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NETTLES - HERBAL OVERVIEW
NETTLES
Urtica Dioica Stinging Nettles, Chinese Nettle, Common Nettle, Common Stinging Nettle, Great Nettle, Great Stinging Nettle, Hsieh-Tzu-Ts'ao, Gerris, Isirgan, Kazink, Ortiga, Grande Ortie, Ortie, Urtiga, Chichicaste, Brennessel
NETTLES PLANT DESCRIPTION
The common nettle, also known as the "stinging nettle", is useful as both a medicinal plant and a food. However, because the leaves are covered in stinging hairs, the plant is often misidentified as a weed. Its special properties include the ability to protect against disease and bad luck, as well as to repel pests. It is a diuretic used for bladder and kidney problems, and for rheumatism. Its healing properties are as well known among various cultures and are part of folklore and tradition. Those healing powers are even alluded to in at least one fairy tale, The Swan Princess, in which the heroine must weave shirts of nettle leaf to cure her twelve brothers who have been turned into swans by an evil stepmother. The nettle leaf and root both have medicinal properties, but each is more effective against different complaints. In ancient Grecian times Nettle Juice was used treat bites and stings. Roman soldiers reportedly used the irritation produced by Nettle leaves to keep their legs warm in the hospitable climes of Britain. Nettle tea was prescribed by European herbalists for lung disorders, and Native Americans used it as an aid in pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. In folk medicine, it is used for treating asthma. Nettle has expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, astringent, and tonic properties. Nettle leaf is used traditionally as a diuretic, and as a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis. In Germany, a standardized extract is sold for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and prostate diseases. Nettle leaf's effectiveness against rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases is well documented, and borne out by chemical analysis of the plant. This plant is also rich in chlorophyll, carotene, iron, silica and potassium and vitamin C.
The perennial nettle plant has a green, pungent aroma, and a slightly bitter taste. Nettle has an erect stalk that is 2 to 3 feet in height and it can grow to a height of 5 feet. It bears dark green leaves with serrated margins and small, inconspicuous flowers.
The flowers are incomplete: the male or barren flowers have stamens only, and the female or fertile flowers have only pistil or seed-producing organs. Sometimes these different kinds of flowers are to be found on one plant; but usually a plant will bear either male or female flowers throughout, hence the specific name of the plant, dioica, which means 'two houses.' The male flower consists of a perianth of four greenish segments enclosing an equal number of stamens, which bend inwards in the bud stage, but when the flower unfolds spring backwards and outwards, the anthers with the sudden uncoiling, exploding and scattering the pollen. The flowers are thus adapted for wind-fertilization. The perianth of the female flower is similar, but only contains a single, one-seeded carpel, bearing one style with a brush-like stigma. The male flowers are in loose sprays or racemes, the female flowers more densely clustered together. The Nettle flowers from June to September.
The fresh leaves and stems of the plant are covered with hairs that contain formic acid, which causes a burning sensation to the skin when touched. Each sting is a very sharp, polished spine, which is hollow and arises from a swollen base. In this base, which is composed of small cells, is contained the venom, an acrid fluid, the active principle of which is said to be bicarbonate of ammonia. When, in consequence of pressure, the sting pierces the skin, the venom is instantly expressed, causing resultant irritation and inflammation. The burning property of the juice is dissipated by heat, enabling the young shoots of the nettle, when boiled, to be eaten as a pot herb. Nettle grows wild and even though certain species of Nettle can cause burning pain that lasts from hours to weeks, it can also serve as a medicine. However, once dried, the leaves loose their stinging ability and can be handled freely without gloves and used as a nutritional supplement. In the early spring, after the plant begins to grow from the ground, the young leaves have not developed their sting yet and can be used fresh in salads.
It is a strange fact that the juice of the Nettle proves an antidote for its own sting, and being applied will afford instant relief. The juice of the Dock, which is usually found in close proximity to the Nettle, has the same beneficial action. If a person is stung with a Nettle a certain cure will be effected by rubbing Dock leaves over the part. The sting of a Nettle may also be cured by rubbing the part with Rosemary, Mint or Sage leaves.
The nettle is found in moderate climate zones throughout the world and has been naturalized to Brazil. It grows along paths, on roadsides, in pastures, in clear-cut areas and on the banks of rivers and streams.
