Urtica dioica L. Stinging nettle
Family: Urticaceae
Description: “Coarse perennial with creeping yellow roots and ovate, deeply-toothed leaves, covered with bristly, stinging hairs. In summer, minute green flowers, with male and female on separate plants, appear in pendulous clusters up to 10cm long. H 1.5m, S indefinite.” (Bown, 1995)
Habitat: Common weed throughout Eurasia, thriving in waste places everywhere.
Harvest: Whole plants are cut as flowering begins.
Parts used: AERIAL PARTS;
Dosage: 1;5 2-15ml, FE 1-5ml, dried 5-15g daily;
Actions:
-MILD DIURETIC,
-HAEMOSTATIC (Bradley);
-ANTIRHEUMATIC,
-ANTIALLERGIC,
-DEPURATIVE (Mills and Bone);
-TONIC, (Wren);
Indications (leaf):
-Rheumatic conditions (internally or topically) (Bradley), *osteoarthritis,
-*Allergic rhinitis,
-Chronic skin eruptions, eczema, skin disorders -Ody,
-Diarrhoea, dysentery,
-Chronic diseases of colon,
-Internal bleeding,
-Bladder irritations,
-Bronchial or asthmatic conditions (Mills and Bone);
-To increase milk flow while nursing,
-Heavy uterine bleeding (Ody);
Root:
-*Improvement of urological symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Mills and Bone);
External usage:
-Burns, wounds, nosebleeds, inflammation of the mouth or throat,
-Joint pain (via the stinging of skin around the joint) (Mills and Bone);
Safety: Occasional (rare) allergic reactions have been observed (Bradley).
Contra-indications: None known (Bradley).
Key Constituents (Bradley):
-Flavonoids,
-Amines: small amounts of histamine, choline, acetylcholine and serotonin, particularly in stinging hairs,
-Chlorophylls, carotenoids, vitamins, triterpenes, sitosterols and carboxylic acids,
-Minerals: a relatively high content, especially of calcium and potassium salts and salicylic acid;
Pharmacology: Early studies demonstrated the diuretic effect of nettles in animals, accompanied by increased excretion of cholides and urea. Flavonoids and the high potassium content may contribute to the diuretic action, which is not fully clarified.
A haemostatic action has been demonstrated, as well as mild hypoglycaemic activity. (Bradley)
Clinical trials: Nettle herb has been found helpful in rheumatic and arthritic conditions. In an open, 14 day study on patients with either myocardial or chronic venous insufficiency, nettle juice produced a distinct diuretic effect.
In a double-blind clinical study of allergic rhinitis, nettle herb gave a feebly positive result. (Bradley) With knowledge of this study, Carole Fisher persevered to obtain very good results using nettle in combination with other herbs. For further details see ‘Nettles -an aid to the treatment of allergic rhinitis’ EJHM (1997) Vol 3, No 2.
Since the 80s, there have also been a number of clinical studies performed on the use of the root in micturation disorders associated with slight and moderate BHP with favourable results. See Bombardelli and Morazzoni (1997) Urtica dioica. Fitoterapia Vol 68, No 5 (AD handout 27.3.01).
Toxicology: In a chronic oral toxicty study, the infusion was well tolerated up to the dose of 1310mg/ kg (Bombardelli). Also see Mills and Bone.
History: Name from Latin urere, to burn. The Anglo-Saxon name noedl, means needle. It is thought that the Romans introduced the nettle to Britain in order to flail themselves with them to keep warm! This ‘urtication’ was a standard folk remedy for arthritis. Nettles were also hung in the house to keep flies away.
Plants are now processed commercially for extraction of chlorophyll which is used as a colouring agent (E140) in foods and medicines (Bown).
Nettles are ruled by Mars with hot and dry qualities. (Brooke, Herbs)
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Soak a pad in the tincture and apply to painful arthritic joints, gout, neuralgia, sprains, tendinitis and sciatica.
-Liquidize the whole fresh plant to make a good tonic for debilitated conditions and anaemia. Prescribed for cardiac insufficiency with oedema.” Ody p108
“…traditionally taken as a spring cleanser to clear the body of phlegm which accumulated during the winter rains. So it should be used in asthma, wheezing, mucousy bronchitis and catarrh. Gargled with, it helps to relieve inflammations of the throat, such as tonsillitis and laryngitis.
Nettle is excellent to take in late pregnancy; its high iron content will regulate haemoglobin levels and prevent anaemia and it also stimulates the production of breast milk. Use at any time when there has been loss of blood and the person is anaemic.
Nettle gives a tensile strength to the emotions, rendering them less fragile or overpowering, and allows the woman to contact her own inner resources and feel her own power and resilience.” Brooke (Herbs, p161)
“Nettle tea as an occasional cuppa is a good pick-me-up, especially for post-period women. Any blood loss is technically a ‘haemorrhage’ and can lower blood pressure and iron levels for a few days. For those with chronically low blood pressure, nettle tea every few days may be prescribed.” Dorothy Hall p234.
