If you have spent a lot of time outdoors, you may be familiar with a prickly plant that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Even with the slightest brush against the skin, a painful sting and welt will form thanks to the tiny, hollow needles that line the stem and leaves of stinging nettle.
Going by the Latin name Urtica dioica, stinging nettle, nettle, or burn nettle can be found growing in almost every country in gardens, fields, and banks of streams. It is one of the most undervalued medicinal plants on this earth.
Rich in vitamins (such as A, C, and K), minerals (including iron, boron, magnesium, and calcium), amino acids, polyphenols, and fatty acids, stinging nettle’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties, make it an excellent supplement for joints, allergies, digestive disorders, and general health.[1]
For centuries, humans have been benefiting from stinging nettle, and recent scientific studies have contributed to its rising popularity.
In its natural form, stinging nettle may seriously irritate the skin, the mouth and digestive system (ouch!).
Fortunately, once dried, the formic acid and specific proteins that cause the stinging reaction are neutralized, providing powerful healing benefits for dogs and humans. This is why feeding your dog stinging nettle in either a dry powder or tincture form is crucial.
A curious fact: Nettle Eating Competitions occur in the UK, where participants eat as many stinging nettle leaves as possible within a set time. This might sound like a form of torture to some, but it’s a celebrated event with historical roots and a festive atmosphere.
Curious fact: Stinging nettle has been used as a coagulant in cheesemaking. The ability of nettle juice to curdle milk has been exploited in traditional cheesemaking practices, providing a natural alternative to animal rennet. This method also imparts a subtle flavor and increases the cheese’s nutritional value.
Curious fact: Stinging nettles have been used as a survival food during times of scarcity. They can be boiled to remove the sting and eaten as a leafy vegetable. Additionally, nettle tea is nutritious and has been used historically as a cleansing spring tonic to rid the body of winter sluggishness.
Fermenting stinging nettle enhances its benefits. Breaking down the plant’s cellular structure makes its nutrients more accessible and digestible (bioavailable), which also increases its efficacy. Fermentation also introduces beneficial bacteria, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome in dogs.
Fermented stinging nettle is an excellent addition to your dog’s diet to help support arthritis and joint health, immune systems, allergies or skin disorders, and bone health and healing. It should be given in powdered or liquid form and makes an excellent joint supplement.
Stinging nettle, particularly when fermented, offers numerous health benefits for dogs, ranging from allergy relief and improved skin condition to joint support and digestive health. However, like any supplement, if your dog has any pre-existing conditions, it is essential to contact your veterinarian or work with a canine herbalist to ensure best practice. With its natural healing properties, stinging nettle is a valuable addition to your dog’s wellness regimen.
Bhusal, K. K., Magar, S. K., Thapa, R., Lamsal, A., Bhandari, S., Maharjan, R., & Shrestha, J. (2022). Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle, Urtica dioica L.: A review. Heliyon, 8(6), e09717. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717
Wynn, S. G., & Fougère, B. J. (2007). Veterinary Herbal Medicine: A Systems-Based Approach. Veterinary Herbal Medicine, 291–409. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-02998-8.50024-X
Roschek Jr, B., Fink, R. C., McMichael, M., & Alberte, R. S. (2009). Nettle extract, Urtica dioica, affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res, 23(7), 920-926. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763
Albadawi, E., El-Tokhy, A., Albadrani, M., Adel, M., El-Gamal, R., Zaarina, W., El-Agawy, M. S. E., & Elsayed, H. R. H. (2024). The role of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) in the management of rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease in rats. Cell, 87, 102328.
Kregiel, D., Pawlikowska, E., & Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp.: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules, 23(7). doi: 10.3390/molecules23071664
Randall, C., Randall, H., Dobbs, F., Hutton, C., & Sanders, H. (2000). Randomized controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 93(6), 305-309. doi: 10.1177/014107680009300607
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