Nettle Leaf 5:1

History:

Nettle is a fibrous plant, native to Eurasia, but distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world. It grows as a weed on roadsides and in waste places and thrives in moist, nitrogen-rich soil in sun or dappled shade. Nettle is a perennial herb with erect stems that may reach seven feet in height with coarse-toothed leaves that are covered with severely stinging bristles. Its botanical genus, Urtica, is derived from the Latin, urere, meaning "to burn," referring to the plant's stinging hairs; and the common name, Nettle, is derived from its Anglo-Saxon and Dutch equivalent, netel or noedl, meaning "needle," possibly referring to the sharp sting of the leaves or its use in cloth making. Although Nettle is widely recognized as a stinging weed that produces a burning rash when touched, it deserves greater appreciation for its nutritive and therapeutic uses. It was once widely drunk as a nutritious Spring Tonic (the boiling process removes the sting), as it is rich in protein, iron and vitamins. Its use may be traced back to the Bronze Age when it was greatly valued in Scotland and Ireland for its fibers that were made into a durable cloth, a use that continued into the twentieth century. In the second and third centuries B.C., Nettle was used for hemlock and henbane poisoning and for snakebites and scorpion stings. The legions of Julius Caesar were said to have introduced Nettles to Britain, thinking they would need it to flog and rub their limbs for blood circulation to keep warm in the colder climate of the north; and the Roman, Pliny, prescribed the juice of Nettle in the first century as a natural resistant against the plant's own sting. Since ancient times, Nettles have been used for bronchial health, circulatory and skin health, plant sensitivity, joint and muscle health and even baldness. It was also considered an excellent rubefacient, an agent that when rubbed on the skin irritates and causes blood to flow to an affected area for blood circulation and stimulation; and until recently, "urtication," or beating with Nettles, was a standard folk therapy for joints and muscle health. Nettle is highly nutritious and has been cooked as a spinach-like vegetable (harvested when the plant is young) or puréed into soups. The plant provides a commercial source of chlorophyll and yields a green dye that has been used in paints and cloth dyeing. Some of the many constituents in Nettle include protein, a rich source of vitamin D, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C and E, high amounts of chlorophyll, formic, caffeic and malic acids, serotonin, glucoquinones, exceptionally high amounts of iron, silica, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sulfur, zinc, tannins, histamine, mucilage, ammonia (which causes the stinging), lecithin, lycopene, essential fatty and other acids, folate, beta-carotene, choline, phytosterols, lignins, polysaccharides and the lectin UDA (Urtica dioica agglutinine).

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Do not take Nettle Herbal Supplement if you have high blood pressure, and some people may experience mild gastrointestinal upset with the use of this herb. There are concerns that Nettle may interact with prescription medications used for diabetes, high blood pressure, sedation and inflammation; therefore, if taking these medications, please consult your physician before taking the herb. People with fluid retention due to congestive heart failure or kidney disease should not use Nettle, nor should those who think they are coming down with flu, because the herb reduces the body's production of immune chemical interleukin-6. Because of its exceptional diuretic properties, Nettle may cause potassium loss if taken on a regular basis, and supplemental potassium or high potassium foods, such as bananas and fresh vegetables, should be included in the diet.

Capsule Information:
Our Nettle Leaf 5:1 supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.