Stinging Nettle - A Strong Medicinal Herb

Stinging Nettle

One of the Strongest Herbs for 

Health Out There! 

Stinging nettle (Urtica 
dioica) is packed with vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals along with hefty dose of potent phytonutrients including deep-green chlorophyll and carotenoids. In fact, more than 100 chemical components have been identified in nettle, including:

Minerals – iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, boron, strontium

Vitamins - A, C, K, and B vitamins

Phytonutrients - chlorophyll, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, quercetin, rutin

NOTE: The sting isn't dangerous, and the red skin + itch will subside within about half an hour ... there's really no need to find the nearest ER and rush over there, just cos a nettle stung you. 

Nettle tea, made from dried nettle leaves, is perhaps best known for its high mineral content. The leaves are packed with more minerals, especially magnesium and calcium, than a number of other medicinal herbs. One recent study found that dried nettle leaf has more magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, boron, and strontium than dried chamomile, peppermint, sage, St. John’s wort, linden, and lemon balm. 

Nettles in any form are good for hayfever allergies. 

That translates into having more energy, mental acuity, disease resilience and radiant well-being. 

In addition to its high nutrient content, results from preliminary studies show that stinging nettle has many other health-promoting properties. For example, nettle has been shown to:

• The natural polyphenols in nettle leaves are thought to be responsible the powerful antioxidant abilities of nettle tea. 
• Fight infections. Nettles have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. 
• Decrease inflammation. Nettles work as a natural anti-inflammatory through a number of different mechanisms.
• Lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Nettles are used in diabetics to combat high blood sugar and cardiovascular risk factors. 
• Fight cancer. Nettles have a beneficial effect in prostate cancer. 
• Heal stomach lining. Nettle tea helps heal the mucosal lining of the stomach in the case of ulcers or stomach irritation.
• Nettle roots instead of the leaves are used to decrease symptoms of enlarged prostate. 

Nettle seeds are the most nutritious part of nettle plant. They contain all the goodies of nettle, vitamin A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium and silicon. What is more, they contain essential fatty acids and vitamin C which are especially good for skin and brain.

Nettle seed is considered a Western adaptogen herb that supports the adrenal glands and endocrine system. This is why in herbal medicine it is used as a tonic for fatigue and adrenal exhaustion; for people who are burnt-out, run down and low in energy, zest for life and libido. For those interested in biochemistry, the ‘feel-good’ factor from eating raw, dried nettle seeds is caused by the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and serotonin, closely followed by choline and histamine.

Acetylcholine binds to the mood receptors in our brains. It stimulates the autonomic nervous system, improves mood and heightens sensory perception, attention span, vigilance and intuition.

Nowadays medical herbalists mainly use nettle seed to increase energy, as an anti-inflammatory and as a highly effective kidney trophorestorative. It slows down renal failure, evidenced by increased kidney glomerular function and lowered serum creatine levels. Modern clinical studies have shown that it also protects the liver, repairing it and restoring liver function after oxidative damage. Another macronutrient found in nettle seed called choline (a component of lecithin vital to liver function). Choline is sometimes used to treat liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. Studies have also shown that it is indeed anti-inflammatory and will soothe colitis

Pick the seeds green, then dry them and rub gently to remove the stems. Start with just 1 teaspoon per day. Build up to 1 tablespoon a day slowly, when you know you can handle it. Sprinkle the in cereals or other foods. If you are picking the seeds, please leave enough on the plant for it to reseed.Be careful when eating nettle seed not to exceed 30 grams a day. It can be over-stimulating and, like an amphetamine, prevent you from sleeping 

Wear gloves when picking nettles! When dried or cooked the plant parts have no more sting. To dry the leaves or seeds, lay them out on a paper towel before storing and turn occasionally. If you are unsure of the dryness of the seeds, put them in a paper envelope for a few weeks before storing in glass, plastic or metal. Label the envelope. I store all my seed in envelopes labeled with type, dates and other notes.  

Nettle Tea: Steep 1/4 cup of dried, crushed nettle leaves in a quart or litre of boiling water for 30 minutes, covered. Make a healthy mixed herbal tea by adding rose hips, yarrow flowers, fireweed flowers, red clover flowers, lemon grass or any combination of the above additives. Add a drop of honey if desired. Maximum recommended dose of nettle tea is four cups a day.

Make iced tea in the hot weather! Delicious! 

WARNINGS: 

1. If pick nettles where fecal matter has been deposited, like pastures or barn areas, let it sit for a few days to lower the nitrate level.

2. Don't give nettles to babies or nursing mothers. 

I might be planting stinging nettles in my garden this year! I'm considering planting an herbal health garden. 

Sources: 

(Mother Earth News), (Schoolofthewild.com), (Napiers.net), (Henrietttes-herb.com)