We are excited to share a series of monographs on the HWB blog. Each monograph is one double-sided page that can be saved or printed as a PDF. They were designed to be a quick reference, so not every action, dosing strategy, etc. could be covered. The back-side of each monograph lists references that were used and includes sources from respected herbal texts and websites, as well as peer-reviewed journal articles. These references would be an excellent starting point if you’d like to dig deeper. Now, on to the monograph! 

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Hi, all! Starting with the fun stuff in introductions is, well, more fun! You'll find me outdoors whenever possible - biking, hiking, camping, music festivals…the list goes on. I also enjoy yoga, cooking, cuddling my cats, and learning. Managing the number of herbal courses and webinars I take at one time is an exercise in discipline! My road to herbs started, as it does for many people, during a time of personal struggle. I tried to address it at a physical level through yoga, which led me to acupuncture, and then herbs. Somewhere along the way I found the courage to face the fact that the root cause was emotional; though yoga/acupuncture/herbs could help, I would have to do the work to move forward. I came away from the experience stronger, happier, and with a deep appreciation for plants. The rest is history.

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Italian HWB member Pierluigi Campidoglio has shared an in-depth monograph of Nettles. This version is translated into English. To view the original Italian and the (slightly different) website translation version in English, visit his original blog post. 
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Fig. 1 - Trichomes of Urtica spp. (taken from [Fu])

Interestingly, this copresence of calcium and silicon at inversely proportional concentrations is often found in living systems. Even in bones, for example, silicon, fundamental for the calcification of the tissue, is found mainly linked to the newly formed bone matrix: as calcium binds to the matrix, silicon tends to decrease its concentration, so much so that in the completely calcified bone tissue the concentration of silicon is minimal.

Nettle provides a textile fiber similar to linen, very resistant. The leaves and stem can be used to dye the fabrics green and the roots to dye them yellow. The juice and decoction of the plant can be used to curdle milk.

Signatures

Nettle is traditionally considered a plant ruled primarily by Mars, due to both its "pungency" and its activity: acute, violent, rubefactory, inflammatory, intense, purifying and acting on the formation of blood (see also [Angelini, Junius, Culpeper]).

The secondary signature of the nettle is Venusina, by virtue of both its peculiar action on the kidneys and adrenals and its ability to purify the body and treat rheumatism and gout (thanks to the sharing of the lordship of Saturn in Libra; see also [Angelini]).

Parts Used and their Collection

Of the different species of nettle, the whole plant is used: leaves and apical parts collected before flowering, aerial part of flowers (used mostly in homeopathy), seeds (mostly immature crops) and roots.

The leaves and the apical parts (young shoots) must be collected immediately before flowering. The stems can be cut at ground level, collected in thin bundles (a maximum of ten stems per bundle) and left to dry upside down, in the shade, in a ventilated and dry room or in a low temperature dryer. Once dry, the leaves and tops are separated from the stems which, being fibrous, are discarded.

Alternatively, the fresh leaves and tops (collected without the fibrous stems) can be used to produce liquid extracts (hydroalcoholic dye, acetolite, ...).

The flowery aerial parts must be harvested, obviously, at flowering and before the flowers wilt or the seeds form. They are mostly used to prepare their hydroalcoholic tincture.

The seeds should be harvested preferably when they are immature but "full": the flower stems that carry the female flowers first and then the seeds, although being pendulous, tend to go somewhat upwards when the plants are in bloom, but tend to bend significantly downwards for the weight of the seeds when they are "full": this is the best time for harvesting. Only the seeds, the whole flower stems or the whole apical part of the plant that bears the flower stems can be removed, removing the seeds at a later time. The seeds thus collected can be dried or used for the preparation of a tincture.

The roots are to be collected in the autumn.

The aerial parts of nettles always host a large quantity of insects, so it is important that these are removed before drying or extraction, placing the collected parts on a flat surface (table, floor, etc.): normally insects they tend to go away on their own in a short time.

For the preparation of the tinctures, the drug: solvent ratio and the alcoholic strength vary greatly according to the traditions. The tinctures can be prepared from both recently dried material and from fresh drugs: obviously, in the latter case the tincture will be much richer and more effective.

The mother tincture is prepared from a fresh plant, with an alcoholic strength of 45%.

In the American tradition, there is a tendency to use a drug: solvent ratio (drug weight expressed in ounces and volume of solvent expressed in fluid ounces, which roughly corresponds to drug weight expressed in grams and volume of solvent expressed in milliliters) which goes from 1: 2 to 1: 5 for the leaves (both fresh and dried) and an alcoholic strength in the range 50-90%; for the root and seeds, a drug: solvent ratio of 1: 3-1: 5 with an alcoholic strength of 25-30% is used.

Tastes and Nature

The nettle has a primarily sweet and "salty" flavor (it is a type of salty flavor that Matthew Wood defines as " earthen ", earthy [Wood]) and secondarily pungent, bitter and slightly astringent. The pungent flavor is more evident in the fresh plant (before tasting it, it is important to let it dry well or crush it so that the stinging hairs soften and no longer sting), the sweet and bitter flavors are felt more in the tincture.

In the American tradition, nettle is called refreshing and drying (see, for example, [HerbRem]). The ancient authors (up to Mattioli, Durante and Gerard) consider, instead, the nettle to be a slightly warm plant (it does not reach the first degree [Gerard]) and dry. Castore Durante probably describes its temperature (or nature ) in the best way:

“ It does not heat up valiantly: it is made up of very thin parts, & although it is warm, pungent, its virtue lies in the surface of the branches, but the refrigerating virtue is hidden inside. " [Durante]

This means that the plant associates a certain degree of heat, linked mostly to the ability of the green surfaces to sting and inflame and which is however reflected in the overall flavor and stimulating capacity of the plant, with a decidedly more refreshing action. The fact of possessing "opposite" properties is very interesting because it gives the nettle the ability to act in a bivalent way: it is in fact simultaneously stimulating and refreshing, which makes it suitable for both "hot" conditions (eg, inflammations and fevers) both under conditions characterized by lack of "heat" and in neither of the two classes of conditions is excessive, as each of its qualities is tempered by the contemporary presence of the other. We will say that the nettle is ambivalent compared to the degree of heat, with a slight prevalence of heat. During flowering the nettle is more pungent, so if you prefer a slightly more intense degree of heat you can pick it up when it has bloomed.

