The projection for erectile dysfunction is alarming, to say the least. It is said that in 2025, at least 320 million men will suffer from the condition, a considerable leap from the 150 million men with erectile dysfunction in 1995. This is why there’s been a continuous pursuit of conventional and alternative treatments to help address the problem before it becomes as prominent as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.
Stinging nettle and erectile dysfunction have been linked for many years now because it is believed to help promote overall prostate health, which includes preventing the occurrence of erectile dysfunction (1).
What Is Stinging Nettle?
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) traces back its history as herbal medicine as far back as ancient Egypt when it was used to treat lower back pain and arthritis.
It was also used by Roman soldiers to keep them warm during the war because rubbing the Nettle leaves on the skin leaves a temporary burning sensation that could provide that warmth.
In fact, that’s where the stinging nettle got its scientific name. Urtica dioica is derived from the Latin world “uro,” which means “to burn.” The leaves contain hair-like components that produce redness, swelling, and itching upon contact (2).
What Are the Health Benefits of Stinging Nettle?
Although a lot of people are scared of the stinging nettle because of how it burns when it touches the skin, the flowering plant also boasts of some health benefits that make it more likable:
- It may have anti-inflammatory properties.
According to studies, stinging nettle may help reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of multiple inflammatory hormones. This is also why herbal medicine is used for treating arthritis (3).
- It contains a variety of essential nutrients.
The leaves and roots of stinging nettle contain vitamins A, C and K, calcium, potassium, sodium, linoleic acid, beta-carotene, and all of the essential amino acids. It also has antioxidants that help promote overall wellness (4).
- It could lower blood pressure.
With one in three American adults suffering from hypertension, stinging nettle has long been used to help lower blood pressure by stimulating the production of nitric oxide that, in turn, relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels. It also has diuretic properties that help lower blood pressure temporarily, according to studies (5).
- It may help control blood sugar levels.
Both human and animal studies revealed that stinging nettle could actually help lower blood sugar levels by mimicking the action of insulin in the body (6).
Although stinging nettle and erectile dysfunction are not directly related to each other, the great flowering plant benefits a lot of medical conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction.
This is why more people are taking advantage of this alternative treatment, although further studies still need to be done before making final recommendations.
The Bottomline
One thing’s for sure, stinging nettle has a lot of potential as an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and in promoting overall wellness in the long run.
