Nettle

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica, Urtica galeopsifolia. The annual nettle species dwarf nettle (Urtica urens L.) can be used in a similar manner as the stinging nettle in herbal medicine.

Family Urticaceae

Other Common Names of Stinging Nettle: Big string nettle, common nettle, Nettle, devil’s leaf, European nettle, Grosse Brennesse (German), grande ortie (French), ortiga (Spanish), brenninetla (Icelandic), brænde nælde (Danish).

TCM Name: Xun Ma

Meridians: Lung, Liver, Kidney

Key TCM Actions & Medicinal Uses: Tonifies the Lungs/Treats Skin: eczema, congested lungs, coughs, asthma, shingles. Purifies Blood: cleanses the Blood from environmental toxins and toxins in food.  Drains Phlegm/Astringing; urinary tract infections, allergy congestion, gout, edema. Builds Blood/Enriches Kidney and Liver Yin: hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, dull hair, brittle nails, regulate menses. Stops Bleeding: hemorrhage, post partum bleeding, heavy menses. Regulates Metabolism: improves stamina, poor appetite, improves lactation.

Habitat: While originally from the cold…