A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Other Names: Common Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Big String Nettle, Urtica Dioica
Traditional Usages: Fabrics, Food, Coughs, Arthritis, Septic Wounds, Nosebleeds, Stimulate Menstruation, Bronchitis, Respiratory Problems, Digestion, Urinary Tract Disorders, Diarrhea, Gout, Rheumatism, Gout, Eczema, Increase Breast Milk in Nursing Mothers, Painful Joints, Sprains, Neuralgia, Tendinitis - Inflammation of a tendon, Sciatica, Hemorrhoids, Burns and Insect Bites, Dandruff, Hairloss, Anemia, Fever, High Blood Pressure, Hayfever, 
Resources: Northern Hemisphere, Southern Africa, The Andes, Australia
Parts Used: Leaves, Roots
Administration Method: Ground herb for teas and infusions, and other preparations for external use.
Herb Action: Astringent, anti-allergenic, circulatory stimulant, diuretic, lowers blood sugar levels, nutritive, promotes milk flow (leaf), prevents scurvy, reduces prostate enlargement (root), stops bleeding, tonic.
Herbal Research: Nettles
Health Warning: Avoid during pregnancy.  Contact dermatitis almost always happens from touching the nettle plant, producing a stinging rash. The herbal antidote for nettle stings is yellow dock or plantain, which are usually found growing in the same vicinity. Rub a fresh leaf of either plant over the area of the nettle sting.

Stinging Nettle - Herbal remedy for Bronchitis: Stinging nettle is a powerful antihistamine used for curing most of the respiratory ailments. Take two capsules of 600 milligrams twice daily.

Stinging Nettle – Herbal remedy for Hay Fever: Taking stinging nettle extract can help to boost the body’s defenses and thus reduce the reaction to allergens. Stinging nettle is thought to be one of the best herbal remedies for hay fever, as it contains natural anti-histamines that help reduce the severity of a hay fever attack. If taken regularly, nettle can help prevent future attacks as well.

Stinging Nettle - Herbal remedy for PMS:  Nettle tea removes toxins from your body and builds up your energy. It is a great tea for everyday use, in fact. It relieves PMS symptoms.  Make nettle tea in a quart glass jar, letting about two or three tablespoons of herb infuse in cold water overnight. Drink as needed.

Stinging Nettle - Herbal remedy for Rhinitis: Stinging Nettle eases symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Take 600 milligrams daily.

Stinging Nettle - Herbal remedy for Sickle Cell: Stinging nettle has been used to treat muscle and joint pain including pain associated with sickle cell anemia. Stinging nettle is commonly administered as a sickle cell anemia treatment in the form of a tea prepared by infusing 3-4 teaspoons of the dried root or leaves in boiling water, in an alcohol-based tincture or in a dried or fluid extract.
Health Warning: Do not use stinging nettle if you are taking any of the following medications that are diuretics: diabetes medications, blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin and blood pressure-controlling drugs.

Stinging Nettle – Herbal remedy for Sinusitis: Take one tablet of 300 milligrams twice per day.
Health Warning: Do not take stinging nettle leaf if you have high blood pressure.

• Bronchitis
• Hay Fever
• Premenstrual Syndrome, PMS
• Rhinitis
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Sinusitis