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Nettle was cultivated in Scotland for the fibers in the stalks, to
make a durable linen-like cloth. This use goes back to the Bronze Age.
The very name Nettle comes from words meaning 'textile plant.
'Nettle
was popular as an agent that, by irritating the skin of an inflamed
area, caused increased blood flow to the area, thereby reducing the
inflammation. In Scotland, victims of gout and rheumatism allowed
themselves to be scourged with Nettle in the dubious belief that this
would alleviate their sufferings. Nettle neutralizes uric acid,
prevents its crystallization aiding in its elimination from the
system, thus relieving gout and arthritis. Nettle as an astringent
helps to stop bleeding. The Nettle 'sting' is from histamine and
formic acid in the hairs that trigger allergic response.
Nettle is good to use for anemic children as a tea, due to its
nutritive value as an herb and its high in iron, silicon and
potassium. Nettle is an alkalizing herb and is useful as a rich source
of minerals. Nettle aids with diarrhea and dysentery and is good for
inflammatory skin conditions. Nettle increases the flow of urine,
shrinks inflamed tissues, helps blood circulation and purifies the
blood. Nettle is a most excellent remedy for dandruff and will bring
back the natural color of hair. Nettle helps to reduce menses flow and
it can also be used as a tincture for hypothyroid conditions to
increase thyroid function. Nettle it also cleanses the digestive tract
and helps with stomach problems. Nettle functions much like a mild
Cayenne by opening the vessels, thus increasing circulation and
uplifting a weary body relieving fatigue and exhaustion. Nettle can
alleviate allergic symptoms such as teary eyes and a runny nose.
NOTE: This herb is beneficial during pregnancy. It is a mineral
rich nutritive herb with vitamin K to guard against excessive
bleeding. It improves kidney function and helps prevent hemorrhoids.
Nettle is also known as:
- Urtica dioica,
- Stinging Nettle,
- Great stinging nettle
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