Benefits of stinging nettle for hair – The plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. And this time, many people claim nettle leaves to treat hair loss, but are they really effective?
Nettles, also known by the scientific name Urtica dioica, have been used to treat various ailments and even in food preservation for centuries. You’ll often find nettle listed as an ingredient in herbal teas, especially those designed for kidney detoxification.
Nettles are found throughout the world as a perennial wild plant. All parts of nettle contain a rich composition of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant capacity, including the leaves, stems and roots.
In this article, Herbal Medicine Indonesia team will provide an explanation benefits of stinging nettle for hair, reported from various sources.
List of contents:
Nettle for Hair Benefits
All parts of nettle have anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects and are used in the treatment of arthritis, anemia, allergies, self-pain and even urinary tract infections. When it comes to hair, there are some reported benefits, but not much research to support them.
Nettle is said to be a botanical extract that has long been used to help promote hair growth. Although research is limited, nettle’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are beneficial for overall scalp health.
1. Effectively fights scalp inflammation
The extract from the leaves of this plant is rich in sulfur, has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is associated with many scalp conditions, especially eczema. Due to its antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, nettle can be used as a natural component in the treatment of eczema.
2. Strengthens hair
Although not common, in some parts nettle can be used topically to strengthen hair. Nettle leaves and stems are a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, minerals, and polyphenols, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids.
3. Rich in antioxidants
Research has found that nettle’s antioxidant activity can lead to a reduction in the relative weight of the liver. Antioxidants are great for overall health, which can affect hair.
4. Overcoming dandruff
Nettles have been shown to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can help improve conditions such as dandruff. Studies have shown that a large number of active compounds in this plant exhibit stronger antibacterial activity than synthetic antimicrobials.
5. Prevent hair loss
Nettles can help combat two causes of hair loss, DHT and inflammation.
6. Contributes to hair growth
Although research is limited, one study shows that nettle promotes the growth of dermal papilla cells. The papilla is the part of the hair follicle that regulates hair growth. Apart from that, there is also the active compound beta sitosterol which stimulates hair growth.
These are some of benefits of stinging nettle for hair. Be careful using it as an oral medication, it is recommended to consult a doctor first.
