Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

Also known as, Common Nettle, Gerrais, Isirgan, Kazink, Ortiga, Grande Ortie, Ortie, Urtiga, Chichicaste, and Brennessel



Stinging Nettles are the author’s favorite herb because are wonderful for everything, hence the name 'Singing Nettles Herbal Clinic'. They are alterative and help clear all of the body's pathways, so bringing balance to all organs and systems. They are rich in nutrients and are a tonic, nourishing and strengthening the body. They are safe for everyone, including animals, and they have so many other uses and applications.

They are high in protein, calcium iron and magnesium. They provide an easily assimilated multivitamin as a whole food. Nettle is an excellent source of many minerals and vitamins; it is one of the most nutrient-rich herbs available.

Stinging Nettles herbal infusions contain:

calcium, magnesium. potassium, iron, chromium, selenium, trace minerals, chlorophyll, B vitamins. manganese, silica, iodine and sodium, vitamins A, C and E, B complex vitamins and beta-carotene.


Traditional Uses: Allergies, cystitis, kidney and bladder stones, diuretic, astringent, psoriasis, acne.

Medicinal Actions: astringent, expectorant, galactagogue (milk stimulating), tonic, anti-inflammatory, homeostatic, and diuretic

Fresh nettle is used in folk remedies to stop bleeding because of its high Vitamin K content.  When dry, the Vitamin K is practically non-existent and so is used as a blood thinner.

Bioflavonoids in Nettle leaves and roots are generally anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine. The magnesium in Nettle may aid upper respiratory symptoms, if asthmatics are magnesium-deficient. Magnesium relieves bronchial muscle spasms and reduces the histamine response. The boron in Nettle may help address osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), because it helps the bones retain calcium and influences the body's endocrine system. (Hormones play a vital role in helping the body maintain healthy bones and joints.)

Stinging nettle increases energy, strengthens the adrenals, and is reputed to restore flexibility to blood vessels. A cup of nettle infusion contains 500 milligrams of calcium in addition to large amounts of  bone-building magnesium, potassium, silicon, boron, and zinc. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Nettle aid in the flexibility of bones, cardiovascular health, thickening hair, toning skin and giving energy as well.

The plants with the deepest green leaves provide the most energy. A daily cup of nettle infusion increases energy. Nettle strengthens the adrenals, helping the mind and body adapt to stress and preventing damage to them. It also nourishes the immune system.


Leftover infusion may be used as a hair rinse or fertilizer for plants.

Constituents

formic acid, histamine, serotonin, choline, minerals, chlorophyll, amino acids, lecithin, carotenoids, flavonoids, sterols, tannins and vitamins.

Nettle's main plant chemicals include: acetophenone, acetylcholine, agglutinins, alkaloids, astragalin, butyric acid, caffeic acids, carbonic acid, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, choline, coumaric acid, folacin, formic acid, friedelins, histamine, kaempherols, koproporphyrin, lectins, lecithin, lignans, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, neoolivil, palmitic acid, pantothenic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, scopoletin, secoisolariciresinol, serotonin, sitosterols, stigmasterol, succinic acid, terpenes, violaxanthin, and xanthophylls"


Many of the benefits of nettle are caused by its very high levels of minerals, especially, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silica, iodine, silicon, sodium, and sulfur. They also provide chlorophyll and tannin, and they're a good source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and B complex vitamins. Nettles also have high levels of easily absorbable amino acids. They're ten percent protein, more than any other vegetable." 

Nettles are an excellent, nourishing herb to eat and drink as a tea while pregnant and nursing. They are a galactagogue, helping to produce breast milk.

Vitamins A, C, D and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulphur are particularly abundant in nettles.

Minerals in Nettles:

Per 100g dry weight:

Calcium - 2900mg
Magnesium - 860mg
Potassium - 1750mg
Selenium - .22mg
Zinc - .47mg

Thiamine - .54mg
Riboflavin (B2) - .43mg

Culinary Uses:
The leaves can be baked into pies and used in place of spinach in lasagnas, pastas, soups and any other dish. They are delicious and nutritious!

Soaking nettles in water or cooking will remove the stinging chemicals from the plant, then you can handle and eat them without getting stung.

TEXT AND IMAGES COPYRIGHT Copyright © 2011 Amanda Dainow. All rights reserved.