* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Other Names: Ortie brulante (French); Große Brennessel (German); ortica maschio (Italian); ortiga mayor (Spanish).
Description: Perennial stinging nettle (U. dioica) is an erect herb (up to 1.5 m) with drooping, somewhat greyish leaves. The slender flower clusters are longer than the leaf stalks in both male and female plants. Annual stinging nettle (U. urens) is smaller, with bright green leaves and flower clusters that are shorter than the leaf stalks.
Origin: Europe and Asia (U. dioica), entire northern hemisphere (U. urens). Both have become weeds in many countries.
Parts Used: Of both species, the aboveground parts or leaves (Urticae herba, -folium) or roots (Urticae radix).
Therapeutic Category: Antirheumatic (herb and leaf); urological (roots).
Uses and Properties: Leaves and roots are used in supportive treatment of rheumatic complaints, and to a lesser extent inflammation of the urinary tract and the prevention and treatment of kidney gravel. Dried roots or root extracts are used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. The leaves are rich in minerals and vitamins and have been used as a nutritional supplement.
Preparation and Dosage: Daily doses of 8 - 12 g (leaf) and 4 - 6 g (roots) are recommended.
Active Ingredients: Nettle leaf contains minerals, (especially silicic acid; up to 5%), amines (histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin), flavonol glycosides, phenolic acids, scopoletin, beta-sitosterol and tannins. Roots contain polysaccharides, a lectin (UDA), several phenolics (including lignans, coumarins) and sterols, including beta-sito-sterol, 7-alpha- and 7-beta-hydroxysitosterol and their glycosides. The stinging hairs act like miniature syringes and inject histamine and acetylcholine, causing extreme irritation.
Pharmacological Effects: Leaves show a mild diuretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory action (the dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of arthritis can be reduced, if Urtica is taken concomitantly - phenolic compounds are responsible for this activity). Nettle roots interact with testosterone-binding proteins, 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase. Nettle lectins appear to be an immune stimulant. Controlled clinical studies support efficacy for the treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy and the traditional diuretic and anti-inflammatory uses in treating arthritis.
Status: Traditional medicine; Pharm.; Comm. E+; ESCOP 2 (radix), 4 (folium/herba); WHO 2 (radix); clinical studies+.
A most potent herb, the many qualities compensating for the stung fingers that inevitably accompany the harvest. The sting is caused by the formic acid in the plant and can be soothed by rubbing the spot with dock leaves (Rumex obtusifolus). Providence, somehow, usually plants the dock alongside the nettle beds. Nettle is like a beast with a heart of gold.
Nettle is a perennial 2-7 feet high: the root is creeping and branching, the plant is clothed in stinging hairs and bears opposite, cordate, deeply serrate, pointed leaves which are downy underneath; heart-shaped, finely toothed leaves and it has a clump of upright, four-angled, 1-2 foot stems are covered with downy hair and with venomous spines; emits an acrid fluid when touched, causing pain. Each spine is a hollow needle filled with venom which is released whenever the plant is brushed. The venom stings like a bee and produces a red rash. The virulent qualities are destroyed by cooking (boiling or steaming) or drying the plant. The small, petal-less, greenish flowers grow in axillary clusters in "tassels", male and female on separate plants; blooms from July to September. Fruits are small nutlets enclosed in dried sepals.
Nine of the 30 species of Urtica are found in the United States and Canada growing wild. It is an old English custom to drink nettle tea on occasion. This habit was believed to have been brought with the Roman conquerors to the Isles, who used the tea as a bracer in the rigorous climate.
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Share your questions and information with the ZooScape community!
Anonymous - May 23, 2006, 20:28
#10000592
can sting nettle leaf tea be taken with other prescribed medication e.g blood pressure pills
ZooScape Moderator - May 24, 2006, 10:37
#10001397
There are no known interactions between Stinging Nettle Leaf and any prescription drug. However, it is my suggestion that you speak with your physician prior to starting this course of treatment as he or she will have the most knowledge regarding your medical history and will be able to make the best decision regarding your optimal health!
Fresh drawn, boiling water contains the most oxygen, thereby giving the fullest taste to tea. Water that has been boiling for some time looses the oxygen and thereby the best taste.
Allow full expansion during the infusion and easy removal after the time for steeping has elapsed.
Draw into a tea pot or kettle the best fresh water that you have available.
Warm the teapot and cups while the water is boiling.
Additional Information
PhytoVie manufactures a wide selection of therapeutic and aromatic teas. The PhytoVie manufacturing process guarantees the quality and consistency of each and every tea bag. Our buyers select only the highest premium quality teas each season, importing from around the world. Each tea bag contains only the finest quality ingredients.
