NETTLE Urtica dioica, L.( Rastenia Tzelitely, Moscow 1963)
Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of the fresh plant in flower— Agalactia, Bee stings, Burns, Calculus( prevention of), Deltoid( rheumatism of), Dysentery, Erysipelas( vesicular), Erythema, Gout, Gravel, Haemorrhage, Intermittents, Lactation, Leucorrhoea, Menorrhagia, Phlegmasia dolens, Renel colic, Rheumatism, Spleen( affections of), Throat( sore), Uremia, Urticaria, Nodosa, Vertigo, Whooping cough, Worms. Russian Experience: Krapiva( Nettle) grows everywhere in Russia. After 300 years modern science has established and gives credit to one of the secrets of Nettle as an antiseptic. Folk Medicine: Since the seventeenth century Russian Herbalists have given credit to Nettle as antiseptic, astringent, blood purifier, which are only a few of its properties. From some of the first books on herbs and their uses Nettle ranks high, and still has unalterable thoughts for treatment. Decoction of the whole plant for headache; decoction with honey or sugar to improve the function of the heart, liver, kidney, anaemia, blood purifying, gastritis, tubercular lungs; taken cold after delivery for afterbirth, whooping cough; decoction of the root for whooping cough and any internal bleeding: flower decoction for diabetes. Externally:“ Decomposing flesh will be cleansed, wounds and ulcers healed after treatments of Nettle. The boiled Herb is used to strengthen, stimulate new growths and stop falling hair if used as a hair wash.”( Vishaya Schkolla, M., 1963). Bruised fresh leaves are used for rheumatic pain, dropsy, and chest pain( Bello-Russ. Academy of Science, 1965). Clinically: As extracts and compounds. Food: The young spring leaves are among the best used as garden greens, and is a main ingredient in Caucasus national recipes. India and Pakistan Experience: Local name Bichu, Chicru. Bodily Influence: Diuretic, Astringent, Emmenagogue, Haemostatic, Anthelmintic, Lithotriptic, Antiperiodic. Uses: Nettle decoctions are used for kidney diseases and haemorrhage, especially from the uterus, and. kidneys, consumption and jaundice. Young tops as a fresh Nettle tea are used for intermittent fever, gravel in the kidneys and excessive menstrual flow. Juice is very effective in checking bleeding from the nose, lungs, uterus and other internal organs. Externally: The pulverized dry herb is used to sniff for nose bleeding( J. F. Dastur,“ Medical Plants of India and Pakistan”, India, 1962).