Herb of the Month:

Stinging Nettle Leaf

This amazing plant is mostly known for its high mineral content including: iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, boron and strontium. It is also high in vitamins A, C, K and B’s. It contains phytonutrients like: chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, quercetin and rutin.

• It decreases oxidative stress from its polyphenols which are natural antioxidant

• Relieves pain (analgesic effects)

• Fights infections, since it has antibacterial (gram positive and negative), antiviral and anti fungal effects

• It decreases inflammation by decreasing nuclear factor kappa B’s ability to bone to DNA and decreasing interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein

• L:owers blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol

• Fights cancer, especially researched in prostate cancer and it has been clinically proven to help reduce the size of the prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasia

• It heals the mucosal stomach lining

And like Red Raspberry Leaf, it can cause smooth muscle contraction, so if you have not been drinking it previous to pregnancy, it should be implemented around 38 weeks.

If you are interested in trying it out yourself, Dr. Amanda will be selling some at the office soon!