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Nettles
(urtica diocia)
COMMON NAMES: Common nettle, common stinging nettle, great stinging nettle, stinging nettle.
MEDICINAL PARTS: The plant.
DESCRIPTION: Stinging nettle is a perennial plant found all over the world. In the U.S. it grows in waste places and gardens and along roadsides, fences, and walls in the stated northward from Colorado, Missouri, and South Carolina. The square, bristly stem grows from 2 to 7 feet high and bears opposite, cordate, deeply serrate, pointed leaves which are downy underneath. The small, greenish flowers grow in axillary clusters from July to September.
PROPERTIES AND USES: Astringent, diuretic, galactagogue, homeostatic, tonic. The fresh juice or an infusion of the nettle plant has been used to stimulate the digestive system and to promote milk flow in nursing mothers. As an astringent it is also used for blood in the urine, hemorrhoids, and excessive menstrual flow. Nettle is a helpful remedy for ailments of the urinary tract and is said to reduce susceptibility to rheumatic problems and colds. A decoction of the plant is good for diarrhea. A decoction of the root is recommended for external use on the scalp for loss of hair. The fresh leaves have sometimes been used as a rubefacient, but severe irritation and blistering can result. Nettle can also be eaten as a vegetable, but old plants must be thoroughly cooked to be safe. Young plants in the spring can be used for salad or as a vegetable. CAUTION: Do not eat old plants uncooked; they can produce kidney damage and symptoms of poisoning. The bristly hairs of the nettle plant act like a hypodermic, injecting an irritant substance under the skin when touched: handle with care!
This herb will prevent scrofula. It is an excellent remedy for kidney trouble. It will expel gravel from the bladder and increase the flow of urine. Splendid for neuralgia. A poultice of the green steeped leaves will relieve pain. Such a poultice will raise blisters if kept too long. The tea increases menstrual flow. It will kill and expel worms. Nettle is an excellent hair tonic and will bring back the natural color of the hair. Use as the last rinse when shampooing. Make a cup of the tea by steeping a tsp. in a cup of boiling water for thirty minutes. Dip the fingers in and thoroughly massage the scalp. This will cure dandruff.
PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:
Infusion: Steep 2 to 3 tbsp leaves or plant in 1 cup water for 10 minutes.
Juice: Mix with an equal amount of water and take 1 tsp. at a time.
Scalp wash: Boil 3 to 4 oz. chopped leaves in 2 cups water and 2 cups vinegar for a short time.
