Genus: Urtica
Common name: Urtica urens. Annual Nettle. Small Stinging Nettle. Lesser Nettle.
Family: Urticaceae
Small stinging nettle is common to Eurasia and North America, South Africa and New Zealand. This invasive weed flourishes in moist forests and shady areas, wastelands, and along roads. The plant is covered with stinging needle like hairs that produce a stinging, burning rash upon contact with the skin. In Latin, urtica means sting. Despite the need to handle the plant with care, nettle soup has been consumed for centuries by the peoples of Europe and the Middle East. Native America tribes used this plant medicinally, and nettle is still used for its health benefits to prevent allergies, treat painful joints and muscles, and prostate problems. Nettle extracts are used in hair products to stimulate hair growth. Nettle tea is rich in vitamins and minerals. When the leaves are dried, soaked or cooked in water, the stinging quality is removed.
This homeopathic remedy is one to consider when there are insect bites and stings, 1st and 2nd degree burns, as well as allergic skin reactions to shellfish or strawberries that result in hives. These itchy, raised red blotches that sting and burn can also come from prickly heat due to over-heating or exertion. When uric acid accumulates in the joints causing symptoms of gout, this remedy can help protein metabolism. With an affinity for the breasts, Urtica urens is also useful when there are breast feeding issues – too much, too little, or absent milk flow after giving birth.
Keynotes:
- Number one remedy for hives and urticaria
- Allergic skin reaction to shellfish or strawberries
- Burning, itching, and swelling from insect stings
- 1st and 2nd degree burns
- Prickly heat from exertion or becoming overheated
- Breastfeeding problems to establish and regulate milk flow
- Gout
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