NETTLE (URTICA DIOICA)
This plant is also known as the Stinging Nettle. The spines of this plant have small hairs that have painful compounds on the tips, which cause a sharp pain when touched. The leaves of this plant are used medicinally. It has vitamins A, C, D, E, F and P and the minerals iron, silicon, calcium, sulfur, sodium, copper, manganese, chromium and zinc. It has a very high content of chlorophyll. It has a compound called lectin, which is a protein. It has been found that lectin stimulates the growth and spread of lymphocytes.
HISTORY: Nettles are one of the most widely used herbs in the Western World. Unfortunately, it has received very little attention from medical researchers or doctors.
INTERNAL USE: Nettles are used in Europe as a detoxifying remedy, to rid the body of accumulated wastes and toxins. It has been remarkably successful in helping cases of arthritis, eczema, hay fever, hemorrhoids, intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, vaginal yeast infections, worm expulsion and rheumatism. Nettles can be used as a diuretic aid. One teaspoon of fresh nettle juice per hour can stop intestinal bleeding. Nettle tea can help expel phlegm from the lungs.
VITAMIN B3
Niacin/Niacinamide
RDA- 20 mg
NIACIN CAN PREVENT –
Heart disease & high cholesterol by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels, lowering triglycerides amounts in the bloodstream; also helps prevent clotting that leads to strokes and heart attacks
ALSO –
- Is essential in 50 bodily processes
- Needed for proper circulation and healthy skin
- Aids in functioning of nervous system
- Affects metabolism of carbohydrates, fat, proteins to energy
- Produces hydrochloric acid for digestive system
- Involved in normal secretion of bile and stomach fluids
- Lowers cholesterol
- Improves circulation
- Can be helpful in treatment of schizophrenia
- Can be a memory-enhancer
- May be used to treat dizziness and tinnitus
- Important for healthy skin and nervous system
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS –
Pellagra, canker sores, dementia, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, halitosis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, limb pains, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, muscular weakness, skin eruptions and inflammation
DEFICIENCY RISK –
Strict vegetarians/vegans, alcohol abuse, if low on Niacin, usually low on all B vitamins from poor diet
SOURCES -
Beef liver, turkey, brewer’s yeast, broccoli, carrots, cheese, corn flour, dandelion greens, dates, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, pork, potatoes, tomatoes, wheat germ, whole wheat products.
Herbs- alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, eyebright, fennel seed, hops, licorice, mullein, nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hips, slippery elm, yellow dock
SUPPLEMENTS –
Skin flush normally appears after supplementation; Only Niacin will provide heart/cardiovascular benefits; body does not need a great deal – supplements of more than 500 mg can have detrimental side effects resulting in liver damage; consult your doctor before supplementing with Vitamin B3, Niacin or Niacinamide.
