NETTLE

Chapter 75

Nettle possess green leaves covered with stinging hairs. It is used in potions as well as in soups, teas, and wine. The silica in the Nettle will improve the glossiness of your hair. Historically, healing properties included the Nine Herb Potion of the Anglo-Saxons. This is a potion recorded in the 10th century in the ‘Lacnunga Manuscript’. It is intended for poisonings and infection and is prepared with nine herbs. Nettle has been used for centuries to treat allergy symptoms, as it contains an active component that reduces inflammation. It is also used to treat prostate enlargement. Nettle has been studied extensively and shown promise in treating Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, asthma, bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, prostate enlargement, sciatica, and tendinitis. Used externally, it can help with oily hair and dandruff. The leaf is used for different purposes than the root. The leaf is used as a diuretic, for arthritis, prostatitis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, and allergic rhinitis. The root is recommended as a diuretic, for relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia and other prostate problems, and as a natural remedy to treat or prevent baldness. An infusion helps stems internal bleeding. it is used to treat anemia, excessive menstruation, hemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism, and eczema. Externally, the plant is used to treat skin complaints, arthritic pain, gout. sciatica, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, and hair problems. Taking orally, products made from Nettle's aerial parts may have an anti-inflammatory effect, the production of histamine, and enhance the immune system. They may also reduce the feeling of pain A solution of extract may be applied to the skin to relieve joint pain and muscle aches. Astringent properties of Nettle aerial parts may help lessen the swelling of hemorrhoids and stop bleeding from minor skin injuries This herb should be used for a minimum of 30 days for full effects. Do not use when pregnant or nursing. It should never be applied to an open wound. Touching the plant without dragonhide gloves can cause an allergic rash. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, and hives or rash. Nettle prefers damp, rich soil, full sun to partial shade It favors the edges of streams or nutrient-dense pastures. Nettle is a herbaceous, quick-growing plant whose leaves and stems are covered with tiny, hollow, silica-tipped hairs, which cause irritation. They grow to about four feet tall. They are very hardy and can spread quickly. Carefully collect spiny leaves before the plant flowers in the spring and early summer. Do not harvest when flowering. Be sure to wear your dragonhide gloves when collecting to avoid the sting delivered by the tiny hairs on the leaves and stem. Place on a well-ventilated screen to dry. Fresh stinging Nettles are only in season in the spring. To preserve them, you can blanch, shock, and wring out the Nettles, then freeze them in muggle zip top bags. Some people prefer to chop them prior to freezing because it makes for less work later. Unchopped Nettles can be stringy when cooked. Frozen Nettles must be used up within a year. Nettles are used in the Swelling Potion and the Bruise Removal Paste.