But being sodden with Ptisana, doth bring up ye stuff from ye Thorax. Russian claims for the nettle are even more extensive than those of Dioscorides. As it turns out, one of the most consistent uses for nettles worldwide is the treatment of arthritis. While it appears that in Russia people generally just drink nettle juice or tea for this purpose, a more commonly accepted remedy entails actually being stung. Used in this way, nettles are an effective counterirritant that increase blood flow in inflamed areas.
People pursue the sting with varying degrees of fervor.
For many years, modern medical science discounted much of traditional herbal medicine as superstition. Plants, such as the nettle, that could be considered to be panaceas garnered particular suspicion for the simple reason that it seemed unlikely that all of the claims could be true. Fortunately that attitude is changing and many plants, including the nettle are being actively investigated. The efficacy of nettles in treating scurvy and bolstering the immune system were among the first uses supported by medical research. In recent years, it has also been proven that nettles provide impressive results in treating rheumatoid arthritis.