HERB PROFILE grownetworlc

INFUSIONS

NETTLE LEAF (Urtica Dioica)

www.thegrownetwork.com 2

St ing ing Ne t t l e Plant Profile

Botan ical Name: Urtica dioica

Family: Urticaceae

Other Common Names: Nettle, Common Nettle, Burn Weed, Burn Hazel, Burn Nettle,Stingers, Devil Leaf

Parts Used: Leaves, seeds, roots

Energe t i cs: Dry

Thermal Proper t i es: Cool

Act ions: Adaptogen, alterative, anti-tumor, anti-spasmodic, astringent, counterirritant(mucous membranes), diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, hemostatic, hypotensive, nutritive, trophorestorative (kidney/adrenal), vermifuge

Taste: Bitter, salty

Plant Uses: Allergies, arthritis, asthma, blood deficiency, eczema, fatigue,hypothyroidism, menstrual cramps, seasonal allergies, sluggish metabolism, urinary tract infections, weak hair/teeth/bones

Plant Preparat ions: Food, freeze-dried, juice, nourishing herbal infusions, tea, leaftincture, seed tincture, seed wine, dried seeds, root tincture, pills, tablets, cream

Toxic i t i es/Warnings: Sting from fresh plant, possible allergic reaction

www.thegrownetwork.com 3

In troduct ion

Nettles have been used by cultures all over the world. They are a part of all major herbal

medicine systems and have been used throughout recorded and unrecorded history. Nettles

have been grown for food, medicine, and clothing, producing a fabric that was stronger than,

and often preferred to, cotton. The fiber was also naturally insulating, thanks to its hollow core.

You May Also Like:

“Superweed: Nettles Are an Early Spring Food”

“35+ Powerful, Inexpensive Organic Fertilizers You Can DIY” (Using Nettles in Compost Tea Fertilizer)

“Now Is Nettles Time in Canada”

The ancient Romans and Greeks cultivated huge amounts of nettle. Native Americans used

nettle fibers to make cloth and cordage. Nettle fiber burial shrouds, dating back to the Bronze

Age, have been found in Denmark. This is a plant with a long and widespread history.

Unfortunately, nettle fabric fell out of favor as modern industry came to fabrics. Machines

were not able to remove the nettle plant’s fibers. Thus, nettle clothing began to gradually

disappear.

The naming of nettles tells us a bit more about it. The first half of the scientific nameU, rtica,

means “sting” and might be related to the word “urine.” Each possibility makes sense in its own

way, though the two ideas don’t sit comfortably together in the imagination. The second half,

dioica, is Greek for “of two houses” and refers to nettles’ trait of having separate male and

female flowers. Any given stinging nettle plant may have one or both types of blooms.

www.thegrownetwork.com 4

19 Remarkable Benef i t s o f St inging Net t le

1. Increase Your Energy Levels: Nettles are used as a traditional spring tonic to strengthen and support the entire body. Their high nutritional value makes them ideal for anyone suffering from exhaustion, poor nutrition, or just general dis-ease. They’re a great choice for pregnant women (see cautions below) and those recovering from injury or illness.1) The seeds are adaptogens, helping us to respond to stress and strengthening the adrenals.2)

2. Detoxify Your Body: This general detoxifier has positive benefits for the entire body, and is

often used specifically as a blood purifier.3) Be sure to drink plenty of water to counter its diuretic nature.

3. Treat Eczema: Nettles are useful for all varieties of eczema, but especially childhood

eczema and nervous eczema4.)

4. Stop Bleeding: When taken internally, the astringent properties of nettle can help to relieve hemorrhage symptoms throughout the body.5) Topical application is also effective.6) 7)

5. Strengthen Bones and Connective Tissue: Nettles contain high levels of calcium, silica,

and other minerals to strengthen the bones and connective tissues.8)

6. Manage Blood Sugar: Nettles possess both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic constituents. In animal studies, nettles have been shown to lower blood sugar in hyperglycemic rabbits.9) Human studies have shown decreased inflammation markers and improved levels of fasting glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, and HbA1C.10)

7. Promote Urinary System Health: The diuretic effect of nettles helps it to flush out urinary tract

infections and stones1.1) 12)

