Urtica urens
(Nettles)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Anodyne
• Astringent
• Cardiotonic
• Diuretic
• Galactagogue
• Genito-urinary tonic
• Renal antiseptic

Clinical Indications:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
• Congestive heart failure and venous insufficiency
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Chronic cystitis
• Eczema in infants
• Gout
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoarthritic
• Alopecia after an illness
• Chronic tendonitis
• Neuralgic
• Sciatic pain
• Sprains
• Topically for cutaneous nerve irritation

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy due to the emmenagogue effects

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Enhances anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenae in low doses

Chemical Constituents:

• Chlorophyll
• Formic acid (major constituent)
• Histamine
• Iron
• Minerals
• Plant enzymes

Toxicity:

• Apply Rumex crispis topically if 'stung' by stinging nettle leaves

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).