Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.val-znanje.com/index.php/ljekovite-biljke/1114-velika-kopriva-urtica-dioica-l

Common name: 

 Nettle 
 (Hoffman, 1983, p. 212). 

Latin binomial:
Urtica dioica 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 212). 

Family: 
Urticacea 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 212). 

Parts used:
Aerial parts 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 212). 

Active contituents:

• Histamine
• Formic acid
• Chlorophyll
• Glucoquinine
• Iron
• Vitamin C 

    (Hoffman, 1983, p. 212).   

Actions:

• Astringent
• Diuretic
• Tonic 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 212).  

• Antirheumatic
• Antiallergic
• DepurativeStyptic

 (Bone, 2003, p. 343).  

Indications:

• Allergic rhinitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic skin eruptions
• Eczema
• Inflammatory disease of the lower urinary tract
• Internal blood loss
• Uterine haemorrhage
• Melena
• Topical treatment for nosebleeds
• Burns
• Wounds
• Inflammation of nose and throat 

(Bone, 2003, p. 343). 

Contraindications/ Cautions:
Patients who are allergic to nettle stings should not apply the fresh or unprocessed dried leaves topically (Bone, 2003, p. 343).   

Dosage:

• 2-6 ml of 1:2 liquid extract dose per day
• 15-40 ml of 1:2 liquid extract dose per week 

(Bone, 2003, p. 343). 

Combinations: 
Nettle combines well with figwort and burdock in the treatment of eczema 
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 212).  

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.