Scientific Name: Urtica dioica
Contains:
· Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and vitamin E
· Calcium (strong bones)
· Iron (helps blood)
· Fiber (helps digestion)
Used to Treat:
· allergies (anti-inflammatory)
· Alzheimer's disease
· anemia
· antihistamine
· anti-inflammatory for allergic skin reactions
· arthritis
· bladder infections
· bronchitis
· bursitis
· cough and cold
· decongestants
· diuretic
· dysuria
· early stages of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
· eczema
· edema
· gingivitis
· gout
· hair (hair loss, oily hair, dandruff)
· hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
· hemorrhoids
· high blood pressure
· hives
· inflammation
· insect bites (compresses or creams)
· intestinal disorders
· joint pain (compresses or creams)
· kidney stones
· laryngitis
· lupus
· menstruation (excessive, pains. PMS)
· multiple sclerosis
· neuralgia
· osteoarthritis
· painful muscles and joints
· prostate enlargement
· rheumatism
· rheumatoid arthritis
· sciatica
· skin issues (oily)
· spasms
· sprains and strains (compresses or creams)
· tendinitis (compresses or creams)
· lower urinary tract inflammation
· weight loss (acetylcholine and serotonin)
Available Forms:
· dried leaf
· extract
· capsules and tablets
· tincture
· ointment or cream
Ancient Uses:
· Native Americans used nettle as a cure for acne, diarrhea and urinary tract infections.
· Medieval Europe - nettle was used as a diuretic and to treat joint pain
· Ancient Egyptians used nettle to relieve arthritis and lumbago pains.
· During the Dark Ages nettle was used to treat shingles and constipation
Caution:
· Drink additional water because nettle is a strong diuretic
· May affect the clotting ability and affect blood thinning drugs
· May lower blood pressure and affect blood pressure medications
· May contribute to miscarriages
· Do not use nettle to treat an acute kidney stone attack
· Do not use nettle to treat an acute bladder infection
Contraindicated for:
· Pregnant women
· Individuals taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs
· Individuals taking high blood pressure medications
· Individuals taking diuretics
· Individuals allergic to nettle
Disclaimer:
Any information provided on www.answersoutlined.blogspot.com is for informational purposes only. The information provided is not provided as medical advice. Information in this article is not exhaustive, does not cover all conditions, and does not provide treatment for disease or illness. Information can become outdated when new scientific discoveries are made. Seek the advice of your physician before undertaking any diet, exercise, supplement, or medical program.
References:
University of Maryland Medical Center. "Stinging nettle." 2000. Web. 24 Mar 2013. <http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/stinging-nettle-000275.htm>.
Nettle Tea Benefits.Com. "Nettle Tea Benefits.Com - Learn the benefits of nettle tea!." 2013. Web. 24 Mar 2013. <http://nettleteabenefits.com/>.
Herbwisdom.com. "Nettle Benefits ." 2013. Web. 24 Mar 2013. <http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-nettle.html>.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Nettle." 2007. Web. 24 Mar 2013. <http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/nettle>.
Herballegacy.com. "History of Stinging Nettle." n.d.. Web. 24 Mar 2013. <http://www.herballegacy.com/Vance_History.html>.
LIVESTRONG.COM. "Benefits of Nettle Tea." 2010. Web. 24 Mar 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/88102-benefits-nettle-tea/>.
Popular-archaeology.com. "Popular Archaeology." 2012. Web. 24 Mar 2013. <http://popular-archaeology.com/issue/september-2012/article/ancient-nettle-cloth-reveals-bronze-age-trade-networks>.
