A popular herb for men's health, Nettle nourishes the kidneys and the urinary tract. It contains high amounts of iodine, which makes it beneficial for the thyroid gland - your body's "internal thermostat." Nettle is also rich in vitamins A and C, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and chlorophyll.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History and Uses:
Nettle is distributed throughout the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. The plant is also found in Japan, South Africa and Australia. The botanical name, Urtica, is derived from the Latin word, urere, which means "to burn," in reference to the stinging hairs of this plant, and dioica means "two dwellings," as male and female flowers grow on different plants. The whole plant is covered with stinging hairs, having very sharp spines which are hollow and arise from a swollen base. These spines contain venom, an acrid fluid, the active principle of which is said to be bicarbonate of ammonia. When the spine pierces the skin, the venom is instantly released, causing the resultant irritation and inflammation. The sting of a Nettle may be relieved by rubbing the skin with the fresh-cut leaves of Rosemary, Peppermint or Sage. Nettle has a long history of use. The tough fibers from the plant stem have been used to make cloth, and cooked Nettle leaves were eaten as vegetables. From ancient Greece to the present, Nettle has been documented for its use in treating coughs, tuberculosis and arthritis, as well as stimulating hair growth. Medieval monks would flagellate themselves with Nettles for penance, and this same action had been employed by Roman soldiers to warm themselves and to help them better adapt to the cold, damp, English climate during their occupation. During World War II, Nettles were used in green camouflage paint. There has been a great deal of controversy regarding the identity of Nettle's active constituents, but primary chemical constituents found in Stinging Nettle are said to include formic acid, betaine, histamine, acetylcholine, glucoquinone, chlorogenic acid, mucilage, tannin, silica, beta carotene, calcium, iron, chlorophyll and choline. Currently, it is believed that polysaccharides (complex sugars) and lectins (large protein-sugar molecules) are probably the most active constituents. The leaf has been shown to be anti-inflammatory by preventing the body from making inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins. Nettle's root affects hormones and proteins that carry sex hormones (such as testosterone or estrogen) in the human body, which may explain why this herb has been used to help with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Using Nettle tea to water garden plants stimulates their growth and makes them more resistant to bugs. Plants growing close to Nettles tend to be stronger in their volatile oils, and when added to the compost pile, Nettles hasten breakdown. Nettle stalks are strong and can be woven to make sails or twine. When lactating animals are fed Nettles, they are said to produce more milk, and chickens produce more eggs. Throughout Europe, Stinging Nettles are used as a spring tonic and general detoxifying remedy. In some cases of rheumatism and arthritis, this herb can be astoundingly successful. As an astringent, Nettles may be used for nose bleeds or to relieve symptoms occurring wherever there is hemorrhage in the body, for example in uterine hemorrhage. Traditional herbalists believed that Nettle tea was a great hair tonic and would bring back the natural color of hair. The leaves are thought to be an excellent blood purifier. Known topical applications for this herb include use as a shampoo, conditioner and hair rinse for dandruff, for stimulation of hair growth and prevention of hair loss, as a cleanser for oily skin and as an astringent facial cleaner.
Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.
Contraindications:
Do not take Nettle if you have high blood pressure, and some people may experience mild gastrointestinal upset with the use of this herb. There are concerns that Nettle may interact with prescription medications used for diabetes, high blood pressure, sedation and inflammation; therefore, if taking these medications, please consult your physician before taking the herb. People with fluid retention due to congestive heart failure or kidney disease should not use Nettle, nor should those who think they are coming down with flu, because the herb reduces the body's production of immune chemical interleukin-6. Because of its exceptional diuretic properties, Nettle may cause potassium loss if taken on a regular basis, and supplemental potassium or high potassium foods, such as bananas and fresh vegetables, should be included in the diet.
Capsule Information:
Our Nettle supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs. |
