Traditionally used to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis
Traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions of the lower urinary tract
Traditionally used as a diuretic
Nettle spring tops have been used therapeutically over the millennia in many different cultures both East and West. For example, ancient Greek physicians noted its diuretic action. Its use occurs moreover in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine of India and in the medicinal practice of North American aboriginal tribes.
Naturopath William Mitchell notes that the Eclectic physicians of the early part of the last century used nettle leaves "as a diuretic and to flush the kidneys, ureters, and bladder of accumulated detritus (toxins)."
"As a diuretic," health writer and researcher Michael Castleman explains, "nettle can help flush the bladder of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Commission E, the expert panel that evaluates herbal medicines for the German counterpart of the FDA, approves nettle leaf preparations for the prevention of UTIs and kidney stones."
Herbal practitioner Michael Tierra points out that, "nettles is a tonic that will benefit the whole body, especially the lungs, stomach, and urinary tract.... Nettles tea is useful for asthma, chronic and acute urinary complaints, urinary stones, nephritis and cystitis."
Yet another contemporary herbalist, Gazmend Skenderi, adverts to nettle’s anti-inflammatory and diuretic action and asserts that it is used "for inflammations of the genitourinary tract (cystitis, etc.)... and to prevent relapsing urinary infections."
Making reference to a research study undertaken in 1999, herbalist Alan Tillotson remarks that, "Nettle leaf extracts reduce inflammation, in part, by suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines."
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a normative authority, lists cutaneous eruptions as well as infantile and psychogenic eczema among its indications for nettle spring tops.
In his monograph on nettle, leading herbalist David Hoffmann relates that, "Nettle is specific for childhood eczema and beneficial for all varieties of this condition, especially nervous eczema. It can be helpful as a component of treatment for eczema for adults."
Administration:
20-40 drops (0.7-1.3ml), three to four times daily, in a mouthful of water, on an empty stomach
Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In rare cases, nettle leaf may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have heart and/or kidney diseases.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic
Nettle spring tops (Urtica dioica) |
