| The high mineral content may be the reason for nettle teas ability to reduce the severity and occurance of leg cramps as well as menstrual cramps. It is used in hay fever, asthma, gouty arthritis and edema and best used for long term in treating chronic illnesses.154 It is beneficial as a spring tonic and rejuvenator. The young greens make a nutritious and tasty food in soups, stir-fry, steamed and in casseroles. Long term use of this herb is necessary for true effects.
Contraindications: Excessively large doses are contraindicated in pregnancy due to the emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. |
| Menstruation, painful:
• Dandelion root Tea long term
• Menstrual Cramp Compound
• nettle decoction during 2nd 1/2 of cycle
Migraine:
• Feverfew
Note: See Analgesic in the index.
Milk flow stimulation:
• Mother's Milk Flow Support
Nausea:
• Ginger
Note: See Carminative in the index.
Neuralgia:
• Arthritic Formula
• Black cohosh
• Oats
• Pain Formula
• St. John's wort
Note: See Nervine in the index.
Pain:
• Pain Formula
Note: See Analgesic in the index.
Palpitations:
Note: See Nervine and Cardiac tonic in the index. |
| Alfalfa, dandelion and nettle, Medicago sativa, Taraxacum officinalis and Urtica spp. are high in iron, other minerals and vitamins necessary for normal function of the human body.
CIRCULATORY STIMULANT
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
20-30%
Ginseng
Panax ginseng
20-30%
Burdock
Arctium lappa
10-15%
Ginger
Zingiber officinalis
10-15%
Prickly ash bark
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis
10-15%
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
5-10%
Cayenne
Capsicum spp.
2 - 5%
Actions:
This formula increases general circulation of blood to the extremities and promotes venous and capillary integrity. |
Frances Darragh and Louise Darragh Law
See book keywords and concepts |
 HERBS
For Hydrochloric Acid: Safflowers
For Iron: Yellow Dock, Golden Seal, nettle, Raspberry,
Rosehip, Basil For Manganese: Black Walnut, Golden Seal, Watercress For Vitamin B: Dandelion, Garlic, Kelp, Parsley, Chickweed,
Hawthorn
To help build good blood: Red Clover, Echinacea, Myrrh,
Licorice, Barberry, Dandelion To help increase red blood cells: Gentian, Thyme To help soothe intestinal lining in case of allergy: Comfrey,
Slippery Elm
HOMEOPATHIC
Alumina 30c: For anemia at puberty with abnormal craving for indigestible substances, e.g., chalk, pencils. |
| HERBS
To help regulate blood sugar: Burdock, Wild Carrot, nettle, Oats, Wormwood, Juniper, Garlic. Bitter gourd (Karela) is highly recommended. Tumeric, taken medicinally (2-3 times daily) as a powder, 'A tsp. mixed with herb tea or Aloe Vera juice.
HOMEOPATHIC
Arsen Alb 30c: Great weakness, hunger, and thirst; dry mouth, excessive urination. Bryonia 30c: Dry lips, persistent bitter taste, morose, dispirited, loses strength through inability to eat. Thirst for large drinks. Insulin 3x: A homeopathic way to take insulin. Should be taken under the guidance of a homeopath. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts |
 Other conditions
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the efficacy of a homoeopathic combination gel (homoeopathic mother tinctures of nettle, Echinacea, Ledum palustre and witchhazel extract) was compared to placebo in the treatment of insect bites. Although the homoeopathic gel reduced erythema development (p=0.098), there was no difference between the itch relief, even though a reduction in erythema may relieve itching. |
Bill Gottlieb
See book keywords and concepts |
 Taking nettle in the midst of hay fever season will still work to quiet symptoms, but it will take 3 to 4 days to kick in,
QUERCETIN: A Nutrient Powerhouse
"The bioflavonoid quercetin can be a potent inhibitor of histamine release," says Skye Weintraub, N.D., a naturopathic physician in Eugene, Oregon.
