Urtica dioica

I really dislike the term 'weed', it degrades a plant and allows people to deem it as useless and unwanted. Many people see plants like the nettle as an enemy, they rip it out off the ground, burn it, attempt to eradicate with little regard for its medicinal properties and its powerful spirit. Nettles truel are a wonder herb, they are packed full of nutrition like iron, chlorophyll, silica and serotonin, and are excellent in treating many conditions like eczema, kidney disease and high blood pressure. Once more they are so readily available, I'm sure you all have nettles growing in abundance somewhere near you, but remember to wear gloves when picking them!

---

Latin name

Urtica dioica

Common names

Stinging nettle, California nettle, Devil’s plaything, Greater nettle, True nettle

Plant family

Nettles belong to the Urticaceae family.

Parts used

Aerial parts - eaten as a tonic vegetable and used to make medicinal preparations.
Root - has important diuretic properties that make it useful in the treatment of prostate problems.
Seeds - to protect the liver and they act as an amazing energy and mood booster.

Habitat

The nettle is native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and western North America and has been introduced elsewhere. The species is commonly found in moist, uncultivated areas, including waste places, riverbanks, fencerows and roadsides, and it’s occasionally found in orchards and vineyards. They thrive in temperate climates with moist soil that’s rich in nitrogen, which is why they grow well on fertilised farmland. They are able to grow in areas where other plants struggle and are sadly considered a common weed due to their abundance.

Botanical characteristics

The nettle is a herbaceous plant with dark green, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The roots are tough and yellow in colour and produce shoots during spring. Nettles are best known for their stinging properties which occur due to the hollow hairs that cover the entire aerial part of the plant. These hollow hairs could be likened to hypodermic needles, and have a swollen venom filled base containing histamine and acetylcholine, which is what causes the burning irritation. They also have small, inconspicuous, white flowers which are clustered in spikes, called inflorescences, which can reach up to 10cm.

History and folklore

Stinging nettles are included in the nine herb charm, which is an old spell recorded in the 10th century, it was used to treat poisoning and infection. In the middle ages, people would eat nettle as a nutritive tonic to increase milk production and strength in pregnant and lactating women. Nettle stems were widely used to make cloth, native Americans used this to make fishing nets. In wartime Europe, the green dye for camouflage was extracted from nettles and is still used in Germany to keep canned vegetables green. Nettle also can be burnt to drive out negativity or unwanted spirits, and in protection bags or as a powder to be used in spells to break curses.

Herbal actions and main therapeutic uses

Diuretic - To increase the output of urine.

Tonic - To sustain and nurture the body.

Astringent - Tightens and binds tissue that has become flaccid and exuding, used to reduce excessive discharge in the body

Alterative - A blood and lymph cleanser

Rubefacient - Used topically to improve circulation to the skin.

The root of the nettle is used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms which are caused by an enlarged prostate gland pushing on the urethra, that causes severe pain when urinating. People have been using a combination of nettle and saw palmetto to alleviate these symptoms for years with great success. Scientists are unsure of how nettle works to treat BPH but many studies suggest that the chemicals in nettle have an effect on the hormones that cause BPH. It could also be due to nettles diuretic qualities, as its widely used to treat an array of bladder problems whilst also promoting detoxification of the kidneys and liver.
Nettle leaves and stems have been used to treat arthritis and damaged muscles. Studies have shown that topical application of nettle relieves joint and muscle pain. If taken orally alongside non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the patient can lower their dosage of NSAIDs, which benefits the patient as NSAIDs can produce nasty side effects if used for a prolonged period of time. The enzyme cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) plays a key role in the inflammatory processes seen in arthritis. A study was done that shows nettle is effective in reducing this enzyme due to it being rich in polyphenols. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology states that the anti-inflammatory properties of nettle are also effective against autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Due to the antihistamine and anti-inflammatory qualities, nettle is said to be an effective treatment for eczema. Sufferers can take orally or apply topically in a cream form to reduce any discomfort caused.
Nettles can also be helpful in treating -

• Anaemia
• Gout
• Malaria
• Deficiencies in pregnancy (combine nettle and raspberry leaves into an iron and calcium packed tea)
• Poor digestion
• Skin diseases
• Bleeding following surgery or injury

Dosage ranges and safety issues

Infusion - 1-3 tsp of dried herb infused for 10-15 mins 3x daily
Tincture - 1-4ml 3x daily

Cautions

The aerial parts of nettle can affect those suffering from diabetes, low blood pressure or kidney problems. As nettle can decrease blood sugar levels and pressure and can increase urine output. So people with these conditions should be cautious when using nettle, and it's wise to consult a medical professional.
Contraindications have been noted with; Lithium, diabetes medication, Antihypertensive drugs, CNS depressants and Warfarin.

Ecological and conservation issues

Nettle is commonly thought to be an invasive species or a weed, little is needed to conserve this plant as it’ll grow pretty much anywhere. Due to it being able to regenerate from buried rhizomes, it’s existence isn’t threatened by fire, however, it’s spread can be slowed when in competition with orchard grass. When the ground is disturbed through cultivation the rhizomes in the earth will grow rapidly to produce a dense colony. Herbicides are the most effective way of depleting nettles if you want to get rid of them, however, picking them and gaining all the lovely benefits would be a more favourable option. If they are being specifically cultivated then measures must be put in place to prevent their rapid spread, this can be done by either killing them in their tracks or physical barriers that prevent their growth.

Relevance to herbal practice

Nettle is a useful plant for every herbalist to have in their dispensary due to it being widely available as well as its dynamic array of therapeutic effects. As nettle has been used throughout history as a general tonic to aid the body through the winter months, it is something that will benefit a lot of people. It's also easy for people who are untrained to collect and use the plant in tea or soups. Nettle also has a high nutritional content, studies show that it contains protein, healthy fats, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and β-Carotene.