-IBIS-1.7.0-
rx
herb
Urtica spp. (Stinging Nettles)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Urtica urens, Urtica dioica

synonyms: nettles, stinging nettles, common nettle, great stinging nettle, common stinging nettle, brennessel, hanfnessel, ortie, ortiga, ortica

part(s) used: herb, aerial parts (collected early in spring)

qualities:

affinities: blood, skin, uterus

actions: diuretic, diaphoretic, antihistamine, nutritive, astringent, antihemorrhagic, spring tonic, alterative, adaptogen

dosage:

» infusion: 1 - 3 tsp. herb to one cup water; drink 1-3 cups per day

» powder: 300 - 1200 mg

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

» freeze-dried capsules: 2 capsules every few hours up to 16 a day

therapy: blood building, hay fever, eczema, skin complaints, arthritis

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 1

» caution is advised during pregnancy (Brinker, 1996, p. 123) due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient effects when used in excessively large quantities, and the uterine stimulant action of its serotonin constituent on animal uteri (Farnsworth; Brinker, 1995)

» late nettles are potentially hepatotoxic; late nettles also contain cystoliths which may cause kidney damage, not a problem with teas (Lust)

» systemic effects following ingestion may result in gastrointestinal irritation, edema, urinary retention and assorted skin reactions (Duke, p. 502)

» handling of fresh plant characterized by pruritus, erythema, and burning; excessive dilation can lead to syncope and rarely cause a temporary hypovolemic shock; allergenic responses have been known to occur more rapidly following repeated exposures (AMA, p. 196; Levy and Primack, pp. 25-26); cases of overdose have been reported in canines, all of which resulted in tremors, convulsions, excess salivation and vomiting (Fuller and McClintock, p. 256)

» note: plants are a popular spring green, but should never be handled without gloves and adequate protection; always cook before eating; it is recommended to eat only in the spring

constituents: chlorophyll, indoles such as histamine and serotonin, acetylcholine, formic acid

footnotes

Brinker F. 1995. Botanical Medicine Research Summaries. (from Eclectic Dispensatory of Botanical Therapeutics, vol.11), Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Lampe, K.F., and McAnn, M.A. 1985. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago: American Medical Association.

Levy, C.K.; and Primack, R.B. 1984. A Field Guide to Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America. The Stephen Green Press.

Lust, J. 1983. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books.