Genus and Species: Urtica dioica
Habitat: Found globally. Grows primarily in meadows but thrives in wet climates as well.
Seasons: Blooms June to September.
Active chemical ingredient: oleanolic acid and linoleic acid
Chemical structure:
The hairs of the stinging nettle are normally very painful to the touch. But when they come into contact with a painful area of the body they can actually decrease the original pain. Must boil the leaves or plant to deactivate the stinging chemicals and their properties before consumption. Scientists think nettle does this by reducing levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, and by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals. Root can act as a wonderful diuretic. Also used for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.
Made into a tea for diuretic purposes. Mashed and applied in a compress or cream for topical treatment.
Ehrlich S. (2014, July 6) Retrieved from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle
No comments:
Post a Comment