Nettle has a long history of medical use. The Romans used to rub the leaves on their bodies to restore circulation to limbs numbed by the British winters. Nettle also contains vitamin C and iron, and increases the absorption of the latter. This makes it useful in cases of iron deficiency related illnesses according to research.
Studies show that nettle is a circulatory stimulant, helps prevent haemorrhaging and can be used in treating nose bleeds. Nettle is also been known to mildly lower blood sugar levels. Nettle tea offers great relief to hayfever symptoms. This is probably due to the nettles antihistamine qualities. There are numerous other uses.
Actions:reduces allergies,cleanses blood,reduces inflammtion,relieves pain,stops hair loss,increases urination,stops bleeding,dilates blood vessels,lowers blood pressure,heals wounds, mild diuretic, astringent, tonic, haemostatic, dermatological agent;stimulates digestion,aids lactation,promotes menstruation,kills germs,lowers body temperature,extracts are reported to have hypoglycaemic properties.
Indications: rheumatic conditions, uterine haemorrhage, cutaneous eruptions, infantile and psychogenic eczema, epistaxis, melaena. Specifically indicated in nervous eczema. The root is indicated in the symptomatic treatment of micturition disorders such as nocturia, pollakisuria, dysuria and urine retention and in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Aerial Parts Application:
Infusion-Take to stimulate the circulation and to cleanse the system in arthritis, rheumatism, gout, and eczema. Also increases milk flow in nursing mothers. The fresh shoots make a revitalizing spring tonic.
Tincture-Used in combinations for arthritic disorders, skin problems, and heavy uterine bleeding.
Compress-Soak a pad in the tincture, and apply to painful arthritic joints, gout, neuralgia, sprains, tendinitis, and sciatica.
Ointment-Apply to hemorrhoids.
Wash- Apply to burns, insect bites, and wounds.
Juice- Liquidize the whole fresh plant to make a good tonic for debilitated conditions and anemia, and to soothe nettle stings. Prescribed for cardiac insufficiency with edema.
Powder- The powdered leaves are inhaled as snuff for nosebleeds.
Nettle oil preceded paraffin and the plants juice was used to curdle milk and help to make cheese!
Root Application:
Hair Rinse- Use the decoction as a rinse for dandruff, falling hair, and as a general conditioner.
