Urtica dioica
 Urtica dioica/1) Urtica dioica.JPG "Urtica dioica, Urticaceae, Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins")
 Urtica dioica/2) Urtica dioica.jpg "Urtica dioica, Urticaceae, Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins")
 Urtica dioica/3) Urtica dioica.jpg "Urtica dioica, Urticaceae, Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins")
 Urtica dioica/4) Urtica dioica.jpg "Urtica dioica, Urticaceae, Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins")
 Urtica dioica/5) Urtica dioica.jpg "Urtica dioica, Urticaceae, Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins")
 Urtica dioica/6) Urtica dioica.jpg "Urtica dioica, Urticaceae, Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins")
 Urtica dioica/7) Urtica dioica.jpg "Urtica dioica, Urticaceae, Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins")
| Botanical Nomenclature | Urtica dioica |
| Common Name | Common Nettle, Nettle Leaf, Stinging Nettle |
| Taxonomy- Family | Urticaceae |
| Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Urtica dioica is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing up to 120cm, with straight trunk, oval, green, wavy leaves and small, globular flowers. The leaves and the trunk are covered by many stinging hairs called trichomess, which inject an irritant liquid. After contacting with these trichomes may be caused tingling, irritation and swelling. The leaves grow in May, the flowering lasts from May to October and the fruiting takes place from June to October. |
| Region Found | Epirus |
| Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, root |
| Active Substances | Histamine, formic acid, chlorophyll, acetylcholine, serotonin, glykokinone, minerals, vitamins A, B, C, tannins, essential oil, proteins |
| Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has anti-asthmatic, antirheumatic, anti-seborrheic, astringent, diuretic galaktagogo, haemostatic and hypoglycaemic properties. It is recommended in the form of herbal tea against arthritis, asthma, urinary bladder infections, bronchitis, gingivitis, gout, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, sciatica and tendinitis. It is applied externally against oily hair, dandruff, eczema, skin irritation and minor injuries. The root has diuretic action and it is administered for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other prostate problems. Also it is used in the form of infusion for the treatment of anemia, menstruation, hemorrhoids and allergic symptoms. |
| Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, up to 3 times a day) and infusion (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 15min, 2-3 times a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice and lotion, which is applied to the scalp. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
| Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Plant's consumption may cause skin irritation, while renal irritation may be caused only by the mature and not the young leaves. Interacts with anti-diabetic, anti-hypotensive, immune stimulant, central nervous system stimulant and antidepressant drugs. It must be avoided during pregnancy. |
| References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Urtica+dioica 2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16635963 3) http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-nettle.html 4) http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/urtica-dioica-nettle 5) http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/TrailPlace.aspx?p=27&ix=261&pid=0&prcid=0&ppid=0 |