8. Relieve Musculoskeletal Pain: Nettle’s anti-inflammatory and counterirritant properties can be beneficial for arthritis pain by either drinking infusions of the plant or allowing the plant to sting the affected area.13) Topical application of the stinging leaf can also help with myalgia and non-arthritic inflammation, pain, and stiffness.14) A single application may be enough to relieve symptoms for 4-8 days.15)

9. Promote Prostate Health: Nettle root and seeds may be useful in presentment and

treatment of benign prostate enlargement.16) 17) One study found that nettle root may have a beneficial effect on prostate cancers, as we1ll8. )

10. Gently Relieve Diarrhea/Constipation: The astringency of nettles makes them useful in

the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.19) However, they also have a mild laxative effect in cases of constipation2.0)

11. Prevent and Reverse Anemia: Nettles are an excellent source of bioavailable iron, making

them excellent for those suffering from iron deficiency.

12. Encourage Kidney Health: Nettle seeds are powerful kidney supporters and restorers2. 1) They have a protective effect if used during chemotherapy.22)

13. Relieve Allergies: Nettles have the ability to reduce the allergen response of the body

and help reduce excess mucous production in the nose.23) 24)

www.thegrownetwork.com 5

14. Promote Lung Health: Related to its allergen-reducing attributes, nettles have been used as

a folk treatment for any mucous membranes that are out of balance, including those in the respiratory system. Nettles act as a counterirritant, stimulating correct mucosal function in the digestive system (if ingested), which produces a sympathetic response in mucous membranes throughout the rest of the body. This can help to relieve the effects of asthma and bronchitis.25) Consuming nettles as food, as an infusion, or even breathing the steam off of cooking nettles can help the body to recover.26)

15. Address Female Issues: Nettles are frequently used for menstrual issues, fertility

problems, in PMS formulas, and for menopausal issues. They may also help to stimulate milk production.27) 28) 29)

16. Promote Hair Health: Nettle juice can be used as a nutrient-rich final rinse, after washing your

hair. This juice has traditionally been ascribed with the ability to stimulate hair growth.30) You can also use nettle-infused vinegar for this purpose3. 1) Taken internally, nettle juice nourishes and strengthens hair and nails from the inside out.32)

17. Shrink Hemorrhoids: Nettle juice can also be used as a spray or as a sitz bath to help relieve

hemorrhoid3s3. ) 34)

18. Promote Heart Health: Nettle’s high potassium content helps it moderate high blood pressure and lower the chance of stroke.35)

19. Restore Digestive Health: Fresh nettle juice and greens help to tone the mucosa of the

digestive system, and have been linked to anticancer activity.36) 37)

www.thegrownetwork.com 6

Nutr i t i onal Proper t ies Nettles are prized for their high nutrient value. They accumulate minerals and micronutrients from the soil and produce high levels of vitamins in forms that are easily accessible to the human body. Indeed, many of nettle’s medicinal properties may stem from its ability to fulfill the body’s nutrient requirements. Once properly supplied, the body can then take care of itself.

You May Also Like:

“9 Simple, Effective Probiotics You Can Make at Home” (Stinging Nettle Vitamin C Enhancer Recipe)

The following numbers represent milligrams, unless otherwise stated, for every 100 grams of dried nettle. Nettles are excellent sources of calcium (2,900), chromium (0.39), magnesium (860), silicon (1.03), and zinc (0.47). They are high in manganese (0.78), phosphorus (447), potassium (1,750), riboflavin (0.43), selenium (0.22), thiamine (0.54), vitamin C (83.0), B complex vitamins, and vitamin K. Nettles also contain a good amount of fiber (11%), fat (2.3%), iron (4.2), and niacin (5.2), and they are high in vitamin A (15,700 IU) and low in sodium (4.90).

Dried nettles are 25.2% protein, 2.3% fat, and have only 0.6 calories per gram. Fresh nettles are also a good source of chlorophyll.

www.thegrownetwork.com 7

Preparat ions and Typical Dos ing Nettles are one of the most universally applicable of all medicinal herbs. So much so, that herbalist David Hoffman is often quoted as saying, “When in doubt, use nettles.”

