Nettle:

Nettle has been used worldwide for centuries in a variety of countries and cultures. It has been eaten as a wild food plant, applied topically to the skin, and drunk as an herbal tea. Bichho Booti was used extensively for its fibers and was woven into cloth. Bichho Booti fibers were considered to be high quality and comparable to flax or hemp in Northern Europe. It supports a healthy urinary function and has a mild diuretic action.

BENEFITS

• Bichho Booti in anti-allergenic, it treats hay fever, asthma, itchy skin condition, and insect bites.
• It’s helped many skin conditions and arthritic problems
• Following research, nettle root has now become a common treatment for symptoms linked to having an enlarged prostate.
• Nettle’s key traditional use is as a cleansing, detoxifying herb, It has a diuretic action possibly due to its flavonoids and high potassium content, and increases urine production and the elimination of waste products.

KEY CONSTITUENTS

AERIAL PARTS

• Flavonoids (quercetin)
• Amines (histamine, choline, acetylcholine, serotonin)
• Minerals (calcium, potassium, silicic acid, iron)

ROOT

• Plant sterols (stigmast-4-en-zone and stigasterol)
• Phenols

KEY ACTIONS

• Diuretic
• Prevents haemorehaging
• Tonic
• Anti-allergenic
• Astringent
• Reduces prostate enlargement (root)
• Anti-inflammatory
• RESEARCH

Root

Clinical trials over the past 20 years have supported the root’s use in treating enlarged prostate and easing lower urinary tract symptoms, though several tested it in combination with saw palmetto (Serenoa repens, p. 136) rather than on its own.

Anti-arthritic

Studies into nettle’s benefit in osteoarthritis have had mixed results, though a 2009 French trial found it reached patient’s required daily intake of anti-inflammatories when combined with Vitamin E, Zinc, and fish oil.

SEEDS

Results of a 2009 Iranian laboratory study suggested that the seeds are antioxidant and protect liver function.

KEY PREPARATIONS & THEIR USES

• Decoction
• Ointment
• Soup
• Capsules
• Infusion
• Tincture