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NETTLE

The nettle, well-known since the ancient times, was Hippocrates' most commonly used herb. It is a native wild plant with four species in Greece. Nettle energizes the body by increasing red blood cells, increasing diuresis and lowering blood pressure.

Name - Species

Nettle is an herb known since the ancient times and one of the most commonly used by Hippocrates. Other names are: tsouknitha, anginitha, akalifi, urtiki, etc. It is grown in residential areas, uncultivated soils, hedges and nitrogen-rich soils. Its Latin name urtica which was given by Plinius because of the burning and the itch that characterizes it.

Nettle belongs to the group (clade) of Angiosperm plants, in the family of Urticaceae, genus Urtica. It is a one-year or perennial, herbaceous, native plant, with about 40 species worldwide. In Greece there are four species: Urtica dioica (the two-sexes nettle), the most common species, Urtica urens (the burning nettle), Urtica membranacea (the membranous nettle) and Urtica pilulifera (nettle with spheres).

Urtica dioica

Botanical description

An herbaceous plant, perennial, common in the Greek countryside. It grows naturally in mountainous areas, provided there is humidity. Its stem reaches a height of 1 meter while its flowers are small and odorless. The entire plant is covered by glandular bristles that cause itching upon contact with the skin. This is due to a compound contained in the fine needles but which are destroyed by boiling or baking. It blossoms during the summer.

Urtica urens

History

The properties of nettle were first documented by Chrysippus, Aristophanes and Hesiodus. Hippocrates was the first to list the nettle among the "panacea" plants (they are appropriate for many uses) and recommended the nettle for the treatment of 61 diseases. The Greek physician Galenos in his book "De Simplicibus Medicamentis ad Paternainum (espurio)" recommended the nettle for the treatment of many diseases.

Urtica membranaceous

Pharmacological Properties

Nettle has many pharmacological properties, the most important of which is the energizing of the organism. This is achieved by increasing red blood cells, increasing diuresis and reducing the systolic pressure.

Nettle leaves and stems extract relieves fatigue or anaemia, which is characterized by general muscle weakness, exhaustion, cognitive difficulties and headaches. The combination of high vitamin C and iron content in nettle extract stimulate red blood cell (RBC) production. Vitamin C optimizes iron uptake in the gut, while iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin. By increasing the RBC count in the body, circulation increases and the body’s extremities receive essential oxygenation to boost energy levels.

Nettle extract is an ideal diuretic, due to its high potassium content. Research has also revealed that nettle extract can help lower systolic blood pressure and relieve tension and stress on the cardiovascular system.

Bibliography

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