Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica
Family:Urtica dioica; Antiasthmatic; Antidandruff; Astringent; Diuretic; Galactogogue; Haemostatic; Hypoglycaemic; Stings; Tonic.
Common name:Stinging Nettle
Nettles have a long history of use in the home as a herbal remedy and nutritious addition to the diet. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used as a cleansing tonic and blood purifier so the plant is often used in the treatment of hay fever arthritis anaemia etc. The whole plant is antiasthmatic antidandruff astringent depurative diuretic galactogogue haemostatic hypoglycaemic and a stimulating tonic. An infusion of the plant is very valuable in stemming internal bleeding it is also used to treat anaemia excessive menstruation haemorrhoids arthritis rheumatism and skin complaints especially eczema. Externally the plant is used to treat skin complaints arthritic pain gout sciatica neuralgia haemorrhoids hair problems etc. The fresh leaves of nettles have been rubbed or beaten onto the skin in the treatment of rheumatism etc. This practice called urtification causes intense irritation to the skin as it is stung by the nettles. It is believed that this treatment works in two ways. Firstly it acts as a counter-irritant bringing more blood to the area to help remove the toxins that cause rheumatism. Secondly the formic acid from the nettles is believed to have a beneficial effect upon the rheumatic joints. For medicinal purposes the plant is best harvested in May or June as it is coming into flower and dried for later use. This species merits further study for possible uses against kidney and urinary system ailments. The juice of the nettle can be used as an antidote to stings from the leaves and an infusion of the fresh leaves is healing and soothing as a lotion for burns. The root has been shown to have a beneficial effect upon enlarged prostate glands. A homeopathic remedy is made from the leaves. It is used in the treatment of rheumatic gout nettle rash and chickenpox externally is applied to bruises.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:37 []