Label: Beneficial Botanicals
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica
Other Names: Stinging Nettle
Parts Used: leaves
Organic: Yes Origin: USA
Menstruum: food grade alcohol
Alcohol by Volume: 29%
Tincture Ratio: 1:3
Known Uses:
Rheumatoid Arthritis - anti-inflammatory that reduces cytokines
Allergies - antihistamine, regulates amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen
Anemia - a digestible iron
Normal Blood Clotting - source of vitamin K supplement
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Antihistamine / Anti-inflammatory / Antibacterial / Diuretic / Immunoregulatory
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Known Dosages (for Adults)
Rheumatoid Arthritis : 1 ml up to 4 ml (approx 1/4 tsp to 3/4 tsp) three times a day with food / as suggested by ArthritisToday.Org
Allergies : 50 drops (approx ½ tsp) three times a day (with or without food) until symptoms subside
Anemia : start with 25 drops (approx 1/4 tsp) three times a day with food
Vitamin K Supplement : varies depending on condition / discuss with healthcare provider
Antibacterial : no known dosages available from research information
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
As an anti-inflammatory, Nettle Leaf has been commonly used in Germany as an adjuvant therapy of rheumatic diseases to reduce inflammatory cytokines.
ALLERGIES / ALLERGENS
Used as an antihistamine, Nettle Leaf can regulate the amount of histamine in response to an allergen and decrease allergic reaction symptoms. According to Intelligent Medicine, Dr. Ronald Hoffman notes, “Nettles (Urtica dioica) actually contains histamine. It seems counterintuitive that ingesting histamine would alleviate allergic symptoms. However, histamine acts as a local hormone that modulates the immune response. Acute allergic reactions do not correlate with high plasma histamine levels. Low plasma histamine, though, has been linked to severe reactions to inhalant antigens. Seemingly, there is a significant difference in the implications of a localized release of histamine and systemic blood levels. Nettles also contain serotonin and acetylcholine, two potent neurotransmitters.”
FATIGUE & SHORTNESS OF BREATH CAUSED BY ANEMIA
Due to the highly digestible iron content, Nettle Leaf can be used to aid in the treatment of fatigue caused by iron deficiency anemia, a common form of anemia in which the blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Digestible iron helps produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
NORMAL BLOOD CLOTTING
Nettle Leaf is high in Vitamin K, a common vitamin found in green leafy vegetables. Some people do not get enough Vitamin K in their diet which can lead to problems with blood clotting and increased bleeding. If you have been diagnosed with a deficiency, your doctor or herbalist may suggest adding Nettle Leaf tincture to your treatment plan.
ANTIBACTERIAL
Nettle Leaf has been evaluated in lab research to have antibacterial activity against 6 common bacteria including e.coli and streptococcus.
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If you are taking anticoagulant medicine (blood thinners), the amount of Vitamin K in your diet may affect how well these medicines work. Do not take Nettle Leaf tincture if you are on blood thinners without the approval of your doctor as it contains a concentrated amount of Vitamin K. Do not take Nettle Leaf tincture during pregnancy due to the Vitamin K content, as supplements of this vitamin have been reported to cause jaundice and other problems in the baby.
[tab name="References"]
Journal of Rheumatology Dec 1999, 26(12): 2517-22 Antirheumatic effec t of IDS 23, a stinging nettle leaf extract, on in vitro expression of T helper cytokines. Klingelhoefer S, Obertreis B, Quast S, Behnke B.
Rheum Dis Clin North Am. Feb 2000, 26(1): 13-27, vii Phyto-anti-inflammatories. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Earnst E, Chrubasik S.
Blood, May 21 2009, 113(21) Regulation of iron homeostasis in anemia of chronic disease and iron deficiency anemia: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Dat Q. Tran, John Andersson, Donna Hardwick, Lolita Bebris, Gabor G. Illei, Ethan M. Shevach
Journal of Immunology, March 15, 1995 vol. 154 no. 6 2600-2611 Selective expansion followed by profound deletion of mature V beta 8.3+ T cells invivo after exposure to the superantigenic lectin Urtica dioica agglutinin. A. Gallelli, M Delcourt, M C Wagner, W Peumans, P Truffa-Bachi
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photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider and should not be construed to indicate that the use of this herbal product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this herbal product.
