Rainforest Plants - Nettle
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Family: Urticaceae
Genus: Urtica
Species: dioica
Common names: nettle, common nettle, stinging nettle, gerrais
General Description: It is a perennial that grows two to seven feet high and is clothed in stinging hairs; its leaves are deeply serrated and pointed, growing on opposite sides of the stem. Although leaves appear downy to the eye, clumps of upright, four-angled six inch stems hide venomous spines that emit an acrid fluid when touched. The root is creeping and branching. |
Location: Nettle grows in temperate and tropical areas around the world.
Uses: Medicinal uses are many and varied. Nettle is a rich source of iron, calcium and folic acid, vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium and chlorophyll; it and supports the kidney and adrenals. It is considered an age-old remedy for allergies, hay fever and respiratory problems, including having some anti-asthmatic properties. (The juice of the roots or leaves, mixed with honey or sugar, will relieve bronchial and asthmatic troubles and the dried leaves, burnt and inhaled, will have the same effect.)
In tribal and herbal folk medicine, nettles have been used as a diuretic, for building blood vitality, and for arthritis and rheumatism. It is a nutritive that has been used for centuries as a tonic that nourishes and detoxifies the entire system. Some recent research on nettle focuses on its usefulness for prostate inflammation (Prostatitis) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Again, in more recent years, consumers and practitioners have learned of nettle's many uses, adding treatment for allergies and hair loss.
Nettle also has horticultural uses. Golden dead nettle is an ideal ground cover, especially where its rather aggressive growth is contained by a barrier of some sort. It is also used as a fertilizer and is popular all over the world as a pot herb. Nettle is a very fibrous plant and once upon a time it was actually planted as a crop for making fabric, rope and paper. Not limited to the tropics, nettle is now actively used in garden landscapes throughout the world.
Nettle is an herb worth using on a regular basis. It is a weed to some and a valuable healing herb to others. Nettle is considered to be very safe. |
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By Tony Mandarich
Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease. Tony Mandarich
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Mandarich
http://EzineArticles.com/?Rainforest-Plants---Nettle&id=1030476
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Nettle Tea Benefits Trivia:
Did you know that:
Nettle tea is a rich source of potassium. This mineral plays an important role in conducting electricity in the body. Since the major organs of the body like the brain and heart cannot function without electricity, the role of electrolytes like potassium cannot be ignored. Read here to know more about Potassium.
Nettle tea is also a rich source of calcium. This mineral is vital to the maintenance and development of bones in the body. Inadequate intake of calcium may contribute to accelerated bone loss and the development of osteoporosis. Get more information on Calcium here.
Nettle tea has high levels of beta-carotene. A precursor of Vitamin A, beta-carotene contributes to the maintenance of good vision and protection from such eye diseases such as night blindness and cataract. Read more on Beta-carotene here.
Nettle tea is said to be helpful in the treatment of asthma. The plant's seeming ability to fight allergic infections is what makes it a good ally against asthma. Go here for more info on other teas for asthma.
Nettle leaves are said to contain about 16 types of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and the abundance of these amino acids in the plant contribute to nettle's high protein content. Studies have shown that nettle's protein content may be as high as 25% (dry weight) which is quite high for a leafy green vegetable.
The quality of the water used to make nettle tea is very important. It is believed that the water used must be free of contaminants and contain enough oxygen to enhance the natural flavor of the drink. Nettle tea made with pure water yield a nice vegetal flavor and a drink that is aesthetically pleasant. Learn more about the health benefits of water here.
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