Benefits Of “Stinging Nettle” Supplements
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| Benefits | Chemical & Nutrient Content |
Growing | Suggestions |
Genus: Urtica
Species: U. dioica
Also known as: Nettle,
common nettle, greater nettle
Parts used: Leaves and roots
Stinging nettle is used to treat allergies, asthma, anemia, gout, prostate enlargement and urinary tract infection. The perferred forms include capsules, root extract and dried root.
Stinging nettle juice and infusion has been shown by some German researchers to help relieve the pain of gout. German physicians also prescribe it for high blood pressure. It also has diuretic action, making it useful to reduce edema.
Contemporary herbalist recommend stinging nettle as a tonic to strengthen and support the whole body. All indications of the health benefits of herbs.
Herbalists declare drinking a few cups of nettle tea provides relief not only for itchy, irritated eyes, but also for scratchy sore throats caused by seasonal allergies.
Diuretics help relieve the bloated feeling caused by premenstrual fluid buildup. Women bothered by PMS might want to try stinging nettle during their premenstrual days.
Stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory actions. The rich concentration of the dietary minerals boron and silicon help ease the pain of arthritis and gout. Externally, the raw leaves can be applied directly to the pain area. This increases circulation and draws out the pain. Taken internally, it has stimulating effects on the kidneys and bladder making it useful in treating inflammation of the urinary tract and kidney stones.
This herbs sting is its major problem. Herbal folklore is filled with remedies for stinging nettle stings. One age-old recommendation is to rub the affected area with stinging nettle juice. Rubbing with other herbs; such as, rosemary, sage, or mint, also reputedly helps.
Non herbal treatment for stinging nettle stings include washing with soap and water, applying topical hydro-cortisone creams, and oral antihistamines.
As with all herbal nutrition supplements, stinging nettle supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.
CHEMICAL & NUTRIENT CONTENT:
Chlorine, chlorophyll, folic acid (B9), formic acid, iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, tannin and vitamins A and C.
GROWING:
Stinging Nettle is a perennial found all over the world. Its square, bristly stems with pointed leaves and downy undersides are unmistakable to the touch. The bristles act like a hypodermic, injecting an irritant substance under the skin when pricked. Handle with extreme caution and wear gloves.
Stinging nettle grows very easily from seeds or root divisions in any soil. Plant seeds in spring. Take root divisions in the fall after the leaves have died back.
Harvest the leaves (wearing gloves and protection clothing) before the plants flower in late spring or early summer. Boiling or drying eliminate the sting. The fresh tender shoots do not sting and may be used in salads.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs containing astringent actions include black cohosh, cinnamon, coltsfoot, comfrey, eyebright, hawthorn, horsetail, meadowsweet, mullein, psyllium, red raspberry, saw palmetto, shepherd's purse and tea.
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