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Stinging Nettle is most easily recognized by its straight, rigid
stems that may be reddish in color. This plant, which grows as tall
as 3 feet, is most often found in mountain meadows and valleys of
temperate climates. The leaves are pointed with notches and grow in
ladder-like arrangements. Fuzzy strings of very small yellow or pink
flowers grow on separate stems close to the main stalk. Short, stiff
hairs that secrete irritating chemicals when mature cover the leaves
and stems. The leaf tips may be collected safely early in the spring
before the irritating bristles develop. They can safely be cooked as
a vegetable or added to salads as a good source of beta carotene,
calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and K. The entire top part of the
plant is cut and dried just after the flowers bloom for use in
medicine. Most of the irritating chemicals are removed by drying the
plants.
Used for hundreds of years, stinging nettle is used
in connection with rheumatism, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia.
It is now used in connection with kidney stones, urinary tract
infections, and urinary problems during the early stages of enlarged
prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or
BPH).
Dosage
Take 8 to 12g of
stinging nettle tea with a lot of liquid, at least 2 liters per day.
When taking to treat an enlarged prostate, recommended doses are 4
to 6 g per day. If taking root tincture, use one part Stinging
Nettle tincture to ten parts water. Talk with your health care
provider before taking nettle root for BPH.
This herb is not
recommended for
children.
Precautions
Always use as
directed. Be careful if you are handling the nettle plant for you
may get hives with skin contact. Mild side effects are include
gastrointestinal irritation, excess fluid, or decreased urine flow.
Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing. Stinging nettle can also
change the menstrual cycle. Always check with your health care
provider if you have questions or concerns.
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