The seed is also sweet, saline and slightly pungent (more than the aerial part); it is hot and dry in the second degree. According to Chinese Medicine, the nettle seed enters the Kidney and Liver meridians and has the function of toning the Qi, benefiting the Kidney and generating essence. Nettle seeds are indicated in case of kidney Qi vacuum and depletion of the essence that manifest with lethargy, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, confused thinking, low libido, etc. The combination of sweet and slightly bitter flavors is typical of toning drugs such as ginseng: the sweetness nourishes while the slightly bitter taste gently drains and allows you to prevent any stagnation caused by the toning action of the sweet. It is a drug indicated in cases where the kidney Qi is too weak to "catch" the breath (or Lung Qi) and draw it inwards and downwards, which is why you need to sit with your back straight for be able to breathe. [Garran]

Actions

Humoral actions

From the characteristics of flavor and nature (or temperature ) we can deduce the "main" actions of the plant:

• Nettle is sweet and therefore has a supplemental (nourishing), humectant, emollient and harmonizing function and can relieve spasms, pains and convulsions. Being humectant and nourishing, the sweet taste supplements the Phlegm, providing the correct humidity and nourishment to the tissues, which is why it is suitable for dry conditions and tissue undernutrition (or atrophy) [3] . Nettle is therefore a phlegm tonic (or nutritional tonic ).


• The nettle has a salty taste : this flavor softens the tissues and the thickened phlegm and frees the intestines. In small quantities the salty taste humidifies the tissues and the body, while in larger quantities it favors the evacuation and consequently dries up. The slight salinity of the nettle contributes to its ability to moisten the tissues and, therefore, to tone the correct phlegm, while at the same time making it capable of softening the perverse phlegm (accumulated or thickened), making it easier to eliminate. In fact, nettle acts both on sticky mucous membranes (for example, bronchial phlegm) and on even more "hardened" ones due to a certain amount of melancholic component (stones, polyps, cysts, etc.) [4] . Nettle, therefore,prepare the perverse phlegm for elimination.

 

• By virtue of the fact that it contains fairly important quantities of Silicon [5] , Iron and Salts of Calcium and Magnesium [6] which have the ability to nourish the correct Melancolia, nettle is a Melancolia tonic . It has a direct action on the Spleen, the "big Stone", the organ that, according to Hippocratic-Galenic medicine, manages the melancholic mood (see [Culpeper, Durante, Fuller, Mattioli], but also [Boericke, Clarke ] for urens in homeopathy).

 

• The slightly bitter taste of nettle stimulates the secretion (and therefore the excretion) of fluids and tends to be astersive (cleans by drying) and to "alter" (in the sense of an improvement) the metabolism weighed down by especially phlegmatic and phlegmatic-bilious slag , inducing the elimination of the latter and restoring the correct functioning of the organism. Plants with such properties are called alteratives. In fact, as we will see later, the alterative action of the nettle is also due to its ability to tone the excretory organs (primarily kidneys and liver). Its degree of bitterness drains gently and allows to prevent any stagnation due to the invigorating action of the sweet taste; moreover, the bitterness further contributes to the slight evacuating action already exerted by salinity.

 

• It is slightly astringent and this gives it the property of contracting the tissues and inhibiting the loss of fluids, of reducing perspiration, relaxation and ptosis. For this reason, the nettle is indicated in case of bleeding, leucorrhea, diarrhea (also mucous), excessive perspiration and if you need to tone the intestine, the uterus, the walls of the blood vessels. All this makes it useful, for example, in case of leaky gut syndrome, bleeding and / or uterine prolapse, in the postpartum, in case of pressure problems (modulates the tone of the walls of the blood vessels), also internal bleeding. It is important to consider that, being astringent, it tends to have a drying action on the surface of the body (skin, mucous membranes), while increasing the "internal" humidity of the organism: on the one hand, with its being sweet and slightly saline, increases the correct Phlegm and on the other, with its astringency, prevents its dispersion.

 

• The slight pungency of the nettle makes it stimulating, diffusive and diaphoretic , capable of reactivating the "cooled" and slowed down metabolic functions (especially in the kidneys, liver, stomach and pancreas), moving and regulating energy and matter (especially the organic fluids, here including lymph and blood), resolve infections, putrefactions, syndromes caused by external factors (fevers, catarrhs, etc.) and blood stasis (including hematomas). The diaphoretic capacity manifests itself particularly when it is taken with a boiling liquid (e.g., in herbal tea). In particular, when it is fresh, its more decidedly pungent action gives it a rubefacient action, that is, it makes it capable of irritating the tissues with which it comes into contact, increasing surface circulation and local tissue exchange: this property means that it is traditionally used in urtications , which consist in hitting the skin with fresh nettle fronds in order to to mitigate rheumatic pain and "awaken" numb or paralyzed parts. It should be noted that the nettle tincture also has the same stimulating capacity without however being irritating as the fresh plant. It is, therefore, a plant with a certain supplementary action on the "caloric" aspects of the organism ( Yellow Bile tonic ) [7]. Furthermore, the pungency allows the nettle to move the phlegm "already" prepared for its elimination and to expel it from the tissues through the lymphatic system.

 

• Nettle is also an emotional (or blood tonic ), as it nourishes its melancholic aspect, regulates its liquid-phlegmatic and caloric-bilious aspect, supports its movement (because it is pungent) and keeps it in the vessels (therefore according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, it enters the kidney and liver meridians). According to some authors (for example, [Tierra]), nettle cannot be considered a blood tonic even in the sense of TCM , because it is too "eliminative" (diuretic and alterative) to be able to fully perform this function.

The seed has flavors and qualities similar to those of the aerial parts of the plant, but it is sweeter and decidedly more pungent (even if the heat does not reach a high degree); therefore its action is more nourishing, tonic and diffusive than the aerial parts (see also [Garran]).

