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Nettle
©
David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H.
Urtica dioica
Urticacea
Names: Stinging
Nettle
Habitat:
Everywhere!
Collection: The
herb should be collected when the flowers are in bloom.
Part Used:
Aerial parts.
Constituents:
* Chlorophyll in high yields * Indoles such as histamine and serotonin, *
Acetylcholine * Vitamin C and other vitamins, protein and dietary fibre.
Actions:
Astringent, diuretic, tonic, hypotensive.
Indications:
Nettles are one of the most widely applicable plants we have. They
strengthen and support the whole body. Throughout Europe they are used as a
spring tonic and general detoxifying remedy. In some cases of rheumatism
and arthritis they can be astoundingly successful. They are a
specific in cases of childhood eczema and beneficial in all the
varieties of this condition, especially in nervous eczema. As an
astringent they may be used for nose bleeds or to relieve the
symptoms wherever there is haemorrhage in the body, for example in
uterine hemorrhage.
King's Dispensatory
gives these specific indications and uses: "Chronic diarrhoea and dysentary,
with large mucous evacuations; profuse secretions of gastric juice, with
eructations and emesis; choleraic discharges; summer bowel diseases of
children, with copious watery and mucous passages; chronic eczematous
eruptions." Conditions that benefit from its use include: diarrhoea,
dysentery, hemorrhoids, hemorrhages, febrile affections, gravel, nephritic
complaints, chronic diseases of the colon, eczematous affections, eczema of
the face, neck and ears, chronic cystitis.
Combinations:
Nettles will combine well with Figwort and Burdock in the treatment of
eczema.
Preparations & Dosage:
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water ontol-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb
and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a
day. Tincture: take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day. |
