This Plant Can Save Your Life!! Ortiga/Stinging Nettles

What is Stinging Nettle/Ortiga?

Stinging nettle is a plant. People use the root and above ground parts as medicine.

Urtica is a genus of flowering plants in the family Urticaceae. Many species have stinging hairs and may be called nettles or stinging nettles and ortiga.  Although the latter name 

applies particularly to Urtica dioica.

The Medicinal Benefits

Stinging nettle is used for many conditions:

Stinging nettle root is used for urination problems related to an enlarged prostate(benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]). These problems include nighttime urination, too frequent urination, painful urination, inability to urinate, and irritable bladder.

Stinging nettle root is also used for joint ailments, as a diuretic, and as an astringent.

Stinging nettle above ground parts are used along with large amounts of fluids in so-called “irrigation therapy” for urinary tract infections (UTI), urinary tract inflammation, and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). The above-ground parts are also used for allergies, hayfever, and osteoarthritis.

The herb shows promise as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD.

In studies, the herb has shown positive results against some types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

Because of its high vitamin K content, fresh stinging nettle can be used as a poultice to stop bleeding wounds and has also been used to stop excessive menstrual bleeding, nosebleed, and other abnormal bleedings.

While fresh stinging nettle helps stop bleeding, dried stinging nettle has little vitamin K and is used as a blood thinner, making it useful herb against high blood pressure.

Some people use the above ground parts of stinging nettle for internal bleeding, including uterine bleeding, nosebleeds, and bowel bleeding. The above ground parts are also used for anemia, poor circulation, an enlarged spleen, diabetes and other endocrine disorders, stomach acid, diarrhea and dysentery, asthma, lungcongestion, rash and eczema, cancer, preventing the signs of aging, “bloodpurification,” wound healing, and as a general tonic.

Stinging nettle above ground parts are applied to the skin for muscle aches and pains, oily scalp, oily hair, and hair loss (alopecia).

In foods, young stinging nettle leaves are eaten as a cooked vegetable.

OUCH!

Anyone who has been in close contact with the stinging nettle knows how unpleasant the sting can beHistamine, acetylcholine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine are the main components, along with small amounts of formic acid, the same substance that makes ant bites sting.

These chemicals cause pain, numbness, and itching which can last from a few minutes to a day, depending on the sensitivity of the individual.

The traditional treatment of the itchy rash is actually applying a sap from the plant itself. A sap or juice from other plants, like greater plantain (Plantago major) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) can also be used.

Possible Side Effects and Interactions of Stinging Nettle

Consult general health practitioner for a complete listing. Stinging nettle is a natural herb used as a diuretic and increases the risk of dehydration when taken with Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide.

Stomach upset or sweating may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.This product may lower your blood sugar. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, including cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, shaking, fast heartbeat, tingling hands/feet.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

How I Prepare

Each day I drink two 8oz cups of tea.  I drink the morning dose hot and the evening dose cold or warm.  I’m working on keeping the inflammation for rheumatoid arthritis down and this process is working well for me.  I take three large leaves (be very careful when prepping as the leaves and stem pricks are pretty painful when touched) and put them in a large boiling pot.  I then pour 45oz of filtered water into the pot.  Cover and boil fourteen minutes.  Let sit/seep for another ten.

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