An important feature of the nettle is the co-presence of opposite actions and qualities:

• it has a slightly warm and refreshing nature at the same time; in fact, for example, it is stimulating but at the same time eliminates phlegmatic-bilious residues (it has an ambivalent action on Yellow Bile);
• it is nutritive and at the same time "eliminative" (alterative);
• it is diaphoretic (increases sweating) and astringent (limits the loss of fluids);
• tones the correct Melancholia and Phlegm but at the same time helps to reduce the perverse ones, since, as we have seen, it treats the accumulated or thickened Phlegm and the hardenings (stones, polyps, cysts, but also hematomas): we will therefore say that it is a regulator of Melancolia and Phlegm.

Plants that have the ability to exert "contrasting" effects (we speak more correctly of bivalent or ambivalent actions ) are particularly important in therapy, because, firstly, they can be applied in multiple contexts and, secondly, because, instead of inducing or limiting certain bodily functions, rather have the ability to regulate them in a "fine" way according to the need: where a function is overactive they reduce it and where it is reduced they stimulate it.
We can summarize the main actions of the nettle as follows:

• it is a phlegm regulator which therefore acts simultaneously as a nourishing and altering tonic, promoting the elimination of phlegmatic and phlegmatic-bilious toxins and accumulations ("stasis"), even where there is a melancholic component that "hardens" them;
• it is a regulator of Melancolia (which also acts at the level of the Blood);
• it is a stimulant of metabolic functions in general.

To what has been said so far, we must add that nettle is also a renal trophorestorative [8] (see below, paragraph " Kidneys, adrenals and urinary tract ").

Clinical actions
The clinical actions of the nettle "derive" from the humoral actions. The plant turns out to be a nutritional tonic, a renal trophorestorative, a restorative, alterative, diuretic, hemostatic, emotional, galactagogue, emmenagogue, metabolism stimulant, analgesic, vulnerable, antiallergic drug.

Tropism
Despite having an important action on the whole organism, the nettle has a particular affinity for some specific organs, tissues and systems, including: kidneys and adrenals, spleen, liver, stomach, pancreas, blood, epithelia (skin, mucous membranes, walls of blood vessels), prostate and uterus.

Indications
Nettle is an herb that, as we have seen, is characterized by ambivalence: on the one hand it treats deficit conditions and on the other it treats excess conditions. This characteristic is clearly manifested also in its indications.

Being a nutritional tonic and tonic of Melancolia, together with the interesting nutritional profile, make the nettle particularly suitable for deficit conditions: malnourished, thin, weak, pale, emaciated people who lack vitality. Strengthens the connective tissue, assists in protein metabolism, treats iron deficiency anemia and the deficiency of the corpuscular components of the blood, stimulates milk production.

On the other hand, its characteristics make it suitable for treating excess conditions, in particular Phlegm and Phlegm-Bile (the former corresponding to the Humidity or Phlegm patterns and the latter to those of Heat / Humidity according to TCM). Under such conditions, the tissues are swollen with more or less "thickened" liquids and concomitant inflammation may also be present: in such cases, the nettle drains excess liquids while disinfecting the tissues. Nettle can then be used to treat the so-called " syndrome of bad blood " (in English " bad blood syndrome ") and symptoms that characterize it: chronic skin problems, low grade infections (chronic but not particularly intense), accumulation phlegm in the tissues, digestive difficulties and hepatic "laziness".

According to some authors ([EvolHerb, Riley]) it also has an effect on short-tempered people who tend to get angry, with red eyes, bloodshot, red face, general irritability and frustration (these are symptoms that, depending on the conditions, they can correspond to different syndromes of TCM, from the stagnation of Liver Qi to the “blazing up of Liver Fire”).
Ambivalence is also found in homeopathic mental symptoms: calm, relaxed, calm, euphoric, witty people; or detached, separate, unpleasant, irritable at work and fearful, with dreams of panic over survival [Riley].

The seeds have, in particular, an anti-enuretic function (they treat the " pee in bed ") and expectorant; they are indicated in case of cough (Dioscorides recommends them macerated with honey in wine); they restore renal functions and are very useful in case of chronic renal failure. In the experience of contemporary American herbal medicine, their use has avoided, in several cases, the need to resort to dialysis. In this case, dry or tincture immature seeds are preferred.

For all these reasons, it is an extremely versatile plant, so much so that David Hoffman, a well-known Medical herbalist from Wales, says: " When in doubt, give nettles ".

Humoral conditions
Given its complexity of action, the nettle can be used for even deeply different humoral pictures. In particular, it is indicated in cases of yellow bile deficiency, phlegm deficiency, blood deficiency, excess phlegm and excess yellow bile. In clinical practice, mixed cases can also be found, characterized by the mixture of two or more of the paintings presented here.

The general characteristics of these humoral pictures are described below.

Yellow Bile deficiency
It corresponds to the Depression [Wood] tissue state or to different forms of Yang deficiency of TCM (for example, in the case of nettle, typically Yang Qi deficiency or Yang kidney deficiency). It occurs in weak, pale, indolent people who lack vitality, who manifest functional deficits, such as, for example, difficult digestion and slow elimination, with low blood pressure and possibly orthostatic hypotension, impotence. Depending on the severity of the condition, there may be:

• weak, slow, deep pulse ;
• grayish or pale-grayish, cold, atrophic and possibly impure skin (acne, boils);
• typically pale or dark / greyish, moist and sometimes swollen tongue, with thin or thick induction, white in color, or, in the case of secondary infections, yellowish-white or, in the most serious cases, yellow / brown. Sometimes the induced is congealed (caseous).

Phlegm deficiency
Corresponds to Atrophy [Wood] tissue status and several forms of Yin deficiency according to TCM. Malnourished, thin, weak, emaciated people, with dry mucous membranes and dry skin that tears easily or flakes (dermatological problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis are very common), constipation and dry stools, possible restlessness or nervousness. You will have:

• tight, weak pulse, which may tend to surface (sometimes "scraping"); sometimes it is slightly stretched on the patient's left wrist;
• dry skin, lacking in fat, water or both; can tend to flake;
• tongue without induction and dry (always), sometimes thin or damaged.

