Antidiabetic Potential of Nettles and Walnut Leaves

According to a recent study from Iran, stinging nettle leaves (Urtica dioica) and walnut leaves (Juglans regia) may have potential in antidiabetic therapy. Diabetes affects over 100 million people worldwide. This disease condition causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise, because people with diabetes either do not make enough insulin or are unable to use insulin properly. Normally, Insulin helps glucose from blood enter muscle, brain and liver cells where it is used to generate energy. When glucose levels build up in blood, these cells become starved for energy. Over time, high blood glucose levels also damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. Carbohydrates are a major component of our daily diet. They are broken down in the gut into simple compounds called monosaccharides by […] Read More

Nettle: An Incredibly Versatile Herb

If you are looking to stock your herbal medicine cabinet, nettle leaf is a staple for this purpose. The herb is considered a “spring tonic,” since that is when it is traditionally harvested and it has so many medicinal uses. It is inexpensive to buy dried nettle, but it can be harvested yourself, if you’d like (just make sure to wear gloves). If you can’t find anywhere to harvest nettle, you can plant it at home in a pot. It can be invasive when planted directly in the ground, though, and the last thing you want is a yard full of a plant that hurts when you touch it. Topical Uses for Nettle Hair – Stinging nettle is regularly incorporated into shampoos and hair rinses, as it reduces oil and dandruff, adds shine, and […] Read More