PLANT PARTS USED
The leaves and shoots of the nettle plant are used medicinally, while in folk medicine, the seeds and roots are also used. Typical preparations include steamed and eaten in salads, pastas, etc. It is used as a tea, extract and in capsule form.
STINGING NETTLE ROOT
Urtica Dioica L. (family Urticaceae)
DESCRIPTION: Many species have stinging hairs on the stems and leaves. The leaves are varied and the sap is usually watery. The small, greenish flowers often form clusters in the leaf axils.
RANGE: Distributed primarily in tropical regions.
APPLICATION: Used as a treatment for urinary difficulties arising from the early stages of prostate adenoma or BPH. Because the active principles are apparently water soluble, the root may be administered as a tea.
COMMENTS: Contraindications are unknown and side effects, consisting mainly of gastrointestinal disturbances, are minimal.
The whole herb, collected in May and June, just before coming into flower, and dried in the usual manner prescribed for 'bunched' herbs. When the herb is collected for drying, it should be gathered only on a fine day, in the morning, when the sun has dried off the dew. Cut off just above the root, rejecting any stained or insect-eaten leaves, and tie in bunches, about six to ten in a bunch, spread out fanwise, so that the air can penetrate freely to all parts. Hang the bunches over strings. If dried in the open, keep them in half-shade and bring indoors before there is any risk of damp from dew or rain. If dried indoors, hang up in a sunny room, and failing sun, in a well-ventilated room by artificial heat. Care must be taken that the window be left open by day so that there is a free current of air and the moisture-laden, warm air may escape. The bunches should be of uniform size and length, to facilitate packing when dry, and when quite dry and crisp must be packed away at once in airtight boxes or tins, otherwise moisture will be reabsorbed from the air. The seeds and flowers are dried in the sun, or over a stove, on sheets of paper. The Nettle is still in demand by wholesale herbalists, who stock the dried and powdered herb, also the seeds. Homeopathic chemists, in addition, employ the green herb for the preparation of a tincture.
NETTLE CONSTITUENTS / COMPONENTS
The leaves contain diuretic flavonoids, silicate and histamine-like substances. The formic acid in the plant hairs promotes good circulation. The roots contain tannins, while the seeds are rich in the mineral iron, vitamins C and B and carotenoids, which may help fight cancer by neutralizing free radicals.
Constituents include formic acid, histamine, serotonin, choline, minerals, chlorophyll, amino acids, lecithin, carotenoids, flavonoids, sterols, tannins and vitamins. Nettle's main plant chemicals include: acetophenone, acetylcholine, agglutinins, alkaloids, astragalin, butyric acid, caffeic acids, carbonic acid, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, choline, coumaric acid, folacin, formic acid, friedelins, histamine, kaempherols, koproporphyrin, lectins, lecithin, lignans, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, neoolivil, palmitic acid, pantothenic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, scopoletin, secoisolariciresinol, serotonin, sitosterols, stigmasterol, succinic acid, terpenes, violaxanthin, and xanthophylls.
NETTLE HISTORY
The Nettle tribe, Urticaceae, is widely spread over the world and contains about 500 species, mainly tropical, though several, like our common Stinging Nettle, occur widely in temperate climates. Many of the species have stinging hairs on their stems and leaves. Two genera are represented in the British Isles, Urtica, the Stinging Nettles, and Parietaria, the Pellitory. Formerly botanists included in the order Urticaceae the Elm family, Ulmaceae; the Mulberry, Fig and Bread Fruit family, Moraceae; and that of the Hemp and Hop, Cannabinacece; but these are now generally regarded as separate groups.
The British species of Stinging Nettle, belonging to the genus Urtica (the name derived from the Latin, uro, to burn), are well known for the burning properties of the fluid contained in the stinging hairs with which the leaves are so well armed. Painful as are the consequences of touching one of our common Nettles, they are far exceeded by the effects of handling some of the East Indian species: a burning heat follows the sensation of pricking, just as if hot irons had been applied, the pain extending and continuing for many hours or even days, attended by symptoms similar to those which accompany lockjaw. A Java species, U. urentissima, produces effects which last for a whole year, and are even said to cause death. U. crenulato and U. heterophylla, both of India, are also most virulent. Another Indian species, U. tuberosa, on the other hand, has edible tubers, which are eaten either raw, boiled or roasted, and considered nutritious.