Blood deficiency
It roughly corresponds to the blood deficiency according to TCM. As we have seen, the nettle is an emotional one but, according to some authors, it is not able to completely treat, by itself, the blood deficiency according to TCM because, being "eliminative" (diuretic and alterative), it does not increase the " amount "of Blood. The nettle is especially suitable for treating hyposisemia and the conditions in which the protein or corpuscular fraction of the blood (red, white blood cells, platelets) are lacking. These conditions often manifest themselves with lightheadedness and dizziness, dizziness, even intense palpitations, insomnia, profuse dreams, memory deficits, hair that falls out or becomes discolored. You can also have:

• fine, weak pulse;
• pale or yellowish skin, without shine; pale complexion of the mucous membranes (for example, palm of the hand, auricle, palpebral conjunctiva, mucous membrane of the interior of the lips) and of the nail bed;
• pale tongue; it can also be basically dry.

Excess of Phlegm
Corresponds to the Torpor / Stagnation [Wood] state, to the "impure blood syndrome"") Or under conditions of internal humidity or phlegm of TCM. It manifests itself with the accumulation or loss of more or less thick or turbid liquids; cloudy urine; feeling of heaviness in the body or dizziness with mental dullness; heavy, thick and adhesive muzzles present on the mucous membranes or in the stool, excessive frequency in swallowing or spitting saliva mostly thick; intoxication sensation or symptoms similar to hangover symptoms; low immunity; weak peripheral circulation, with skin lesions and difficulty healing wounds; slowed elimination processes, with possible constipation. Wet eczema, arthritic or rheumatic pain, atherosclerosis, allergies may be present. It can also be manifested by:

• slippery or rope pulse;
• yellowish or whitish, dull, impure or viscous, oily skin, possibly with excessive sweating and / or acne;
• pale tongue with large body, usually flaccid, apathetic or atonic, with a sticky or slippery induction of white color (also light yellowish if there is concomitant heat), more or less often, "tongue mixed".

Excess of Yellow Bile
It corresponds to a condition of excess heat and hyper-reactivity, typical, for example, of the Excitation [Wood] state. It can also correspond to conditions of excess Heat according to the TCM (for example, Full Heat, Excess Heat in the Liver which can produce an increase in Liver Fire, but also Heat as a component of mixed pictures such as Humidity / Heat or Toxic Heat). Hyperstimulation, hyperactivity of the organism, which results in heat, redness, sometimes pain; temperature rise, fever; nervous excitement, restlessness; sensitivity to stimulation; red eyes; red-pink color of the fabrics. Or, unpleasant, detached, short-tempered people with a tendency to have outbursts of anger, general irritability, red face, frustration and anger; the eyes may be red, bloodshot. It can manifest itself,

• rapid pulse; it can also be protruding or full and possibly rope;
• red tongue; it can be more red on the sides if there is interest from the Liver; the induced is the more yellow and dry the higher the Heat.

In the case of particularly hyper-reactive conditions, to avoid overstimulation, it is advisable to use low doses of nettle, for example 1-5 drops of hydroalcoholic tincture of the aerial parts, up to 3 times a day, and possibly gradually increase, if necessary .
Seasonal scalds and allergies can also be included (even if the latter are not exactly full-fledged) in this humoral picture. In particular, nettle has a specific indication for allergies characterized by red nose and eyes and abundant loss of "thin" fluids (tearing and nose which drips fluid and transparent mucus).

Specific indications

Mind

• Mental dulling, lack of concentration and mental acuity [Wood]
• Memory lapses [Wood]
• Absent gaze, without luster, drooping eyelids [Wood]
• Tiredness, difficulty getting up from the chair and starting a job; gets up sighing or mumbling, but once activated perseveres in the work; starts the day slowly, but tends to work late [Wood]
• Yawns, sighs, sleepiness [Wood]
• Mental dichotomy: calm, relaxed, calm, euphoric, witty; or detached, separate, unpleasant, irritable, fearful, with dreams of panic with respect to survival [Riley].

Cardiovascular system and blood
The nettle (aerial part) has a peculiar action on the blood, as it can contribute significantly to the restoration of the level of blood iron and the concentration of red blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes [De Vico, Juma, Saeidi]. In animals, the concentration of total proteins and albumin increases [De Vico, Saeidi]. It has an ambivalent action on pressure, as it is capable of treating both low and high blood pressure. It reduces platelet hyper-aggregability [ElHaouari, Mekhfi].

• Iron deficiency anemia , low red blood cell count
• Low blood pressure ; orthostatic hypotension [Wood]
• High pressure
• Low total blood proteins, hypoalbuminemia
• antihemorrhagic

Respiratory system

• Muchi, bronchitis, asthma; especially with pale gray skin (aerial parts, juice of the aerial parts, roots) [Durante, Gerard, Giannelli, Mattioli, Wood]
• Pleurisy [Gerard]
• Cough, whooping cough [Durante, Gerard, Giannelli]
• Nasal polyps (leaves or seeds chopped and placed in the nose) [Culpeper]
• Throat inflammations uvula relaxation (gargle) [Culpeper, Gerard, Mattioli]

Digestive system and metabolism
The nettle (aerial part) has a tonic and mildly laxative action on the intestine; treats intestinal inflammation, removing irritative stimuli [Iozzi]. Nettle stimulates biliary, pancreatic and enteric secretions, improving digestion (the action is also due to the presence of small quantities of secretin). It is a mild stimulant laxative.

