Wild-harvested
Nettle
The following
article is reproduced with kind permission of P.Topham, U.S.
Nutritional and Herbal Researcher:
Nettle
is native to temperate regions of Europe and Asia. It is now
widely distributed throughout the world. It grows abundantly
in waste ground, hedgerows, ditches and gardens. Often considered
a nuisance and weed it is important to the life cycle of many
insects and holds great value as a natural healer.
Nettle oil preceded paraffin and the plants juice was used
to curdle milk and help to make cheese!
Nettle has a long history of medical use. The Romans used
to rub the leaves on their bodies to restore circulation to
limbs numbed by the British winters. Nettle also contains
vitamin C and iron, and increases the absorption of the latter.
This makes it useful in cases of iron deficiency related illnesses
according to research.
Studies show that nettle is a circulatory stimulant, helps
prevent haemorrhaging and can be used in treating nose bleeds.
Nettle is also been known to mildly lower blood sugar levels.
Nettle tea offers great relief to hayfever symptoms. This
is probably due to the nettles antihistamine qualities. There
are numerous other uses.
Copyright © 2000 - 2005 P. Topham: U.S. Nutritional and Herbal Researcher - All Rights Reserved.
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