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Other names: Stinging nettle, big string nettle, scaddie, naughty-man's-plaything
Flower colour: green
Flowering: June - October
Height: 0.30 - 2.50 m
Active ingredients: formic acid and acetic acid (In the thrichomes), phytosterols and hydroxy fatty acids and polysaccharides and Urtica dioica agglutinin (In the root), vitamines and minerals and caffeoylmalonic acid and tannins (In the herb)
Used parts: The herb and the root.
Although Great nettle is often seen as a very annoying weed, it is actually very useful. Hippocrates tells that the plant has a diuretic effect and that it is quite nourishing. Furthermore, Dioscorides recommended nettle against aggravations and strains. The Ancient Romans also used the plant against rheumatic joints by hitting them with the plant. This was maybe an unpleasant method to relieve the pain, but it worked. This hitting yourself with nettle was also used when it was cold, to warm oneself up. The plant was further known to be an aphrodisiac. In medieval times great nettle was also used against a lot of poisonings from fungi, plants, scorpions, snakes and more and an ointment of the plant was used against itching. Besides medical use, nettle was also used as food and you could create ropes with it or even cloths. During World War 2, nettle leaves were used for its wound healing effect.
Nowadays, great nettle is still a commonly used herb. it cleanses the body by discharging uric acid and other harmful substances. Furthermore, it lowers the blood sugar level, it stimulates the growth of hair and it has a positive effect on the digestion. Another effect of great nettle is that it stimulates the kidneys.
Sometimes the use of nettle can cause allergic reactions, itching, reduced urine production, mild gastrointestinal complaints, skin rashes or oedemas.
Too high doses can cause gastric irritation, skin glow, dermatitis, oedema and reduced urine production.
You should be very careful when using this plant if you have or have had uric acid stones and/or gout.
Do NOT use great nettle if you have diabetes.
Urtica Dioica can boost the blood coagulation.
Do NOT use this plant if you are pregnant.
Children younger than 12 years old should NOT use great nettle.
Do NOT use this plant if you have oedemas.
Do NOT use Urtica Dioica if you suffer from renal disease or impairment.
Do NOT use great nettle when using NSAID's.
Do NOT use this plant if you use medicines that lower the blood sugar levels or thin the blood.
If you use MAO-inhibitors, do NOT use great nettle.
Do NOT use Urtica Dioica if you use anti-arrhythmics, theophylline, cardiac glycosides or diuretica, unless otherwise agreed with a qualified doctor.
If you use antihypertensives, do NOT use this plant.
Do NOT use great nettle if you use medicines against BPH.