Urtica Dioica

Common names: Nettle, Stinging Nettle

Family: Urticaceae

Parts used: Seeds, harvested when ripe but still green

Habitat: Native to temperate zones such as Britain, Northern Europe and Asia. 

Folklore and History: This article on nettle seed by Monica Wilde of Napiers in Edinburgh is very informative. She states that "in the past, horse traders would feed nettle seed to horses a few weeks before selling them. It helped the old lags become sprightly again with high spirits and shiny coats. ...In Europe it was used to restore libido and sexual energy, and the pressed oil burned in Egyptian lamps".

Constituents: Flavonoids, phenolic constituents, sterols, tannins, vitamins and minerals, fixed oils oil high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (predominantly linoleic, linolenic, palmitic, oleic and stearic acids), lectins (Urtica dioica agglutinin), choline

Actions: Antihaemorrhagic, diuretic, tonic, hepatic, astringent, alterative, adaptogenic, supportive of the adrenal clangs and endocrine system, tonic and trophorestortive for the kidneys and urinary tract, nephrorestorativeanti-inflammatory, stimulates superantigen activity, immune stimulant, hepatorestorative, hepatoprotective, detoxifying, stimulant, mildly anti-depressant

Traditional and current uses:

• Supports healthy kidney and urinary tract function
• Kidney disease, nephritis
• Supports liver function; cirrhosis, fatty liver, sluggish liver, hepatitis
• Supports kidney and liver detoxification pathways
• Effects of chronic stress, nervous exhaustion, burn-out, tired all the time, fatigue, low libido, individuls who have lost their zest for life
• Topically as a bright green infused oil used as a linament for painful joints
• Nutritive
• To increase short term alertness; large doses are a stimulant
• Low mood and depression, particularly when combined with nervine tonics such as oatstraw
• Used as a spring tonic

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.