urtica dioica

nettle

One of the SUPER PLANTS. The whole plant is edible. You can live off this stuff. Jaggedy pointy leaves in pairs opposite each other on a vertical stem with clumps of little seeds in between the layers. Called “Stinging Nettles” because one side of the leaf has little hairs that sting when touched. But this sting is not bad, in fact, it is injecting us with good healing medicine- usually a combination of formic acid, serotonin, histamine, choline and silica. You can roll up the leaf with the hair on the inside and eat it. Saliva neutralizes the sting. Nettles are one of the richest sources of protein and minerals, especially calcium, iron, silica, vitamin C (which improves calcium and nutrient absorption), improves immune function, prevents free radical damage, and builds collagen. The vitamin K in nettle strengthens bones. Removes lactic acid and uric acid in gout. Supports the growth of beneficial intestinal flora (probiotics). Great for relieving mucus in colon. Source of Serotonin, supports proper adrenal function, A steroidal anti-inflammatory to reduce prostate inflammation and excellent source of nutrition for prostate health. Lowers blood sugar, increases insulin sensitivity due to chromium content and protects blood vessels from insulin damage. A, complete B complex, C, D, calcium, chromium, copper, high iron source, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, sulfur, zinc, bioflavonoids, saponins, acetylcholine and serotonin. Antidepressant, antibiotic and anti-fungal, Helps dissolve kidney stones, regulate thyroid, reduces body fat, increases energy, treats anemia, ulcers, strengthens tissues, mild laxative. Helps adrenals, kidney, liver and thyroid. If you have arthritis or spot on head losing hair, hit the area with the stinging part of the leaves so the medicine can be injected… it will sting, swell up, but many people have found it eliminated arthritis pain for the entire season and made hair start to grow again because of the increased circulation and herbal “injection”. Can also use nettle tea to rub on head, as well as drink it, using it both externally and internally to stimulate healing. Nettle is the only known plant that contains formic acid, which is used to dissolve cholesterol. Nettle also contains a protein molecule called UDA which attacks fungus in the body. (Great for candida sufferers) Nettle blocks lactic acid cycle which starves the cancer cells. Leaves have seaweed-type flavor because it's very rich in minerals. If a property has lots of stinging nettle, buy that property because the ground there is very rich. Eat the seeds like hemp seeds. They are very high in protein and have healthy oils. Use the seeds fresh in pancakes, porridge, cereals etc. Sprout in winter as great free superfood. There is only one known species of nettle (of course in Australia and New Zealand) where the sting is too strong and dangerous, called Urtica Ferox..

Urtica dioica

stinging nettle

Herbal medicine
A perennial herb that contains acetyl-choline, formic acid, histamine, minerals and vitamins A and C; it is astringent, diuretic, tonic, and administered as an infusion, poultice or applied topically (the leaves act as a counterirritant). Stinging nettle is used for arthritis, baldness, cystitis, diabetes, diarrhoea, eczema, epistaxis, gout, hay fever, haemorrhoids, rheumatic complaints and tuberculosis; it may be used under the supervision of a physician for congestive heart failure and hypertension.

Toxicity
Uncooked nettle may cause renal damage; the diuresis-related loss of potassium should be compensated for by increasing potassium intake; it should not be given to young children.

Urtica dioica

(dī-ō′ĭ-kă, dē-) The scientific name for the stinging nettle, an herb used to treat allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis. Exposure to the herb can cause a rash. Extracts made from it are promoted for their diuretic effects.

Urtica dioica

urtica dioica

nettle

Urtica dioica

stinging nettle

Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica

Synonyms for Urtica dioica

noun perennial Eurasian nettle established in North America having broad coarsely toothed leaves with copious stinging hairs

Synonyms

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