URTICA DIOICA - NETTLE

“Stinging Nettle”

          Urtica dioica is referred to as nettle, common nettle, stinging nettle, or big string nettle.  Nettle is a perennial plant native to Europe and has a long history of medical use.  During the Roman era, when soldiers traveled throughout Europe, it is said that they carried a plant a long to keep them warm by rubbing it on their skins.  It was used to produce green dye for clothing and treat allergy symptoms for centuries.

          Nettle is one of the richest forms of chlorophyll and contains large amounts of vitamin K.  The leaves and roots are made into tea and drunk for the healing enhance purposes.  It is suggested not to take nettle tea with other herbs rich in vitamin K, such as, parsley and alfalfa.

          Other nutritional benefits are as follows:

ü  Iron

ü  Magnesium

ü  Manganese

ü  Potassium

ü  Selenium

ü  Zinc

ü  Sulfur

ü  Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, C, E, K, and folate

ü  Beta-carotene

ü  Lycopene

ü  Caffeic acid

ü  Acetic acid

ü  Betaine

As you can see the nourishing benefits that nettle produces it is known to help treat these aliments:

Ø  Asthma

Ø  Allergies

Ø  Cancer

Ø  Diabetes

Ø  Goiter

Ø  Kidneys problems & malabsorption syndrome

Ø  Inflammatory disorders (urinary tract inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, & osteoarthritis)

Ø  Diarrhea

Ø  Colds & Coughs (bronchitis)

Ø  Congestion

Ø  Prostate enlargement

Ø  High blood pressure *powerful effect on it which can interfere with some blood pressure medications

Ø  Dandruff (itchy & flaky scalp) *great natural hair treatment – boil some nettle leaves (tea bags), let cool, pour tea water in a spray bottle, and apply to scalp

Ø  Improves complexion (anti-aging)

Ø  Blood purifier

Ø  Strengthen nails

Ø  Wounds

Ø  Alzheimer

Ø  Gingivitis

Ø  Gout

Ø  Hives

Ø   Laryngitis

Ø  Multiple Sclerosis

Ø  PMS

Ø  Sciatica

Ø  Tendinitis

Ø  Hair Loss

Ø  Eczema

Ø  Tuberculosis

Ø  Enlarged spleen

Ø  Endocrine disorders

Ø  Stomach acid

Ø  Muscle aches

Amazing, right?  Nettle is a wonderful gift from “Mother Nature”.  If you have noticed, nettle can be found listed in some of the ingredients of your products.  (Reading product labels are very important).  Nettle has so much natural power in which you have to be cautious due to the natural effect it provides for the body especially those who are on medications. 

*As always provide your doctor on what natural remedies and/or supplements you are taking.  Please be aware some doctors are against natural alternatives.  Keep a journal on what you are doing and what symptoms you may have or what has worked for you.

Main Actions of Nettle

Ø  Reduces allergies

Ø  Cleanses blood

Ø  Reduces inflammation

Ø  Relieves pain

Ø  Stops hair loss

Ø  Dilates blood vessels

Ø  Lowers blood pressure

Ø  Heals wounds

Ø  Stimulates digestion

Ø  Acids lactation

Ø  Promotes menstruation

Ø  Kills germs

Ø  Lowers body temperature

Nettle tea can have a uterine – stimulating effect.  Pregnant women should avoid the tea.  Plus, those who are on blood pressure medications be careful what medicines you combine with nettle and double check with your doctor due to nettle can lower your blood pressure naturally! 

It would be nice if the doctors just recommend you just drink the tea instead of taking the drugs.  If you have the privilege in having health coverage, I suggest you sit down with your doctor and talk about it. 

So drank up everyone – 1 cup 2-3 times a day!