• Diarrhea, dysentery, even chronic; with mucus in the stool [Wood]
• Intestinal inflammations, aerocolia [Giannelli, Mattioli, Iozzi]
• Diabetes [Grieve, HerbRem]
• Gout ; with pain in the right deltoid [Clarke, Culpeper, Driope, Grieve, HerbRem, Reckeweg, Schwabe, Vermeulen]

Kidneys, adrenals and urinary tract
On this apparatus, the nettle has an important and broad-spectrum action, as it has the ability to stimulate diuresis (it is a natriuretic, azoturic and uricolitic diuretic with a delicate and moderate action), to eliminate urinary stones (such as whether it is their localization), to treat infections (especially the longer lasting ones) and to tone the tissues. It has a specific action as a trophorestorativerenal, resulting indicated in case of renal failure, dialysis and in any case of renal damage (both structural and functional) and of adrenal deficiency and "fatigue". The trophorestorative action is exercised by the whole plant, but to a much greater extent by immature seeds. The latter, especially when used fresh, have the ability to induce a certain activation of the nervous system, so much so that the (anecdotal) case of a man who has not slept for three days in a row after ingesting a spoonful of seeds is reported [EvolHerb ]. It is important to keep in mind that the response to the ingestion of the seeds (fresh, dry or in tincture) is absolutely personal: some may find the seeds highly activating and must take very low doses, others may be less sensitive and require much higher doses.

• Kidney failure, dialysis (seeds) [Wood]
• Edemi [Wood]
• Urinary stones; with colic. Renella. [Giannelli, Wood]
• Chronic or recurrent inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract ; with abundant mucus production [HerbRem, Wood]
• Enuresis

Liver
The whole plant (aerial part and seeds) has a stimulating action to detoxify the liver. Some of its extracts have the ability to modulate the gene expression of liver detoxifying enzymes. In particular, for the seeds of Urtica urens an induction action of some isoforms of the cytochrome P450 [Hizlan] has been experimentally demonstrated: this must be taken into account in the case of concomitant administration of drugs and dry extracts of nettle seeds for extended periods of time. Supports liver protein metabolism. In animals it supports albumin biosynthesis. [De Vico, Saeidi].

• Jaundice (root or concentrated decoction) [Hill, Quattrocchi, Wesley]
• Liver drainage
• Poor liver protein production

Genital system
Nettle (aerial parts) tones the uterus and stimulates it, is an emmenagogue and counteracts excessive losses. It is useful in the postpartum, in case of atony / uterine prolapse and dysmenorrhea / amenorrhea. Treats inflammation of the uterine appendages [Iozzi]. The nettle root treats benign prostatic hypertrophy. The seeds are aphrodisiacs.

• Aphrodisiac (seeds drunk with raisin wine or must) [Durante, Gerard, Mattioli]
• Male genital system:
  • Impotence, difficulty producing or maintaining an erection; in association with low pressure [Wood]
  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy (root)
• Female genital system:
  • hypermenorrhea; with anemia caused by blood loss [Wood]
  • Premature cessation of menstruation [Wood]
  • Poor menstruation; amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea (especially if taken with myrrh); "Hysteria" [Culpeper, Durante, Mattioli]
  • Anemia and low blood pressure during pregnancy [Wood]
  • Insufficient or absent milky secretion [Wood]
  • Prolapse of the uterus; "Opens the mouth of the matrix" [Mattioli]

Connective tissue and extracellular matrix
Nettle (aerial part) has the ability to drain phlegmatic-bilious and melancholic toxins from the connective tissue (also thanks to the presence of salts and Silicon) and, in particular, the residues of protein catabolism (mainly urates, see also [Fuller]) and to optimize the synthesis of proteins with the result of "cleaning up" and toning the connective tissue and the extracellular matrix. In case of wounds, it promotes collagen formation and stimulates capillary production, but minimizes the formation of fibrous tissue. It counteracts osteoporosis and the protein degradation of cartilages in case of rheumatoid arthritis. It inhibits (in vitro) some proteolytic enzymes of the extracellular matrix (elastase, collagenase) [Bourgeois].  

Skin
Nettle (aerial parts) counteracts skin disorders that manifest themselves with raised red patches (wheals) that cause burning and / or itching (urticaria, insect bites, cold sores, etc.). It is a good vulnerary, promoting the correct healing of wounds.

• Cold sores
• Rashes, urticaria, insect bites; raised, with redness and burning or itching; with a tendency to scratching in a voluptuous way ; in case of insect bites, the skin reaction is much more extensive than the area of ​​the sting (dye for internal use or oleolite or diluted dye for external use).
• Burns ; with renal overload from excess protein (tincture, for internal use and diluted with water for external use, on bandages) [Fuller, Wood]

Musculoskeletal system

• Atrophy and paralysis of muscles, voluntary or involuntary ; even when following anesthesia (dyeing, urtication) [Wood]
• Arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatism [Driope]
• Osteoporosis; possibly with urinary stones
• Sciatica [Culpeper]

Other

• Hypothyroidism
• Uricemia, bilirubinemia
• Fevers, intermittent fevers , malaria [Fuller, Grieve]
• Allergies, hay fever (especially freeze-dried powder or tincture) [HerbRem]
• Vulnerary: wounds, ulcers, gangrene, fistulas, abscesses; that heal hardly or with pus that comes out [Culpeper, Durante, Mattioli]
• Small tumors (growths), mumps [Durante, Mattioli]

Differences between the various species of nettle
The different species of nettle have roughly the same effects, so they can be used almost interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences in action.

For example, according to Dewitte and Leunis, Urtica dioica and Urtica urens have more or less the same properties, although the former, with a hyper-βγ-, hyper-γ- and hypo-γ-eu-globulin profile, it is indicated in the fibrosis and disorganization phases, while the second, with a less advanced profile, is indicated in the reaction, deposition and fibrosis phases [DewLeunis].

According to John Gerard, of all the (European) species of nettle, the most effective in therapy is the Roman nettle ( Urtica pilulifera L.) [Gerard].

Method of administration
Nettle can be used as an infusion, decoction, macerated, hydroalcoholic tincture or freeze-dried powder . It can be used as a food.

Suggested doses:

• Infusion or decoction: 20-30 g (dried leaves), 6-9 g (dried root)
• Dried seeds: from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons per day; start with low doses first: it can be quite exciting for some people
• Hydroalcoholic tincture of aerial parts, roots, seeds: from 1 drop up to 2-3 ml, up to 3 times a day (or even more in the case of tincture of aerial parts); for seed tincture, it is good to start with low dosages first.

