Stinging Nettle
Natural Healing Herbs
Stinging nettle is a common plant that is used in herbal medicine across Europe and North America. You can soak the plants in water or cook them to remove the stinging ability of the leaves.
Other Names
This herb is often referred to as common nettle or just nettle.
Appearance
This plant can grow to be 7 feet tall, but the tallest I've ever seen is about 4 feet. It has straight sturdy stems that grow many leaves. The leaves are green with toothed edges and fine stinging hairs on their undersides. In the summer it grows small yellow flowers.
Origins
The plant is native to North America, Europe, northern Africa and Asia. It seems to grow everywhere in England.
Parts Used
Stems, leaves and roots of the plant can all be used. You can purchase them dried, in tincture, exract or capsule form. You can also use fresh leave and stems to make infusions.
Medicinal Uses
This herb contains vitamins A, C, D, and K. It is also a source of iron, potassium manganese, and calcium. It has been used in Europe since the 10th century and is believed to induce lactation.
Here are some conditions it can be used to help treat.
- arthritis
- anemia
- gout
- eczema
- hay fever
- urinary tract infections
- tendonitis
- muscle sprains and strains
- kidney problems
- benign prostatic hyperplasia
You can by this herb and many others at Mountain Rose Herbs.
Side Effects and Warnings
This herb is generally considered safe, but can occassionally cause nausea, rash or water retention. This herb could cause a miscarriage so never take it when you are pregnant.
There few known side effects from the use of this herb, but you should still be careful if you are taking prescription medication or other herbal products.
If you found this information useful, check out my complete listing of herbs at my Herb Index. You can find a listing of ailments and their natural treatments on my Free Home Remedies page.
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