Nettle Herbal Remedies
Nettles, known to be rich in chlorophyll and minerals, are used for anemia and weak blood and have shown antiallergic properties in hay fever. The cool tea is taken for urinary problems, such as cystitis and gravel. Nettles increase the excretion of uric acid and are used internally or externally for arthritis and rheumatism. Nettles are slightly diuretic, cleansing, and hemostatic. The rhizomes are often recommended by herbalists in Europe to alleviate inflammation and swelling of the prostate gland and are blended with saw palmetto. The nettle greens are among the most nutritious foods known, containing a large portion of vitamins, minerals, chlorophyl, and a complete protein. The powdered or fresh greens can be used as a tea or food to help build the blood in cases of blood deficiency with fatigue, or as a preventative; useful during pregnancy. After steaming, the stinging properties are completely destroyed. Nettles has a taste of SALTY, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.
Nettle Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Nettle Infusion | 1-2 cups 2-3 x daily |
| Nettle Tincture | 1-2 droppersful 2-3 x daily |
Nettle Reference Information
| Latin Name | Urtica dioica |
| Other Names | Stinging nettle |
| Part Used | Leaf, rhizome |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, capsule, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Blood, Digestive system, Urinary system |
| Cautions | The fresh leaves can cause skin rash. |
| Botanical Info | An upright perennial herb spreading by creeping underground stems from the Nettle family with bristly leaves beset with stinging hairs. The plant has sprays of nondescript flowers. |
Supporting Research
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.
Scudder, J. 1898. The Eclectic Medical Journal. Cincinnati: Scudder Brothers Co.