Urtica dioica
Common name: Nettle, Stinging Nettle
Family: Urticaceae
Parts used: Aerial, Radix, Seeds
Medicinal use:
Urtica increases urine output and increases the removal of uric acid. The diuretic action of Urtica makes it useful in the treatment of arthritis with swollen joints, edema, and congestive heart disease. An affinity for nervous eczema and will strengthen and support the whole body. Plays an important role in chronic and degenerative condition of the musculoskeletal system such as RA, OA, gout, joint pain and myalgia.
Nettle is helpful as it has antagonist and negative agonist activity, meaning it may block the receptor sites that histamine usually latches on to.
Nettle has been shown to inhibit tryptase, an enzyme that is released alongside histamine and which promotes its effects. Inhibiting this response is useful in reducing allergic reactions.
Regular use of nettles will support the adrenal system and nourish the kidneys by producing a diuretic effect, thus keeping the kidneys and adrenals “purified”. The compound in Nettle reduces inflammation and eases arthritis and gout symptoms.
Constituents:
Leaf: Acids (carbonic, caffeic, chlorogenic, formic, silicic, citric, fumaric, malic, oxalic, succinic), Amines (Ach, betain, choline, lecithin, histamine, serotonin), lignans, flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin), Nutrients (Vitamins A, B2, B5, C, K+, Ca+, silicon), chlorophylls a and b, dietary fiber & protein, nitrates, sterols, tannins, glucoquinones
Root: Polysaccharides, lectin, lignans, coumarins, triterpenes, sterols, tannins, phenolic acid
Medicinal actions: Anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, mild hypoglycemic, diuretic, anti-hemorrhagic, hemostatic, detoxifier, vasodilator, circulatory stimulant, hypotensive, nutritive, galactagogue, astringent, expectorant, anti-allergic, reduces BPH, anti-rheumatic
Dosing:
Dosage listed here is in ranges. For safety, please contact me, or work with a qualified herbalist who is trained in proper phytotherapy dosing and possible contraindications (if you’re taking any allopathic medications or OTC supplements.) That way, we can help you navigate a dosage that is personal for you based on weight, age, and if the cause of concern is chronic or acute.
Adult ranges:
Infusion – 6-12 g/dried leaf divided into 2-4 doses/daily
Tincture – (1:2/35%) 2-5 mL divided into 2-3 doses/daily
Children’s ranges:
Please contact me directly for reccomendations on childrens dosing.
Toxicity: Hypersensitivity or allergy to Urtica may occur. The fresh leaves cause wheals due to the formic acid is the nettle hairs. This reaction is self-limited and may even be used therapeutically to produce a counter-irritant effect.
Contraindications: None known.
Interactions: None reported.
Use in pregnancy and lactation: Yes, nettle is safe in pregnancy and lactation. May increase mothers milk supply.
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