Taking 250 milligrams twice a day is usually sufficient to control most allergies, she says. Just don't expect to be better tomorrow. "It can take 3 to 4 weeks before quercetin becomes effective. |
Kathi Keville
See book keywords and concepts |
 The scalp, however, is
Strangely, one of the historical uses of stinging nettle was as cloth— during World War I, the Germans used it to stretch their cotton supply. very much alive and can respond to herbal treatments.
Of course, testosterone, genes and poor circulation are not the only factors that cause men to lose their locks. Unlike the man who sprouts it, the body considers hair one of its least important assets. It is one of the first things to go when a serious illness, nervous-system disease or advancing years demand their share of limited nutrients. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) extract: 300-600 mg per day
Psoriasis
Sharply bordered reddened rash or plaques covered with overlapping silvery scales
Characteristic locations: the scalp; the backside of the wrists, elbows, knees, buttocks, and an kles; and sites of repeated trauma
Family history in fifty percent of cases
Nail involvement results in characteristic "oil drop" stippling (thimble-like appearance) Possible arthritis
Psoriasis is an extremely common skin disorder. In the United States, it occurs in two to four percent of the population. Psoriasis affects mainly Caucasians. |
Frances Darragh and Louise Darragh Law
See book keywords and concepts |
| MOTHERS
HERBS
To increase milk supply: Aniseed, Blessed Thistle, Caraway, Fennel, Fenugreek, Rue, Vervain and/or nettle. To decrease milk supply: Sage, Parsley.
To regulate milk supply and aid lactation in general: Black Cohosh, Ginger, Licorice, Marshmallow, Poke Weed, Yarrow.
To combat engorgement and breast infection, Vitamin C-rich herbs: Cayenne, Blessed Thistle, Poke Root, Echinacea. Ginger poultice applied externally. Make hot compresses from Comfrey leaves, Cabbage leaves, Mullein, or Lobelia.
For cracked nipples: Poke Root poultice. Rub with Wheatgerm oil. |
Dr. John Heinerman
See book keywords and concepts |
 And dark leafy greens such as powdered stinging nettle or powdered or finely minced parsley were excellent for iron. We both claimed alfalfa as an all-around vegetable source for most mineral needs. In addition to this, I added wheat or barley grass to the list, which she didn't. (See Product Appendix under Pines.)
Our conversation soon swung back to the subject of protein. We both concurred that the most ideal protein for a pet was an egg white. A close second was soybean (preferably in milk and tofu forms). |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Noting that extracts from stinging nettle roots have been used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, this study examined what if any specific extracts from the plant are capable of modulating the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin to its receptor on the prostate membranes of humans. Results found that of four substances studied, only an aqueos extract was active, with inhibition beginning at approximately 0.6 mg/ml and total inhibition binding occuring at 10 mg/ml.
—D.J. Hyrb, et al. |
Dr. John Heinerman
See book keywords and concepts |
| Take a quarter handful each—'bout one teaspoon apieceof dandelion root, yarrow herb, and nettle plant and add them to a small pan of boiling water—maybe not quite a quart (one-and-a-half pints?). Stir the herbs and slap a lid on that sucker. Turn down the heat and let 'em cook for, say, a few minutes. Then turn the heat off and let 'em awhile to cool. I strain only what I 'tend to use and leave the rest in the pan. I give, maybe 'bout a quarter cup to a sick cat a couple of times every day." He stated it should be room temperature and could be given "any ole way you want to. |
Kathi Keville
See book keywords and concepts |
| Dandelion and nettle teas are even said to prevent the development of high blood pressure and water retention, which add up to a potentially dangerous condition during pregnancy known as eclampsia. (Since this condition is dangerous to both you and your baby, you must be treated by an obstetrician if you do develop it.)
MORNING SICKNESS
One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is morning sickness, a combination of nausea, headache and dizziness that is experienced by about half of pregnant women during their first few months of pregnancy. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The action of nettle root on BPH is thought to be an interaction with sex hormone binding globulin. Constituents are able to inhibit the binding of epidermal growth factor to its receptor and cause inhibition of aromatase.347
Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.