Nettle is one of the best antiscorbutics. An infusion known as Nettle Tea is a common spring medicine in rural districts, and has long been used as a blood purifier. This tea made from young Nettles is in many parts of the country used as a cure for nettle rash. It is also beneficially employed in cases of gouty gravel, but must not be brewed too strong. A strong decoction of Nettle, drunk too freely, has produced severe burning over the whole body.
The homeopathic tincture, Urtica, is frequently administered successfully for rheumatic gout, also for nettle rash and chickenpox, and externally for bruises.
'Urtication,' or flogging with Nettles, was an old remedy for chronic rheumatism and loss of muscular power.
Young Nettles, mashed and pulped finely, mixed with equal bulk of thick cream, pepper and salt being added to taste, have been considered a valuable food for consumptives.
RECIPES - NETTLE PUDDING
To 1 gallon of young Nettle tops, thoroughly washed, add 2 good-sized leeks or onions, 2 heads of broccoli or small cabbage, or Brussels sprouts, and 1/4 pound of rice. Clean the vegetables well; chop the broccoli and leeks and mix with the Nettles. Place all together in a muslin bag, alternately with the rice, and tie tightly. Boil in salted water, long enough to cook the vegetables, the time varying according to the tenderness or other vise of the greens. Serve with gravy or melted butter. These quantities are sufficient for six persons. Pepys refers to Nettle pudding in his Diary, February, 1661: 'We did eat some Nettle porridge, which was very good.'
RECIPES - NETTLE BEER
The Nettle Beer made by cottagers is often given to their old folk as a remedy for gouty and rheumatic pains, but apart from this purpose it forms a pleasant drink. It may be made as follows: Take 2 gallons of cold water and a good pailful of washed young Nettle tops, add 3 or 4 large handsful of Dandelion, the same of Cleavers (Clivers / Goosegrass) and 2 ounces of bruised, whole ginger. Boil gently for 40 minutes, then strain and stir in 2 teacupsful of brown sugar. When lukewarm place on the top a slice of toasted bread, spread with 1 ounce of compressed yeast, stirred till liquid with a teaspoonful of sugar. Keep it fairly warm for 6 or 7 hours, then remove the scum and stir in a tablespoonful of cream of tartar. Bottle and tie the corks securely. The result is a specially wholesome sort of ginger beer. The juice of 2 lemons may be substituted for the Dandelion and Cleavers. Other herbs are often added to Nettles in the making of Herb Beer, such as Burdock, Meadowsweet, Avens, Horehound, the combination making a refreshing summer drink.
RECIPE - BLEEDING & BURNS
As an arrester of bleeding, the Nettle has few equals and an infusion of the dried herb, or alcoholic tincture made from the fresh plant, or the fresh Nettle juice itself in doses of 1 to 2 tablespoonsful is of much power inwardly for bleeding from the nose, lungs or stomach. Old writers recommended a small piece of lint, moistened with the juice, to be placed in the nostril in bad cases of nosebleeding. The diluted juice provides a useful astringent gargle. Burns may be cured rapidly by applying to them linen cloths well wetted with the tincture, the cloths being frequently re-wetted. An infusion of the fresh leaves is also soothing and healing as a lotion for burns.
Information and the above history about nettles was obtained from Botanical.com: A Modern Herbal - Nettles.
NETTLE USES
The medicinal effects of nettle are as diverse as the places where it grows. It strengthens the immune system and is helpful for inflammatory conditions, arthritis, rheumatism, goiter, gout and gallbladder and liver pain. Nettle's purported anti-inflammatory effects have been repeatedly confirmed by modern research over the past ten years.
A spring treatment (a tonic) with nettle juice or nettle tea is revitalizing. It will nourish the blood and chase away the fatigue and restlessness typical of the season. It also seems to be effective in reducing pain and producing a sedative effect.
Nettle tea treatments increase urination and help relieve prostate complaints.
Nettle preparations are also recommended for alleviating enlarged prostate pain. It is important to keep in mind that the medicinal effects of the leaf and root of the nettle are markedly different. Nettle root, for instance, shows exceptional efficacy in treating prostate complaints in men. Nettle Root is widely used in Europe for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement. Nettle leaf has some of the same effects, but not to the same extent. However, do not ignore medical checkups. Nettle relieves pain but does not treat the actual disorder.
It is particularly effective in treating allergic rhinitis, relieving nearly all the symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Based on a preliminary study at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, Nettle leaf has become a popular treatment of allergies (hay fever).
