Stinging nettle, big stinging nettle, tame nettle and greek name: Τσουκνίδα
Perennial poa, 30-100(-150) cm tall, usually unbranched, with an extensive root system and with serrated hairs on the stem and leaves and smaller hairs between them. It flowers in May-August.
It grows in wet places and in habitats rich in nutrients, near villages, at the foot of steep slopes, etc. At high altitudes it spreads mainly near stables and other disturbed places where grazing animals gather, at altitudes from (0-)300-1900(-2200) m.
Hippocrates considered it to be a "panacea" and mentioned it in the books "On Women's Physiology", "Women's Physiology in the First Place", "Women's Physiology in the Second Place", "On Diet in the Second Place" and "On Nutrition in the Second Place".
Pliny and Dioscorides also refer to the beneficial properties of nettle.
Gennadius includes it among the weeds and medicinal species of full formic acid, with uses as an abrasive, in paralysis, lethargy, apoplexy, and makes reference to the medicinal action of the lilies, mucilaginous and softening seeds of the dioscoridea cnidia.
According to Dioscorides, the shank is the, according to the Romans, urtica. He suggests it as a patch for septic wounds, in the treatment of ulcers, for abscesses, for pleurisy, for abdominal pains.
Galen recommended nettle as a diuretic and laxative, as an ideal remedy against edema and nosebleeds. Most of its benefits are due to its stem and leaves, but its roots also have some healing properties.
Phytosterols, polyphenols are among the active substances that contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory action.
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Pharmaceutical forms
The leaves in decoction or liquid infusion.
Pharmacological and therapeutic applications
Orally, it is mainly used as a diuretic. It has also been used against anaemia and diabetes. Topically on the scalp, extracts of the fresh leaves have been used against hair loss.
Method of processing the medicinal herb
Decoction of fresh or dried leaves.
Adverse actions
Although not all side effects are known, stinging nettle is safe when taken for a short period of time (no more than 6 months). The most common side effects include sweating, skin reactions and stomach upset with indigestion.
