Urticaceae Alterative Stinging nettle

Urticaceae Alterative Stinging nettle
Family:Urticaceae Alterative; Antiasthmatic; Antidandruff; Antispasmodic; Expectorant.
Common name:Stinging nettle
The leaves are alterative antiasthmatic antidandruff antispasmodic and expectorant. A poultice of the mashed plant has been used to ease the pain of headaches pains in the neck sores 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.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:38 []