Nettle Root

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica rad.

Common name: Nettle Root

Family: Urticaceae

Parts Used: Root, harvested in autumn

Active Constituents:

Qualities: Dry, warm

Actions:

Antiprostatic (Bone)
5-alpha-reductase inhibitor
Aromatase inhibitor
Reduces SHBG – lingers competitively bind, which decreases SHBG ability to bind its receptors
Urinary antiseptic
Diuretic

Indications:

Improving urologic conditions in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Difficulty in urination with BPH (Bone, 2003)
Traditionally used in cutaneous skin eruptions, haemorrhages, asthma (Bone 2003)
Specific: Prostatic enlargement (BHP)
PCOS (SHBG binding action)
Traditionally: Conditioner for dandruff and falling hair

Contraindications: None Known

Cautions: Occasional mild GI discomfort may occur from ingesting nettle root (Bone, 2003)

Dosage: 4.5-8.5ml of 1:2 FE per day or 30-60ml per week

OTHER USES:

HAIR RINSE: Use the decoction as a rinse for dandruff, falling hair and as a generally conditioner

References & Links to Articles:

Ody, Penelope (1998). The Herb Society’s Complete Medicinal Herbal. Milan: Dorling Kindersley
Hoffman, D. (1990). Holistic Herbal. London: Thorsons