Contraindications and side effects
Nettle in general is a very well tolerated plant, except for some cases of gastric disturbances.
In some people, drinking a strong infusion of nettle can cause headaches. [HerbRem]
Being a plant of a dry nature, the nettle can accentuate a pre-existing systemic dryness.
As a diuretic it can interfere with diuretic drugs. Dry seed extracts, used for sufficiently long periods of time (> 14 days) can interfere with the plasma level of some drugs.

Citations and Bibliography are on his original blog post. 

​Pierluigi Campidoglio:
I'm an Italian chemistry graduate, farmer, herbalist, and a member of the Italian Botanical Society. At present I'm dealing with the comparative study of some major healing systems, like Hippocratic-Galenic medicine, Chinese medicine and Western herbalism, as well as gemmotherapy and homotoxicology. I'm also involved in the recovery of information about the healing properties of autochthonous Italian plants.
Visit Pierluigi on his blog here: http://www.alleanzaverde.com/blog/
​

To read the original blog post in the website translated version in English or the original Italian, visit:
http://www.alleanzaverde.com/blog/?p=519&fbclid=IwAR2ShoVjpmXj0erO7MkP5p_KJyytGDv5tBaRyifa5IhKsc-Pmlb2pEWx2uw
​

~By Coral Weinstock

Donate Supplies
HWB keeps an updated list of supplies and prepared medicines most needed by on-the-ground street medics and BIPOC community organizers. View that list, along with other information on donating supplies, here.

Get Involved With Community Based Herbalism
Community based herbalism focuses on providing local and sustainable botanical medicine to communities that have been systematically neglected or excluded by conventional health care, and on providing resources to folx on the frontl ines of revolutionary struggle. To learn more and get involved, check out: The Solidarity Apothecary, HWB People’s Clinics, and Herbalists Without Borders’ Guide To Community Herbalism.

Join a Local Street Medic Team
An herbalist can be an incredibly valuable addition to a street medic team. For more information on herbal care for protesters, check out this zine compiled by a team of herbalists, street medics, herbal first aid specialists and educators:
Herbal First Aid For All Who Have Experienced Police Violence. 

Educate Yourself On Colonialism And Whitewashing Within Herbalist Spaces
Many of the healing plants widely used in western herbalist practices today were first used by indigenous peoples across the globe and much of our collective botanical knowledge comes from the work of BIPOC. Unfortunately, especially as herbalism has become more popular within mainstream culture, that history has often been obscured or “white washed” and replaced with a false narrative that places white people at the center. [To learn more, check out this free ebook Queering Herbalism, written by Tori, a community organizer and medicine maker. ]

Listen To and Rejoice In The Wisdom Of BIPOC Herbalists and Healers
Find out who the BIPOC herbalists in your geographical region or specific field of interest are, or check out this list of some BIPOC practitioners, collectives, and herbal schools. 

Refrain From Purchasing Plants Held Sacred By Other Communities 
Appropriative use of White Sage (Salvia Apiana), a sacred ritual plant within many Native American tribes of North America, and Palo Santo (Bursera Graveolens / Bursera Sarmientoi), a holy tree in many South American indigenous communities, has led to overharvesting, and this has also limited their availability to those who hold them these plants sacred. Instead, embrace local biodiversity and your personal heritage to find your own rituals. Check out this article by Good Witch Kitchen for more ideas. 

Grow a Row (Or More) Of Healing Plants Earmarked for Donation 
The revolution didn’t start in a day and it won’t end in a day, either. Access to quality medical care has always been a political issue. Designate a portion of your garden to growing herbs for future donation. 

Stay Engaged
Many of us, especially us white folx, aren’t used to thinking or talking about race this much. It can feel overwhelming, tiring or confusing. Take time to rest and nourish yourself. Don’t forget that allyship is not a goal to achieve; it’s a lifelong learning process. 
​

Herbal Uses of Milky Oats

We are excited to share a series of monographs on the HWB blog. Each monograph is one double-sided page that can be saved or printed. They were designed to be a quick reference, so not every action, dosing strategy, etc. could be covered. The back-side of each monograph lists references that were used and includes sources from respected herbal texts and websites, as well as peer-reviewed journal articles. These references would be an excellent starting point if you’d like to dig deeper. Now, on to the monograph! 

Herbal Uses of Milky Oats

As you will see from the monograph below, oat (Avena sativa) is a gentle, nourishing herb that helps support the nervous system. It has a mineral-rich nutrition profile, and is much loved by herbalists as a nervine tonic. In addition to milky oats, oat straw is also used in herbalism.

Learn more about the herbal uses of milky oats by downloading the printable monograph below. 

Click to download the PDF Monograph.

More Printable Resources for Herbalists

These monograph references were designed by HWB’s Handouts Coordinator, Janelle Farkas. Janelle is also Chapter Coordinator for HWB NEPA. Becoming a member of Herbalists Without Borders is a great way to connect with or start an Herbalists Without Borders chapter of your own! 

Our chapter members support health justice and community resiliency with herbalism through a variety of unique projects and activities. HWB members also receive access to over 800 printables and eGuides on a wide range of herbalism and community wellness topics. Learn more about member benefits and join today! We look forward to growing together.   

https://www.hwbglobal.org/member-benefits.html

Hi, all! Starting with the fun stuff in introductions is, well, more fun! You'll find me outdoors whenever possible - biking, hiking, camping, music festivals…the list goes on. I also enjoy yoga, cooking, cuddling my cats, and learning. Managing the number of herbal courses and webinars I take at one time is an exercise in discipline! My road to herbs started, as it does for many people, during a time of personal struggle. I tried to address it at a physical level through yoga, which led me to acupuncture, and then herbs. Somewhere along the way I found the courage to face the fact that the root cause was emotional; though yoga/acupuncture/herbs could help, I would have to do the work to move forward. I came away from the experience stronger, happier, and with a deep appreciation for plants. The rest is history, as the saying goes, and I'm currently preparing to launch my herbal practice.

