderful herb with many advantages, but it may be a drug interaction. According to WebMD take care when you're taking these medications:

• Drugs for blood thinning
• Diuretics
• Blood pressure drugs
• Anti-inflammatory medicines

We suggest consulting with a physician who is experienced with herbal remedies prior to introducing the stinging nettle in your daily routine.

FDA-Approved Alternatives to Stinging Nettle

If you are looking for a more mainstream approach to growing your hair There are FDA-approved treatments for loss of hair. They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with natural remedies such as the stinging nets.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is a topical hair loss medication that has been available on the market since 1980s. It is usually sold in the form of Rogaine.

Minoxidil acts as an vasodilator. It increases blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. This means that greater oxygen and nutrients reaching hair follicles.

Researchers aren't sure whether minoxidil is also a hair-growing agent that promotes growth in different ways. Many believe it stimulates growth factors in dermal papilla cells, in addition to other ways ( 17).

A topical treatment one of the major benefits of minoxidil is the reduced risk of adverse reactions to the system. While minoxidil is able to get into the bloodstream however, it is in extremely low amounts. Therefore, the risk of negative effects to the system are very limited.

In contrast to finasteride, minoxidil may be utilized by females and males. It is a treatment option for male and female pattern hair loss.

Finasteride

Finasteride, also referred to as Propecia is an orally-available hair loss medication which first came on the market in 1992. The FDA initially approved it for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in males. In the following years in 1997, they also approved it for men who suffer from male-pattern hair loss ( 18).

Finasteride belongs to a class of drugs known as 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. It blocks the activity in the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme plays a crucial part in DHT synthesizing. When 5-alpha-reductase is blocked our body is not able to produce enough DHT. As a result, the levels of DHT in the scalp and in the body drop.

Although this treatment is beneficial for men with pattern baldness, it comes with some risk. The most commonly reported adverse effects are Erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory disorder and loss of sexual desire ( 19). The risk is low due to the fact that these adverse symptoms only occur in a range of 2.1 percent to 3.8 percent. In most cases, they disappear within a few days however, patients continue to take finasteride.

Finasteride can only be used to treat hair loss among men and is therefore not recommended for women. It's only available on prescription. This means that you'll require your doctor prior to beginning the treatment.

Conclusion

Stinging nettle, applied topically or systemic, is an effective method to combat loss of hair and promote hair growth.