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Plants of the Omaha Indian Reservation
An Ethonobotanical Report
Stinging Nettle This plant has Indian names! Description Stinging or common nettle is a native perennial forb that grows 2 to 4 meters high. It produces pointed leaves and white to yellowish flowers. Nettle flowers from June to September. Nettle has opposite, heart shaped, coarsely toothed leaves covered with stiff, stinging bristles. The stem of a nettle grows erect, fibrous, unbranched or little branched, 4-angled, and ridged. The stem attains the height of 2 to 3 feet. The roots of a nettle are creeping, so it multiplies quickly, making it somewhat difficult of extirpation. The genus name Urtica comes from the Latin verb meaning " to burn" because of the stinging hairs. The species name dioca means "two houses" because the plant usually contains either male or female flowers.
Habitat and locations Stinging or common nettle can be found throughout most of the United States. Nettle can be found in rich soil, disturbed habitats, moist woodlands, thickets, along rivers, and along partially shaded trails. Uses The Cherokee used nettle as a gastrointestinal aid and a misc. disease remedy. They also used it as a hunting and fishing item. Greek physicians Dioscorides and Galen reported that the leaf of a nettle had diuretic and laxative properties and has is useful for asthma, pleurisy and spleen illnesses. Brazilian natives used the entire plant for excessive menstrual bleeding, diarrhea, diabetes, urinary disorders and respiratory problems including allergies. Germans sell stinging nettle as an herbal drug for prostrate diseases and as a diuretic. The Makah drugs use it as a hunting medicine, oral aid, reproductive aid and a stimulant. Nettle is still used today. Nettle root, nettle leaf, and the entire plant products in tablets, capsules, and tinctures are now widely available at most health food stores at very reasonable prices. Nettle root is better for BPH and hair loss, while nettle root is better for inflammation, allergies, and as a natural diuretic for people with hypertension. Nettle is now an ingredient in many herbal formulas for prostrate health. Both the root and the leaves are traditionally prepared as infusions. Dosages depend on what one is taking it for. In herbal medicine systems, as a healthy prevention to prostrate difficulties or to maintain prostrate health, one half cup of a root infusion 2-3 times weekly is recommended. The natural remedy for BPH is one half root infusions 2-3 times daily for 30-90 days. For allergies, inflammation, and hypertension: one cup of a leaf infusion is taken twice daily in traditional medicine systems.
By: Janet Hallowell
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