You May Also Like:

“15 Natural Antibiotic Alternatives”

“8 Homeopathic Remedies for Plants and Animals”

“Weeds: What They Tell Us and Why You Should Care”

Their safety, effectiveness, accessibility, and overall versatility makes them an important plant to learn how to use.

Food

One of the easiest ways to use nettles is as a food. N ettles can be blanched for 2 minutes to deactivate their sting, and then used as you would any cooked green. That are often steamed or boiled, as well, and can be used in a variety of applications, including soups, smoothies, stir-fries, and more. The cooking water can also be used in teas or soups.

You May Also Like:

“Holistic Weight Loss for Gardeners” (Nettle, Asparagus, and Broccoli Soup Recipe) “For

Pasta Lovers Everywhere: 8 Ways to Enjoy Wholesome Noodles”

Nutr i t i ve Herb As a nutritive herb, they are generally viewed as safe, even in high amounts and over long periods of time.

Nour ish ing Herbal In fus ion Another favored strategy for accessing nettle’s nutritional benefits is a nourishing herbal infusion. Unlike a typical infusion, a nourishing infusion is prepared with a much larger quantity of the herb. Thirty grams of dried nettle would be enough to prepare a quart or liter or nourishing infusion. Using dried herbs is also important for this method, as drying breaks the cell walls, allowing the mineral and vitamin content to move from the herb into the water.

Place your dried herbs into a canning jar, and pour boiling water over them. Seal the jar, give it a shake, and then leave it to infuse for at least 4 hours. Overnight is fine. Then, strain out the nettles with a cloth, being sure to wring all of the liquid from the herbs. Drink your infusion immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Consume hot or cold. Sweeten as desired. Mint leaf can also help the flavor.

Standard In fus ion A standard infusion can also be prepared with 1-3 teaspoons of dried herb. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the herb and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. This will typically be taken 3 times a day, but can be consumed as often as desired.

www.thegrownetwork.com 8

T inc ture Tinctures can be prepared using 40% alcohol. Use 1 gram of dried nettle for every 5 milliliters of alcohol. A typical dosage would be 2 to 6 milliliters 3 times a day.

Capsule Capsules of freeze-dried nettle powder are a convenient option for reducing allergy symptoms. Start with just a few grams per capsule and gradually increase the amount until the desired effect is achieved. Capsules and tablets are used for the same purpose. If stomach discomfort occurs with any of these, take them with food.

Juice Another favored preparation is fresh nettle juice. Five to ten milliliters is typically consumed, 3 times a day. The juice can also be used as a wash or soak for arthritic pain; as a hair rinse; or as a spray or sitz bath, as needed, for hemorrhoids.

Urt i ca t ion Urtication is used as needed, or as can be comfortably endured. Practitioners can either thrust an affected area into a patch of nettles or use fresh nettles to lightly strike the skin. Should the stinging become too intense, it can be relieved by crushing plantain, yellow dock, or teasel leaves and applying them to the area. In place of the sting, nettle root tincture or cream can also be used topically for this purpose.

Uses for An imals Dried nettles can also be given to animals. Historically, they have been dried and used as a nutrient-dense winter food for livestock. Mammals in general, including your dog or cat, respond to nettles much as humans do. The seeds and leaves can also be fed to birds.

Precaut ion/Dangers/Contra ind ica t ions

The nettle’s sting is our primary concern. While not dangerous, it can still be quite painful. The degree of sting will vary from plant to plant due to genetic diversity and growing conditions. Some subspecies have no sting at all.

You May Also Like:

“Top 10 Most Dangerous Plant Look-alikes”

“Pokeweed: The Weed, the Myth, the Legend”

“From Dinner to Detox: 15+ Ways to Get Healthy With Cleavers”

A nettle’s sting is caused by droplets of fluid at the ends of hollow hair-like structures (trichomes) on the undersides of its leaves and along the stem. Underground rhizomes have the capacity to sting as well. Formic acid, the same chemical found in ant and bee stings, is present in the stinging liquid and has traditionally been blamed for the sting. However, the amount of this acid is not especially high, and may not fully account for the pain of nettle stings. The current thinking attributes the stinging sensation to histamines, such as acetylcholine and serotonin.

www.thegrownetwork.com 9

Gloves or careful handling can lessen the risk of stings. If handling without gloves, a firm grip may result in less stinging than a gentle grip. Drying, heating, or mashing the leaves makes them safe to handle. Young leaves do not sting.