Oat-
Avena sativa in the Gramineae or Grass family.
Part used: Milky oat seeds.
Taste/smell: Sweet, nutritious.
Tendencies: Moistening.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 heaping tablespoon of crushed milky oat seeds per cup of water; or 1:1 fresh + D strength liquid extract: 20-60 drops 1-4 times per day. |
Bill Gottlieb
See book keywords and concepts |
| Use 50 to 100 milligrams of nettle and 60 to 500 milligrams of pygeum, standardized for 13 percent beta sterols, every day, says Kobren.
PROFESSIONAL CARE
Hair loss in men is rarely health threatening, unless it's sudden and occurs in patches over the head (a disease of the hair follicles called alopecia areata).
Usually, men's hair loss is genetic male pattern baldness. If you have this problem, you also have many medical options, from medications such as finasteride (Propecia) to hair transplants. |
Kathi Keville
See book keywords and concepts |
| If you aren't able to find nettle tincture, make the recipe without it or see chapter 2 for instructions on how to make your own.
1 ft A
Genital Rash, Infections and Irritations ^
For the most part, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not a subject you are likely to hear discussed in casual conversation. These reproductive-system infections can cause all sorts of problems in your reproductive organs and eventually impair your general health. Today more North Americans are infected with sexually transmitted diseases than ever before. The U.S. |
Bill Gottlieb
See book keywords and concepts |
| PYGEUM: For Extra Help
This herb, derived from the bark of an African tree, can also reduce the symptoms of BPH, and it may work particularly well in combination with saw palmetto and nettle, says Eva Urbaniak, N.D., a naturo-
Stimulate Your Prostate by Using Your Feet
No, this isn't as kinky as it sounds. We're talking about using foot reflexology, the alternative therapy that says that the feet are covered with "reflex points" corresponding to various parts of the body and that stimulating specific reflex points sends healing energy to specific body parts. |
Kathi Keville
See book keywords and concepts |
| And don't worry about those stingers on the nettle's leaf—they dissolve when the plant is cooked.
So far, I have only discussed getting rid of your symptoms. Of course you want to feel better, but it is equally important to fix the imbalance that is causing your hay fever in the first place. Although you certainly need to enhance your immune system as a start, hay fever may involve seemingly unrelated organs such as your liver. Stress can also be a big factor. Stress can worsen hay fever and most other allergies. |
Arthur C. Upton, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| All parts, especially unripe berries cluding European bittersweet and horse nettle)
Oaks
All parts
Oleander
Nerium oleander
Leaves, branches, and nectar of flowers
Philodendron
Philodendron spp. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 If you have a problem with water retention, a tea of dandelion root, nettle leaf, and/or parsley leaf can help. Make a tea using equal parts of these herbs (see PREPARING HERBAL REMEDIES in Part Three) and take one cup three times daily until the symptoms subside.
¦ Once the infection is gone, you can use American ginseng and/or astragalus. Both of these herbs are excellent sources of trace minerals and micronutrients, and also support and strengthen the immune system. Take 500 milligrams of either or both three times a day for two weeks.
Note: These herbs should be used during recovery only. |
| Take a cup of nettle tea daily for two to three weeks.
Note: Some people experience stomach upset as a result of taking this herb. If this happens, stop taking it. This herb should not be given to a child under four.
¦ Oat straw is high in silica and is a mild relaxant. Take 250 to 500 milligrams twice daily for two weeks.
HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathic treatment for a broken bone is intended to support recovery once appropriate emergency medical care has been administered and you are well enough to leave the hospital. |
Kathi Keville
See book keywords and concepts |
| Diuretic Tea
1 quart boiling water
2 teaspoons dandelion root
Vi teaspoon each nettle leaf, oat straw, fennel seed and corn silk »v> Pour boiling water over herbs, then steep in a covered container for 20 minutes. Strain herbs. Drink 1 or 2 cups as needed. chapter NINE
The
Respiratory Tract
Sore throats, lung problems and sinus discomfort are as common as the air we breathe. That's because the air contains pollutants, allergens, bacteria and viruses that can easily invade the lungs. |
Bill Gottlieb
See book keywords and concepts |
| You have to be careful to obtain a good brand of nettle, which, hopefully, has been properly harvested in the spring," he adds. "That's when the potent constituents of the stinging leaves are present."