This herb helps cleanse the body of toxins and wastes. Nettles can relieve fluid retention, bladder infections, stones and gravel. It also has performed better than the prescription drug furosemide in reducing blood pressure, increasing urine output as a diuretic and increasing salt excretion.
The leaf, on the other hand, shows some promise in boosting immune system function and is an effective treatment for many skin conditions. Externally, it can be used on cuts and wounds, hemorrhoids, nosebleeds, and for soothing and healing burns and scalds.
It should be noted and that is nettle leaf has been used as a hair and scalp treatment for centuries, and again, those uses are being supported by research as well. Nettle is used in some hair care products. Nettle leaf extract seems to promote hair regrowth, helping to stimulate hair follicles and thicken hair, as well as regulating scalp oil buildup, reducing dandruff and scalp conditions when used as a rinse. An efficient Hair Tonic can be prepared from the Nettle: Simmer a handful of young Nettles in a quart of water for 2 hours, strain and bottle when cold. Well saturate the scalp with the lotion every other night. This prevents the hair falling and renders it soft and glossy. A good Nettle Hair Lotion is also prepared by boiling the entire plant in vinegar and water, straining and adding Eau de Cologne.
In its cooked form, Nettle is highly nutritious and may be used as a general dietary supplement and is especially good for those who are convalescing, anemic, or elderly.
NETTLE DOSAGE INFORMATION
Nettle comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. The recommended dosage of Nettle root, according to Commission E, is 4 to 6 grams daily of the whole root, or an equal dose of concentrated extract. The effectiveness in using Nettle root to treat prostate problems is believed to be enhanced when taken with saw palmetto or pygeum. The proper dosage for allergies is 300 mg twice a day of freeze-dried Nettle leaf. For other formulations, it is best to read and follow product label directions. Fluid extract of herb, 1/2 to 1 drachm. Infusion, 1 ounce of the herb to a pint of boiling water. The homeopathic tincture of Nettle is made of 2 ounces of the herb to 1 pint of proof spirit. The powder of the dried herb is administered in doses of 5 to 10 grains.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
NETTLE SAFETY & INTERACTION INFORMATION
Nettle leaf is believed to be safe since it has long since been used as food. Nettle root does not have as long a history, although no significant adverse effects have been noted in Germany where Nettle root is widely used. There is some concern from a theoretical perspective that Nettle may interact with diabetes, blood pressure, anti-inflammatory, and sedative medications, though there are no reports of any problems occurring in real life. Because of its diuretic and hypotensive actions, nettle leaf may lower blood pressure. If you are taking diuretics or other drugs meant to lower blood pressure, consult your health care provider before using nettle leaf. Always talk to your health care provider before taking supplements in addition to any medications you are taking. Its long term, extended use is not recommended.
NETTLE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Extract Tincture, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Nettle Extract is useful for Blood Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions, Female Conditions, Gastrointestinal Conditions, Genitourinary Tract System Conditions, Glandular Conditions, Inflammatory Conditions, Liver Conditions, Male Conditions, Metabolic Conditions, Respiratory System Conditions and Skin Conditions.
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Herb, Nature's Way, 435 mg, 100 Caps
Nettle herb from Nature's Way is wild harvested, gently dried and ground to a usable form and encapsulated. Nettle herb contains no chemicals, additives or artificial coloring.
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica Dioica), 4 oz. Bulk
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica), from ancient Greece to the present, nettle has been documented for its use in treating coughs, tuberculosis, and arthritis, asthma and in stimulating hair growth.
Herbal Remedies: Nettle Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Nettle leaf has become a popular treatment of allergies (hay fever) and it can improve goiter, inflammatory conditions, and arthritis.
Herbal Remedies: Organic Nettle Leaf Tea, 30 Bags
Nettle tea has an earthy refreshing flavor and aroma. This nettle tea is 100 percent organic.
Herbal Remedies: Prostactive, Saw Palmetto Supplement With Nettle Root, Nature's Way, 140 mg, 50 Softgels
Prostactive Plus Saw Palmetto Supplement is a concentrated 12:1 extract made from the berries of the Saw Palmetto tree blended with Nettle Root extract, providing a unique synergistic effectiveness.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf, Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs: Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica Dioica), Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs
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Shaman Shop: Nettle Leaf (Urtica Dioica), Cut & Sifted, Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb. Bulk
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Herbal Remedies: Nettle Information
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