Can Stinging Nettles Relieve Arthritis Pain ?
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.
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.
27 Arthritic volunteers at the University of Plymouth underwent treatments consisting of stinging nettle leaves being applied to the hands daily for a week. The results were then compared to the effect of a placebo, namely, the white deadnettle leaf, (which does not sting), also applied one week. The research indicated that stinging nettles not only significantly reduced pain, but they also diminish the level of remaining pain
Why Does It Work
The theory is, the chemicals contained in the plants leaf, as well as causing a sting, trigger anti-inflammatory action by the body and so relieve arthritis Pain relief was most likely to occur if a sting with nettle rash was produced on the skin.
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
Quite simple really, the best and the traditional way to treat your arthritis with stinging nettles is to grasp the plants stem with a gloved hand and then thrash the affected joint with the leaves until nettle rash appears, repeat for all affected joints, in most cases this will help reduce the pain and swelling quickly 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.