Synonyms in a broader sense
Synonyms: Latin name: Genus: Stinging nettle plants Please also note our topic in the homeopathic use of the stinging nettle as Urtica. – Hair Nettle
- Hemp Nettle
- Thunderbug
- Interest
- Big nobles
- Tissel
- Goutweed or
- Nettle
- Urtica dioica or
- Urtica urens
Explanation/Definition
The medicinal plant nettle has a long tradition today. The extracts from the fresh and dried leaves and dried roots of the medicinal herb are used in many ways today. Pharmacologically important ingredients of the leaves are the amino acids, flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives and minerals (such as iron).
The stinging nettle root contains lectins, lignans, tannins and water-soluble polysaccharides. The plant parts of the large stinging nettle are mainly used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal plant stinging nettle belongs to the Urticaceae family of stinging nettle plants.
It is a 30 cm to 150 cm high plant with a hardy rootstock. The stinging nettle is a dioecious plant, i.e. it has female and male flowers. During the flowering period from May to July the greenish-white flowers hang in small panicles on the upper leaf stalks.
The leaves are elongated and large serrated at the edges. The whole medicinal herb is covered with stinging hairs. Only the young shoots and leaves, from March to May, are an exception.
Their stinging hairs are not yet developed. The stinging nettle prefers nutrient-rich soil, can spread quickly and can be found almost all over the world. It grows on riparian forests and along the banks of water bodies.
When the stinging nettle is touched, the tips of the stinging hairs break off and their ingredients are released into the skin. A wheal formation and a burning sensation sets in. In addition to the large stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) there is also the small stinging nettle (Urtica urens). Both have a healing effect.
History
Historically, the nettle has a long tradition. The botanical name “Urtica” is derived from the Latin name “urere” (to burn) Art. Before the introduction of cotton, the stinging nettle was the most important fibre plant in Europe.
The Greek physician “Dioscurides” already treated some diseases with the medicinal plant stinging nettle in the first century after Christie. The whipping of the back with stinging nettle stems was widespread, which produced a feeling of warmth for several hours and was supposed to help against sciatica, rheumatism or lumbago. In the Middle Ages stinging nettle was placed in the urine of a patient for prognosis. If it remained green day and night, this was a sign of quick recovery; but if the nettle shrank, all hope was lost.
Production
In folk medicine, the nettle is used as a decoction of the finely cut root mixed with wine vinegar as a hair restorer or for hair loss. For stomach ailments or heartburn, folk medicine uses nettle brandy. The young stinging nettle leaves can be used in spring as a source of vitamins in salads and soups.
The extracts from the leaves and roots of the medicinal herb stinging nettle are used for medicinal purposes. Teas and fresh plant pressed juices of the nettle are available in pharmacies. There are also drops and capsules and alcoholic tinctures for external use.
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