Nettle Root
1:2 Spagyric Tincture of fresh Urtica dioica root with salt principle added.
Planetary ruler: Mars
Physical properties*:
Some actions of Nettle root include astringent, tonic, emmenagogue (promotes healthy and regular menstruation), hemostatic (aids blood clotting where necessary), lithotriptic (aids in the dissolving and passing of stones), antiperiodic (prevents return of regularly occouring disease) and muscle stimulant. The root can promote healthy hair regrowth and reduce the incidence of itchy/flaky scalp. It flushes the liver and kidneys, being a very cooling herb for both the internal organs and the skin, it also optimizes the function of the liver, kidneys and adrenals. Its restorative properites in the kidneys and adrenals, along with high iron content, make it an excellent remedy for fatigue (including chronic fatigue). One very common use for nettle root is in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement where it reduces the obstruction to urination and the need for nightine urination. It contains a high amount of vitamins (A, C, D, K) and minerals (Silica, Potassium, Calcium, Phoshorous, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfur). It also contains unsaturated fats, lots of protein (30%), beta-carotene, lecithin and glycosides.
*Before purchase please see full disclaimer at bottom of page - statements and products not approved by TGA.
Emotional/spiritual properties*:
So often, in this life, we feel the need for relief, to relax, to go on holiday, to stay in bed just that little bit longer…and whilst many of us in this modern world are without a doubt, overworked and underslept, is it really viable to flee or hide from this way of life we are amongst? Within our beings Nettle root enables the tenacity, tenderness, patience and discernment to appreciate the daily struggle for what it is, and from there begin to methodically reshape our lives to be less of a grind. Sometimes we hope that by just pushing and pushing, tyring hard enough, and then trying some more we will get to the life-destination we are looking for...but when we are not willing to include flexibility, dynamism and an ear attuned to the ever changing plan, our striving and heaving can become misdirected. Nettle helps us let go of that habitual fire so that we can realise true inspirations and thenceforth strive in balanced accordance with them. So yes, just relax, enjoy a moments rest, but use it to allow, create, and find clarity about one’s life and the direction of efforts therein.
Contraindications/cautions:
-Pregnancy: It is possible that nettle can cause uterine contractions and thus should not be used during pregnancy, it is useful to use afterwards to replenish blood and increase milk flow.
-Low blood pressure: May lower blood pressure, so proceed with caution if you have low b.p already.
-Blood sugar: Nettle contains constituents that are both hyper and hypoglycemic, how it interacts with your blood sugar is dependent on many variables, thus proceed incrementally, with diligent monitoring, and professional medical advice.
-High Blood Pressure Medications: If using Nettle in combination with high b.p medications such as enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan) etc. your blood pressure may drop too low.
-Warfarin (Coumadin) & Anti-coagulants: Nettle contains high amounts of vitamin K which helps with blood clotting, Warfarin is intended to reduce blood clotting so your dose of Warfarin may need to be changed.
-CNS Depressants: Sedatives such as clonazepam can cause excessive drowsiness in combination with Nettle.
-Anti-diabetes medications: Meds such as limepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), etc. that lower blood pressure may cause ones blood pressure to drop too low if used in combination with Nettle – dosages need to be adjusted as appropriate.
-Lithium: Nettle may decrease your body’s ability to get rid of lithium.
