COMMON
NAME(S):
Stinging
Nettle
|
LATIN
NAME: Urtica
dioica, Urtica urens
|
BRIEF
DESCRIPTION:
Generally
regarded as a weed in modern times, Nettle has been used extensively
throughout history. The stalks
contain fibres that have been used to make rope and cloth of very fine
quality. In fact, ancient burial
sites in China and northern Europe have also yielded cloth, rope and netting
made from nettle fibre (5,8).
The leaves were also used to feed livestock and the oil from the seed
was used as a burning oil in Egypt (8).
Of the
variety of plants in the Food Forest, Nettle likely contains the highest
amount of protein of any native plant (5). It also contains high amounts of mineral salts (mainly
calcium and calcium salts), iron, fat and chlorophyll (5,6,8).
It makes
a wonderful spinach substitute and can be used to make soups, omelettes and
teas that are not only therapeutic, but also delicious.
Nettle
infusions (strong teas) are one of the best ways to help maintain
health. Traditionally,
Nettle infusions have been used as a “blood builder” because of its ability
to increase iron levels in people with anemia (5).
Studies
have shown that Stinging Nettle root can take the sting out of prostate
issues in men. One of the main
areas of scientific study is the use of Nettle in the treatment of enlarged
prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy- BPH). Combinations including nettle have shown promising
results with respect to alleviating the symptoms of BPH.
Nettle root
has also shown promise in the treatment of seasonal allergies, although the
mechanism is unclear (6). It is
thought to have an anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory effect (6).
Nettle is
also a wonderful diuretic and kidney remedy. It can help to flush the system of toxins, such as uric acid,
while supplying the body with minerals that are essential for good acid-base
balance in the body.
|
PARTS
USED: leaf, root
|
ACTIONS: nutritive, tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory
|
INDICATIONS: health maintenance, BPH, allergies, arthritis, hair
loss, iron deficiency anemia
|
BODY
SYSTEMS TREATED:
kidney, blood
|
PREPARATIONS: Infusion (strong tea), decoction (root), powdered (root,
leaf), omelette!, steamed and
drizzled in olive oil
|
TRADITIONAL
USES: material
fibre, blood builder, food, arthritis (topical), migraines, asthma, kidney
tonic.
|
SAFETY/CAUTIONS/INTERACTIONS:
contact skin irritation (careful during plant harvest), diuretic drugs
*note
that this monograph does not include ALL potential interactions or safety
concerns. Please consult your
healthcare professional before using plant substances.
|
TRADITIONAL
REFERENCES:
1.
5) Wood, Matthew.
The Book of Herbal Wisdom
2.
7) Mitchell, William.
Plant Medicine in Practice Using the Teachings of John Bastyr. Elsvier Science: Seattle, 2003.
|
MODERN
REFERENCES:
3.
6)Mittman, P. Randomized,
double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic
rhinitis.
Planta Med. 1990 Feb;56(1):44-7.
4.
8) Bones Kerry & Mills,
Simon. Priniciples and
Practice of Phytotherapy.
Churchill Livingstone: Toronto, 2000.
5.
|
Links:
|
