Nettles
Urtica
diotica
This perennial
favorite of herbalists is a member of its own family, the Urticaceae.
It is a strong and hardy grower, preferring a bit of shade to constant
sun. It flowers starting in early July, depending on the growing
conditions, and for medicine we prefer to harvest it before the
flowers open.
Nettle is famous for its sting. When harvesting, this can be quite
distracting (and painful!). I’ve grown used to the occasional
sting; to avoid it, either wear gloves, or approach the plant with
clear intent and a stout heart, envisioning yourself wrapped in
fire. It usually will leave you be.
Elemental associations: Fire
Phytochemistry: Organic acids, Vitamin C, Iron, chlorophyll (D.
Hoffmann)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory, tonic, diuretic
Specific systems: Kidneys, adrenals, liver
This is an excellent, reliable, safe and effective tonic herb that
everyone should become acquainted with. It does have a way of ‘protecting’
itself in the wild, which may scare many away, but this danger is
eliminated after a few hours of drying or after any cooking / chopping.
Before it wilts, however, its stinging power can actually be put
into effect: through a process called ‘urtication’,
bundles of the fresh herb are whipped against painful, inflamed
joints and tissues to reduce the swelling and pain. I’ve tried
this myself a few times, just on sore muscles, and although it hurts
quite a bit at first, after about 20 minutes all that’s left
is a gentle, numb and tingling sensation.
Nettle is the first choice in cases of anemia, and makes a great
tonic because of its unusually rich vitamin and mineral content.
It can really help re-energize a depleted constitution. Additionally,
it has a gentle diuretic and tonic action on the kidneys, normalizing
the elimination of water from the system.
Its liver effects make it an excellent remedy in the treatment of
chronic allergic and inflammatory conditions, such as seasonal allergies,
eczema and psoriasis, and chemical sensitivities. I have found,
however, that the fresh plant extract works best for these purposes
~ something must get lost in the drying / heating process.
Indications: Anemia, debility, arthritis, allergies, eczema / psoriasis
Contraindications: None really
Preparation/Dosage: An excellent tea can be made by steeping 4 TBS
in a quart of hot water. For greatest strength, allow this to steep
at least 24 hours.
For allergies, use a tincture, prepared at 50% alcohol, 1:3 to 1:5,
½ to 1 tsp. 1-3 times daily.
For arthritis and swollen joints, use fresh nettles, whipped repeatedly
onto the affected area.