​Find the HWB NEPA Chapter on Facebook. 

Name: Rebecca Trinidad
Gender Pronoun: She/Her
Part of the World: Florida, US
HWB Role: Remote Office Coordinator, Chapter Coordinator
Favorite herb/plant/tree: Ashwagandha! I love that it’s centering - it’s an immunomodulator, for one, meaning that those with autoimmune disorders are typically not affected negatively. But I’ve found it to raise my mood when down and to calm me when my nerves were amped up. It’s my adaptogen of choice!  I notice if I fall out of compliance.

A little bit about me: I got my start in herbalism from self healing. I was on prescription medications that I wanted off of. Now I’m all herb, no prescription and I’m better for it. I love using my herbal allies to maintain my body’s wellness and resilience. I’m a Family Herbalist who’s finishing up her studies as a Clinical Herbalist.  Outside of herbalism, I’m studying psychology to become a healer of the mind while raising my son to what I hope is his highest potential.

​Name: Ravi
Gender Pronoun: She/They
Part of the World: Montana, USA (practically Canada...)
HWB Role: Grassroots Public Health Coordinator
Favorite herb/plant/tree: it's hard to pick a favorite, but currently we are working closely with Tulsi (Rama and Krishna varieties). This magical plant is a great ally for the immune system and also has a wonderfully grounding and calming effect. We pair it with lemon balm and stinging nettle for a daily, immune-boosting brew.

A little bit about me: We are an RN, a health educator, an herbalist, a yoga teacher, and an activist! We work in a variety of mediums, including hospital, studio, and Zoom. Passions include: reciprocal gardening/nurturing the Earth, finding the perfect song to pair with a yoga flow, outdoor sports with dogs, and, of course, talking about all things health and health-related.

Name: Tyshawn Knight -  the kids call me Aunt Ty 
Gender Pronoun: She/Her
Part of the World: United States
HWB Role: Educational Resource Coordinator
Favorite herb/plant/tree: My favorite herb is Cinnamon.  It is the first herb I used to help someone.  My grandmother was in the nursing home with C-Diff and she had dehydrated.  I made her Cinnamon tea and took her to the hospital.  The resident that saw her said I saved her life.  I was so happy.  That is when I knew I had to become an herbalist.

A little bit about me: I volunteer with Food Not Bombs and Frontline Services in Cleveland Ohio.  Before the Coronavirus outbreak I was providing their low income and homeless clients with Sanitary Napkins.  I am still a student therefore, I have not been recommending herbs.  I am working very hard to reach that point in January 2021.  I attend the Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism and I am studying Dr. Maciocia's books.  I prefer TCM over Western herbs because I like the fact that they teach an herbalist how to diagnose a person with the technology an herbalist was born with, eyes and hands instead of medical instruments a poor girl like me would never own.

​Name: Coral Weinstock
Gender Pronoun: they/ them/ theirs
Part of the World: Midwest/ New England / Appalachia 
HWB Role: Medicinal Seed Saving Coordinator 
Favorite herb/plant/tree: Oooh what a difficult question! Perhaps calendula, the first plant I ever saved seed from and such a cheery companion.

A little bit about me:
Hi y'all! My name is Coral. I'm a small-scale, organic farmer by trade who has been increasingly drawn to herbalism the past couple of years. My first exposure to plant magic was as a little one, watching my mother, a midwife, working in her herbal garden in the backyard and making teas for her clients. Since then, I've become passionate about the interconnected nature of plant and animal (including human) vitality and survival. 
​
I'm also queer/genderfluid, and a movement artist with particular fondness of contact improv and aerial arts. I've spent the past 9 months on the road with my partner, WWOOFing and exploring different ecologically and creatively minded communities. I am so excited by the work of HWB and am honored to become a part of this network!

​Name: Rose
Gender Pronoun: she/ her
Part of the World: Upper Great Lakes, USA
HWB Role: Membership Coordinator
Favorite plant: Violets offer beauty and peace in times of social isolation and quarantine. Their small stature belies a depth of understanding and empathy that is truly needed in these times of difficulty

A little bit about me:
Rose is the proprietor of Briar Rose Botanicals, which offers small batch herbal remedies and spiritual consultations. Her practice focuses on mushroom medicine, smoke cleansing, and Nordic herbalism, though American folk remedies factor heavily into her background.

Largely self taught and always learning, she has taken several classes through the Cornell Small Farms Program, including indoor mushroom cultivation and small business management and will be doing her herbalist apprenticeship at the North House Folk School this year. Rose also volunteers at a non-profit urban farm that grows organic produce to be delivered free to those with disabilities and chronic illnesses. In her free time, she can be found fermenting, foraging, or playing Animal Crossing.

​Name: Miriah Meiers
Part of the World: Colorado, Hawaii
HWB Role: HWB Newsletter Editor
A little about me: Adventure seeker, snowboarder, mountain climber, river rat, yogi, surfer wannabe, outdoor enthusiast. Writer, artist, activist, green medicine cratswoman, wondering explorer. 

I became a member and volunteer of Herbalists Without Borders in 2012 as the Healing Arts Project Coordinator, while living in Denver, Colorado.  In 2014, I began constructing the quarterly newsletters and have served as the editor since and love it. The early newsletters were constructed while I lived remotely from Northern California; off-the-grid, on the move, and usually without internet access! I currently reside in Telluride, Colorado. 

I’m striving to connect more with other Herbalists Without Borders globally on my travels and be an advocate writer on behalf of our non-profit, and freelance writer for other common causes. I truly support the humanitarian work of Herbalists Without Borders. I believe in humanity, and the moon and the stars. I’m passionate about protecting the Earth’s medicine and the rights to have access to it.

Name: Joanne Bauman
Gender Pronoun: She/Her
Part of the World: Kansas,USA
HWB Role: Community Herbal Apothecary & Kansas Coordinator
Favorite herb/plant/tree: Elder, St. Johns Wort and Yarrow and Cottonwood were the first plans I allied with and spent time communicating with while camping . Asking a fav is like asking which is a fav child to me.

