Nettle / Urtica dioica Herbal Information
NAME
Nettle leaf
LATIN NAME
Urtica dioica
ORIGIN
North America and Europe.
PARTS USED
Aerial parts.
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Nettle is traditional known for:
diuretic
breaking down arthritis crystals and gout
heavy menstrual bleeding
anti-allergy and hay fever
shrinking enlarged prostate
hemorrhoids
detoxifier
increased breast milk production
asthma
skin complaints including eczema
Nettle is one of the most multi use plants we have. It is a tonic for the whole body.
As an astringent and diuretic herb it is good as a detoxifying remedy and spring tonic. In this way it has been used with significant results in rheumatism and arthritis, detoxifying a build up of uric acid in the joints, and purifying the blood.
As an astringent it is also indicated for use in haemorrhage, particularly after childbirth.
It is also indicated for use in childhood eczema, especially if it is nervous eczema. Although in its fresh form it is known for its stinging qualities when dried it is actually useful as an anti-histamine and can support the body deal with food or pollen allergies.
It can be helpful with a head and chest cold, bringing relief from coughs when mixed with honey and lemon.
It also aids the flow of milk for breast feeding mothers and combines well for this use with fennel, or raspberry leaf.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Native Americans used the fresh leaves of Nettle to treat aches and pains. European herbalists used the leaves in a similar fashion to treat gout and arthritis.
CONSTITUENTS
Chlorophyll in high yields. Indoles such as histamine and serotonin. Acetylcholine,
Vitamin C and other vitamins, protein and dietary fiber.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
Making a tea (infusion):
Use 1 - 3 tsp nettle leaf per 1 cup of boiling water. Pour over and allow to steep for 10 - 15 minutes. Drink 3 times per day.
Tincture:
Take 1 - 4 ml of tincture 3 times per day
PRECAUTIONS
None known
|