BREATHING: To Stop an Attack
Concentrating on breathing properly can help stop an asthma attack. This works in several ways. By drawing more air into your lungs, relaxing your body, and controlling anxiety and panic, you can significantly reduce the severity of attacks. Here's what Dr. Firshein recommends.
Sit down as soon as an attack begins. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| ANTIDANDRUFF: Sunflower; Cornmint; Comfrey; Broccoli; Dill; Parsnip; Horseradish; Garden Cress; Cabbage; Red Mangrove; Lettuce; Butterbur; Peppermint; European Nettle; Snakeground; Purslane; Radish; Virginia Mountain Mint; Spinach.
ANTIDEPRESSANT: Parsnip; Camu-camu; Acerola; Asparagus; Pignut Hickory; Lettuce; Pigweed; Purslane; Shagbark Hickory; Berro; Lambsquarter; Endive; Spinach; Chinese Cabbage; Broccol; Cowpea; Huaca-Mullo; Tomato; Chayote; Oats. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
See book keywords and concepts |
 A recent landmark study showed for the first time that a combination of saw palmetto and nettle root actually helps shrink enlarged prostate tissue. This was the first clinical study to biopsy prostate tissue in men with BPH. The herbal therapy demonstrated the most marked effects on the epithelial tissue of the transition zone (middle layer) of the prostate.3
Major Constituents
Free fatty acids and sterols (including lauric acid and myristic acid)
Safety
Saw palmetto is considered safe for consumption when used appropriately. |
Robyn Landis
See book keywords and concepts |
 For other purposes, nettle can be taken as tea
(up to 2 ounces daily for acute conditions or 1 ounce as a tonic), or steamed like a vegetable.
Watercress is a sinus-tissue healer; it also provides bioflavonoids and sulfur for immune building and blood cleansing. Take 2 to 4 capsules daily.
Lemon grass is yet another herb with affinity for sinus tissue; again, 2 to 4 capsules daily.
Tulsi, an Ayurvedic herb, is a species of basil; it means "holy basil" in Sanskrit. |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
See book keywords and concepts |
 Both saw palmetto and nettle root extracts have been shown to inhibit aromatase. Inhibition of aromatase is very important in the prevention and treatment of both breast and prostate cancers. When aromatase is inhibited, it leads to the deactivation of cancer-driving hormones (such as sex-hormone-binding globulin, a hormone that increases as we age), which would otherwise bind to receptor sites."
In some breast cancers, for example, the aromatase enzyme is responsible for causing androgens to convert to estrogen. |
| That is why certain herbs such as nettle root and saw palmetto, for instance, which inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from testosterone, can be effective at both preventing and treating prostate cancer when combined with other herbs.
Androgens in prostate cancer, as well as estrogens in breast cancer, also alter intracellular glutathione levels and the activity of certain detoxification enzymes. Physiologic levels of these hormones are capable of increasing oxidative stress, perhaps due to increased mitochondrial activity. |
Rex Adams
See book keywords and concepts |
 DISORDERS OF THE DIGESTION
Garlic (one large crushed head)
Roman chamomile (one dozen crushed heads)
Peppermint (leaves—one handful)
Thyme (leaves—one handful)
Follow the directions for making a poultice on page 59, Chapter 4, using nettle (fresh leaves if possible) and watercress (one bunch, chopped). The basic preparation should be made by following the
'Reprinted with permission of Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., from Of Men and Plants by Maurice Messegue? Copyright © 1972 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd. Copyright © 1973 by Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. directions on page 30, Chapter 2. |
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