Traditional Herbal Medicine Registration (THMR).

Anti-asthmatic; anti-dandruff; anti-rheumatic; anti-seborrheic; astringent; diuretic; galactogogue; haemostatic; hypoglycaemic and tonic.

Plants for a Future at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Urtica+dioica

Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data Symptomatic treatment of lower urinary tract disorders (nocturia, polyuria, urinary retention) resulting from BPH stages I and II, as defi ned by Alken, in cases where diagnosis of prostate cancer is negative (22–35). Uses described in pharmacopoeias and traditional systems of medicine As a diuretic and for the treatment of rheumatism and sciatica (6). Uses described in folk medicine, not supported by experimental or clinical data Treatment of asthma, coughs, dandruff, diabetes, diarrhoea, eczema, fever, gout, haemorrhoids, nose bleeds, scurvy, snakebites and tuberculosis (5, 6). The plant has also been used to stop uterine bleeding after childbirth, increase lactation and promote hair growth, and as a vermifuge (5, 6). Contraindications Radix Urticae is contraindicated in cases of known allergy to plants of the Urticaceae family. Owing to its effects on androgen and estrogen metabolism, the use of Radix Urticae during pregnancy and lactation and in children under the age of 12 years is contraindicated.

WHO WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). 2010. WHO, Geneva

The leaves of the plants have stinging hairs, causing irritation to the skin. This action is neutralized by heat or by thorough drying, so the cooked leaves are perfectly safe and nutritious.

Young leaves can be cooked as a potherb and added to soups.

Plants for a Future at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk

Africa, Northern Africa, Morocco

Africa, Northern Africa, Tunisia

Africa, Northern Africa, Libya

Africa, Northern Africa, Algeria

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Afghanistan

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Cyprus

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Iran

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Iraq

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Lebanon-Syria

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Turkey

Asia-Temperate, Caucasus, North Caucasus

Asia-Temperate, Caucasus, Transcaucasus

Asia-Temperate, Siberia

Asia-Temperate, China

Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, India

Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, Nepal

Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, Pakistan

Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, East Himalaya

Europe, Northern Europe

Europe, Middle Europe

Europe, Eastern Europe

Europe, Southeastern Europe

Europe, Southwestern Europe

Northern America, Eastern Canada

Northern America, Western Canada

Northern America, Northeastern U.S.A.

Northern America, Northwestern U.S.A.

Northern America, South-Central U.S.A.

Northern America, Southeastern U.S.A.

Northern America, Southwestern U.S.A.

Northern America, Subarctic America

Northern America, Mexico