St Francis Nettle Spring Tops(Urtica dioica)
* Traditionally used to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis
* Traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions of the lower urinary tract
* Traditionally used as a diuretic Nettle spring tops have been used therapeutically over the millennia in many different cultures both East and West. For example, ancient Greek physicians noted its diuretic action. Its use occurs moreover in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine of India and in the medicinal practice of North American aboriginal tribes. Naturopath William Mitchell notes that the Eclectic physicians of the early part of the last century used nettle leaves "as a diuretic and to flush the kidneys, ureters, and bladder of accumulated detritus (toxins)." "As a diuretic," health writer and researcher Michael Castleman explains, "nettle can help flush the bladder of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Commission E, the expert panel that evaluates herbal medicines for the German counterpart of the FDA, approves nettle leaf preparations for the prevention of UTIs and kidney stones." Herbal practitioner Michael Tierra points out that, "nettles is a tonic that will benefit the whole body, especially the lungs, stomach, and urinary tract.... Nettles tea is useful for asthma, chronic and acute urinary complaints, urinary stones, nephritis and cystitis." Yet another contemporary herbalist, Gazmend Skenderi, adverts to nettle`s anti-inflammatory and diuretic action and asserts that it is used "for inflammations of the genitourinary tract (cystitis, etc.)... and to prevent relapsing urinary infections." Making reference to a research study undertaken in 1999, herbalist Alan Tillotson remarks that, "Nettle leaf extracts reduce inflammation, in part, by suppressing the release of inflammatory cytokines." The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, a normative authority, lists cutaneous eruptions as well as infantile and psychogenic eczema among its indications for nettle spring tops. In his monograph on nettle, leading herbalist David Hoffmann relates that, "Nettle is specific for childhood eczema and beneficial for all varieties of this condition, especially nervous eczema. It can be helpful as a component of treatment for eczema for adults." Administration:
20-40 drops (0.7-1.3ml), three to four times daily, in a mouthful of water, on an empty stomach Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In rare cases, nettle leaf may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have heart and/or kidney diseases. A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life. Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb`s medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences. As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you`ll be surprised to learn that it`s about the same as what you`d find in an overly ripe banana! Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs. Ingredients:
Certified Organic Nettle spring tops
(Urtica dioica)
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