English name: Stinging nettle
Family: Urticaceae
Botanical characteristic: A perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters in height, covered with glandular trichomes. The stem is erect and four-angled. The leaves are ovate, opposite, serrated, with small lanceolate stipules. The flowers are small, green, forming a spike-like inflorescence. The fruit is an achene.
Microscopic drawing:
Distribution: It grows in meadows, pastures, on the edges of roads, watercourses, in floodplain forests. It requires soils with a higher nitrogen content.
Drug: Urticae folium
Harvesting method: The leaves are collected from May to September using scissors or cut. Protective gloves are required.
Drying: We dry the leaves in a thin layer in the shade, in a ventilated airy room. When artificially dried at a temperature of up to 60 °C.
Active substances: The leaves are rich in chlorophyll, flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, glucoquinines, organic acids, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Glandular trichomes contain formic acid and amines such as histamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.
Uses: The drug contains vitamin K, which is essential for the synthesis of blood clotting factors. Therefore, the herb is indicated for bleeding conditions. Tea made from stinging nettle is effective for constipation, digestive discomfort, supports weight reduction, and helps lower blood sugar levels. In folk medicine, the herb is also used for rheumatism therapy.
Traditional method of use in indications determined solely on the basis of long-term use:
– symptomatic treatment of urinary tract diseases, in case of urination problems, diuretic effect,
– alleviation of joint pain,
– supportive treatment for seborrhea.
Selected herbal preparations: LEROS STINGING NETTLE herbal tea, infusion bags 20×1 g, HERBEX KIDNEY CLEANSING TEA herbal tea 20×3 g, AGROKARPATY Spring Cleansing herbal tea 20×2 g, Liftea HERBAL DRAINAGE forte capsules 30 pcs, nefdesante CRANBERRY D-MANNOSE STINGING NETTLE tablets 60 pcs, WALMARK Prostenal CONTROL tablets 30 pcs.