A little bit about me: Joanne (Prairie Magic Herbals) is a Kansas wise woman herbalist, teacher, writer, herb grower and medicine-maker of 20 years. Let me teach you to connect with the plants, to appreciate and collaborate with them to empower your health. Joanne presents at The Mother Earth News Fair, podcast host Heirlooms & Herbals, and blog for Herbal Living. She also teaches at individual venues and herb conferences. My MS is in clinical psychology, health & rehab focus. Counseled those in physical rehab with numerous conditions--chronic pain, brain injury, COPD, orthopedic,neurological,etc.. Prairie Magic Herbals on Facebook

​Name: Janelle Farkas
Gender Pronoun: She/Her
Part of the World: Northeastern Pennsylvania, United States
HWB Role: Handouts Coordinator, Chapter Coordinator HWB NEPA
Favorite herb/plant/tree: Just one? That's tough. I'll have to go with a plant I've never worked with internally - ghost pipe (Monotropa uniflora). When I first met ghost pipe, I just noticed a really cool looking plant very close to where I park my car. I didn't realize until much later that it had appeared during the tumultuous time I referenced in my "about me" and is a powerful ally for those in physical or emotional pain. It hasn't appeared in that spot since. Ghost pipe reminds me that plants are more than their constituents; they hold beautiful wisdom that science can't fathom.

A little bit about me: 
Hi, all! Starting with the fun stuff in introductions is, well, more fun! You'll find me outdoors whenever possible - biking, hiking, camping, music festivals…the list goes on. I also enjoy yoga, cooking, cuddling my cats, and learning. Managing the number of herbal courses and webinars I take at one time is an exercise in discipline! My road to herbs started, as it does for many people, during a time of personal struggle. I tried to address it at a physical level through yoga, which led me to acupuncture, and then herbs. Somewhere along the way I found the courage to face the fact that the root cause was emotional; though yoga/acupuncture/herbs could help, I would have to do the work to move forward. I came away from the experience stronger, happier, and with a deep appreciation for plants. The rest is history, as the saying goes, and I'm currently preparing to launch my herbal practice.

When I'm not immersed in herbs or adventuring outside, I work as an industrial engineer and have my B.S. in Industrial Engineering and M.S. in Engineering Management.

​Name: Shannon Renne
Pronoun: she/her
Part of the World: Madison, WI, USA
HWB Role: Madison area Chapter Coordinator, On-Site US Community Apothecary Support Person (When there is not a pandemic)
Favorite herb: YARROW!!!!
 
A little about me: Learning about the power of herbal medicine has changed the course of my life.  Not only have I become empowered to be present within my body and personal healing, I have been awakened to the awesome gifts of nature.  My passion is to share herbal knowledge and provide resources and information for those who have become disenchanted with our current state of health affairs and to provide alternatives for those without access to conventional means of healing and structures of support.

Name: Leslie Alexander
Gender Pronoun: she/her
Part of the World: Erie PA, USA
HWB Role: Education & Outreach Coordinator, Board Member, Chapter Coordinator
Favorite herb/plant/tree: Today? Today I’d say salt as my favorite herb. My favorite plant today is garlic. On many days, my favorite tree is mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)

A little bit about me:
Leslie Alexander PhD, RH is a clinical herbalist with a clinical community practice based in Erie, PA in the USA. Leslie focuses her holistic practice on the uses of medicinal and culinary herbs. She’s also passionate about herbs for the mouth and her book, Dental Herbalism: Natural Therapies for the Mouth, published by Inner Traditions in 2014, continues to draw a large readership.

Leslie is currently welcoming new students who are attracted to using herbs at home, with family and friends as well as those wanting to pursue herbalism as a career. She teaches locally, in person and online and when not out garbling herbs, she enjoys her canine pal, foods of all sorts, laughter and Tai Chi. Her classes are light-hearted, serious, full of tips, quirky facts and take-home applications of the uses of medicinal herbs. 

​Name: Denise Cusack
Gender Pronoun: She/Her
Part of the World: South Central Wisconsin, USA
HWB Role: Volunteer Executive Director, US Seed Bank & US Community Apothecary Coordinator
Favorite herb/plant/tree:  I have many, but I love how diverse basil (Ocimum spp) is. So many different flavors, aromas, uses, benefits, from lime basil to thai basil, from holy basil to blue spice basil - and I use holy basil often.

A little bit about me: I am an herbalist, bioregional aromatherapist, medicinal herb grower, small homesteader, permaculture enthusiast, plant conservationist, biodynamic grower, artist, foodie, unschooling parent, writer, and general maker of all the things. I live on a few acres in the country where we are restoring endangered woodland medicinals, as well as growing many natives, medicinal herbs, and food. I forage on my land every day. I always have a lot on my plate - from the day to day of HWB, to managing the US Community Apothecary and Seed Library, from volunteering as Clinical Herbalist with HWB free clinics, to taking care of my family and animals, from working with my bees and chicken,  to writing for magazines. I also serve on the Governing Council of the AHG as Secretary, volunteer with IM4US on the Membership Committee, and am active anywhere I can be regarding diversity and representation in herbalism, social and health justice, and plant conservation.

We also have a few other new Coordinators starting with HWB in various roles, including: 

Social Media Coordinator: Agatha Noveille
Grant Writing Support: Nicole Singh

We also get help from various volunteers to translate labels - 
Spanish Translation Support Coordinator: Alejandra Guerrero

THANK YOU for all you do. 

We are always In need of support - If you can help write letters to potential donors, proofread eGuide updates, interview coordinators for blog posts, help with the podcast series, help organize a webinar series, help update the website, contact schools and business for features, connect new Chapter Coordinators with others doing similar projects, or help translate postcards and print materials into other languages, etc., we need your help! Even a few hours a month can make a big difference. We always need people that can see a need and fill it, are self driven, and can work independently.

If you are Interested in supporting our all volunteer non-profit in any way, please email the office at officehwb@gmail.com. Thank you to all!