Pregnancy Nettles are generally considered to be safe for everyone, including the very young, the very old, and the very pregnant. You will sometimes encounter controversy over its use with pregnant women, due to its ability to influence menstrual cycles. However, nettles have been safely consumed by pregnant women throughout human history. While most of the concerns we hear are probably the result of ever-repeating, ever-exaggerated warnings, it is plausible that in very large doses, nettles could influence the odds of a miscarriage. Use appropriate caution.

Al lerg ic Reac t ions Nettles have been used by people at all levels of health, including those who are immune compromised. However, some cases of allergic reaction have been reported. Side effects of an allergic reaction may include nausea, a burning sensation in the digestive tract, or hives after consuming fresh nettles. This risk is reduced by harvesting materials before the plant flowers and by drying them.

Headache Some people report that nettle tea gives them a headache. This may be due to its diuretic effect causing them to become slightly dehydrated, or due to detoxification. Drinking more water can often fix this.

Hal luc inat ions One of the more interesting application is to take a tablespoon of seeds and soak them in wine overnight. Then sip the wine throughout the day to help deal with illness. Reportedly, consuming very high quantities of nettle seed or nettle seed products can cause hallucinations. Very high amounts of alcohol won’t help either.

Coagula t ion Nettles could theoretically reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulation drugs, due to their high levels of vitamin K.

www.thegrownetwork.com 10

P lant Ident i f i ca t ion

You should always be completely sure about the identify of a plant before eating it. Consult with multiple sources to ensure proper identification.

Nettles are herbaceous perennials, growing 3-6 feet tall. Though their appearance is not eye-catching, they are difficult to confuse with look-alikes. That is, they’re difficult to confuse after you touch them. In fact, nettles are more often the “dangerous” look-alike for something else.

Other members of the nettle family may strongly resemble stinging nettles. However, the stinging hairs (trichomes) help to differentiate these. Two related genera, Laportea and Hesperocnide, can sting as well. Individual species can still be differentiated. For example, wood nettles (Laportea canadensis) have a mixture of opposite and alternate leaves, whereas stinging nettles’ leaves are always opposite.

Most members of this family are edible as potherbs. A few relatives are dangerous. In some related tropical nettles, the sting can be felt for years. Another dangerous nettle is the tree nettle (Utica ferox) of New Zealand, which is toxic and has caused fatal poisonings. Clearweed (Pilea pumila) and mulberry weed (Fatoua villosa) may also be considered look-alikes. They can easily be distinguished by their lack of stinging hairs.

www.thegrownetwork.com 11

User: Kilom691 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Mints and Stinging Nettles share a superficial resemblance, both having square

stems and opposite leaves. However, nettles can be differentiated by the short,

transparent hairs along the stem and undersides of their leaves. Nettle leaves are

simple, jagged, and are often somewhat heart-shaped, though this can vary. The

flowers are small and inconspicuous.

If all else fails, just start touching the plant. You’ll figure it out.

www.thegrownetwork.com 12

Where I t Grows and Where to F ind I t You can find nettle throughout most of the world, growing on every continent but Antarctica. Look for them in rich, fertile, moist soil. Common locations include along stream banks, at the edges of ponds, in low areas, beside barns and stables, along the sides of houses, and sneaking into gardens. In some places, nettles are a common lawn plant. Nettles prefer partial shade, but will tolerate full sun exposure as long as they don’t dry out.

Nettles are easy to grow and can readily be transplanted or propagated from runners. However, they spread easily, so select a site with plenty of room and where they will not interfere with your outdoor activities.

How and When to Harves t Harvest nettle tops in spring, while the plants are still around knee high, and before they flower. If you use restraint and take only the top third, you may be able to get a second harvest. Scissors and gloves help to prevent accidental stings. You can also avoid the sting by folding a leaf over, so that only the top is exposed, and pinching it between finger and thumb.

