Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica

Who doesn’t recognise the Stinging nettle? Supposedly introduced to Britain by the Romans, this common wayside plant is known and feared by many. However, the characteristic and oft feared sting is a source of powerful medicine. Applied externally it can be used to help relieve painful, arthritic joints by causing an acute reaction which can alleviate long term inflammation.

Internally, nettle as a nutrient rich tonic can be employed at part of an iron rich tonic. It nourishes the blood. Nettle also has an anti allergic reaction and is often incorporated into anti hay fever and anti asthmatic medicines. It has diuretic properties and can be used in to cleanse the system via the kidneys and bladder.