"Of the Month"
Urtica dioica, commonly known as nettles, or stinging nettles, come to mind this month as we approach a time of spring allergies for many. Nettles are a natural anti-histamine, but also so much more. It's a very versatile plant.
History. Urtica has been used medicinally for centuries. In the 1st century AD, Dioscorides listed a wide range of uses for the plant including nosebleeds, wounds, infection and menstruation difficulties. In an early American text from 1919, urtica is mentioned for use in ulcers, any affliction of mucus membranes, post-partum hemorrhage, jaundice, flu, eczema and these are the best - "congestion of the brain and hysterical insensibility."
Botany. Urtica is a perennial plant that grows throughout temperate regions in the northern hemisphere. It comes by its common name of stinging nettles honestly, as it has hairs on its leaves and stems called trichomes that are hollow, come off when touched, and transfer a combination of chemicals that do, indeed, sting! The sting can be extremely painful and in severe cases may require treatment. All parts of the plant are used medicinally - leaves, roots and seeds.
Medicinal Uses Today. It is, perhaps, still something to consider if you happen to have an attack of hysterical insensibility. But there are more common uses for urtica today.
Allergies. As mentioned above, nettle leaves are used for allergies, colds and influenza because of their anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing properties. They can reduce the frequency and severity of these issues. They also work well in combination with other plants.
BPH. Nettle root is useful in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common problem in older men. In a complicated physiological pathway, it inhibits testosterone, which reduces the hyperplasia.
Kidneys & Urinary Tract. Nettles are a mild diuretic, and increases urine flow. They have been used for chronic kidney problems and there is early research that nettle seeds are very good for kidney health overall.
Nutrition. Nettles are an extremely nutritious green, tasting like spinach when cooked. Cooking neutralizes the sting and they are very tasty, besides being a great source of minerals (especially iron, manganese and calcium) and vitamins (especially A and C). It's also pretty high in protein for a green plant. Use the young leaves - older ones develop some chemical properties that can actually be irritating to the kidneys.
Arthritis. Urtica is used for the inflammation of arthritis internally. If you're brave and grow your own, it is also used in a process called urtication. A old folk remedy with some study merit behind it, urtication is using the fresh plant, deliberately hitting the arthritic joint to cause the stinging reaction. It certainly causes a local reaction, increasing blood flow and stimulating the immune system, but there is some study about the release of the chemical soup in the sting that may have a deeper action.
Other Uses. Urtica is also said to be good for the hair and scalp. Nettles can also be made into fibers - from paper to fabric. In fact, nettle fiber cloth has been found in tombs dating back to the Bronze Age. It's a great fertilizer plant, improving soil and compost. It attracts good bugs to the garden and is the primary food source for a couple species of butterfly larvae.
Contraindications. Of course, it's contraindicated to go walking barefoot and barelegged through a nettle patch, or to harvest it without gloves! Aside from this common sense, nettles have very little risk when properly prepared and taken internally or used externally.
One day you will likely find Urtica dioica in the WellSpring garden, and you might consider it for yours as well.
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