Seeds can be harvested in fall. Rhizomes are available year-round, but will have more potency in late fall through early spring.

www.thegrownetwork.com 13

Conclus ion Stinging nettles are an absolutely wonderful plant, as long as you respect them. Their contribution to human culture, food, and medicines cannot be overstated. The next time you discover nettles in your yard or garden, rather than getting mad, why not give them a chance? You might even decide to transplant them to a more favorable permanent location and start your own nettle garden.

You May Also Be In teres ted In:

• Are you at stage 3? Learn the 7 stages of becoming a Medicine Woman or Medicine Man. Take a free 4-part training to become a Medicine Woman or Medicine Man.

• Fight your next infection NATURALLY. Treating Infections Without Antibiotics.

• Your teeth can heal themselves! Alternatives to Dentists. • Boost your immune system and fight off colds. Make your own

elderberry syrup. • Free e-Book: "The Ancient Art of Raw Vinegars" • The #l way to improve your health is to kick the sugar habit. Our free 7 Day Sugar

Challenge can help!

Psst! Our Lawyer Wants You to Read This Big, Bad Medical Disclaimer - >The contents of this article, made available via The Crow Network (TCN), are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information provided by TCN. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk. And, of course, never eat a wild plant without first checking with a local expert

The Grow Network

The Grow Network is a global network of people who produce their own food and medicine. We're the coolest bunch of backyard researchers on Earth! We're constantly sharing, discovering, and working together to test new paths for sustainable living-while reconnecting with the "old ways" that are slipping away in our modern world. We value soil, water , sunlight, simplicity, sustainability, usefulness, and freedom. We strive to produce, prepare, and preserve our own food and medicine, and we hope you do, too!

www.thegrownetwork.com 14

References

1, 11, 13, 17, 19.

2, 8, 10, 14, 22, 32.

3, 20, 2 28, 3 33.

i Jones, Patrick P. The Homegrown Herbalist. 2014.

i Foret, Rosalee De La. "Stinging Nett le." HerbMentor . Accessed February 06, 2019. https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb /stinging-nettle/#marker-864-12.

i Pedersen , Marl<. Nutritional Herbology: A Reference Guide to Herbs Warsaw, IN: Whitman Publications, 2010.

4, 5, 9, 15. i Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

6. i Axe, Josh. "It's Not Just a Prickly Plant: Stinging Nettle Benefits." Dr. Axe. May 09, 2018. Accessed February 06, 2019. https://draxe.com/stinging-nettle/.

7, 12, 21, 24, 26, 29, 31, 34, 37. i Weed, Susun S. Wise Woman Herbal." Healing Wise Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Pub., 1989.

16, 27. i Gladstar, Rosemary. Rosemary Cladstars Medicinal Herbs: A Beginners Guide North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2012.

18. i l<onrad, Lutz, Hans-Helge Muller, Corinna Lenz, Helge Laubinger, Gerhard Aumuller, and Johannes Josef Lichius. "Antiproliferative Effect on Human Prostate Cancer Cells by a Stinging Nettle Root (Urtica Dioica) Extrac t." Planta Medica66, no. l (2000): 44-47. doi:10.1055/s- 2000-11117.

23. i "Nettle: The Stinging Weed That Can Help You Detoxify." Mercola.com. Accessed February 06, 2019. https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/nettle.aspx.

35. ↑ Hunt, Benjamin D., and Francesco P. Cappuccio. “Potassium Intake and Stroke Risk.” Stroke45, no. 5 (2014): 1519-522. doi:10.1161/strokeaha.113.004282.

36. ↑ Axe, Josh. “It’s Not Just a Prickly Plant: Stinging Nettle Benefits.” Dr. Axe. May 09, 2018. Accessed February 06, 2019. https://draxe.com/stinging-nettle

Tags: herb, herb profile, infusion, infusions, kit, medicine, nettle, nutritive, scott sexton, stinging nettle, strong & sexy, strong and sexy, tincture, uses

Categorised in: Foraging, Herbs and Medicines, Medicine

This post was written by The Grow Network