Use Stinging Nettles To Control My Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Author: mark john

The simple answer for many is yes, and certainly acceptable for quick relief. Stinging Nettles have been used for thousands of years for there medicinal properties. Nature provides us with many plants and roots that will aid in the relieving of joint pain and inflammation, with the most radical being the common Stinging Nettle.

There is some science behind this age old folklore. Recent studies carried out at the University of Plymouth UK, offer some scientific proof that this ancient remedy does 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 deadnettle 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.

Why 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 age old remedy, that seems to work for many people across the world. The stinging nettle is a freely available plant which grows in many countries around the world and its sting seems a safe treatment with little in the way of side effects. So nettles may indeed reduce the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How to Administer

The traditional method of treating your arthritis with stinging nettles is quite simple. Take hold of the plant by the stem with a gloved hand and then thrash or rub the affected joint area with the leaves until nettle rash appears. The results are not thought to be systemic so you will need to repeat the same process for all affected joints. Many suffers of arthritis may benefit from this procedure, all be it for a short period of time.

So yes, the simple answer is stinging nettles can help and proof does exist to back this up, nettles can indeed offer some short term relief, however the thought of thrashing yourself with them may not be one to relish. well the good news is, you don\'t have to, you see nature has provided us with many long and short term answers for most types of arthritis and there are easier and far less abrasive ways of reducing your pain and inflammation believe me.

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