Nettles (netles in tagalog)

(Urtica urens) Part used: Tops. Properties: Alternative, nutritive, antiseptic,expectorant, hemostatic. What it affects: Lungs, kidneys, bladder, and blood.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 3 oz. frequently. Tincture: Take 5-15 drops frequently. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 1 tsp. frequently. Powder: Take 3- 10 #0 capsules (20-60 grains) frequently. Juice: 1 tsp. as needed.

Purposes: Internally, nettles is considered a specific for asthma when taken over a prolonged period, providing an expectorant and antispasmodic. The tea will expel phlegm from the lungs. Combine it with equal parts of comfrey, mullein, and a pinch of lobelia. Make a tea from this formula; and, using an ounce of herbs steeped in a pint of boiled water, take 4 times a day. The seeds are used in cough medicines. The leaves can be pounded and used as a poultice for rheumatic pains. The tea made from the root will help cure dropsy.

• Nettles is good for benign prostatic hyperplasia, anemia, hay fever, and other allergic disorders. The tea is good for kidney problems, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis, inflammatory conditions, hemorrhoids, goiter, mucous conditions of the lungs, and gravel in the kidneys. To stop intestinal bleeding, extract the fresh juice and take 1 tsp. every hour. Use it as a tea for anemia in children. The fresh leaves may be used in salads.

Externally, a poultice of nettles and slippery elm will stop bleeding when applied to the skin. Use fresh leaves. It stimulates hair follicle growth, and reduces a buildup of scalp oils. Use it as a hair rinse, to restore natural color.

Note: An antidote to poisoning from nettle sting in fresh bruised yellow dock that is rubbed over the affected area.