Uses
The botanical properties of nettle extract (Urtica dioica) are listed as anti-inflammatory, astringent, bactericidal, healing, mildly deodorant, and stimulating. It is considered effective for treating eczema and sunburn. According to some sources, this is the botanical with the highest vitamin e content, and as such, it would have good anti-oxidant properties. nettle’s important constituents include acetylcholine, amino acids, histamine, carotinoids, and chlorophyll. An analysis of fresh nettle also shows the presence of formic acid, mucilage, mineral salts, ammonia, carbonic acid, and water. The formic acid in nettle, along with the phosphates and a trace of iron, makes it a valuable botanical. There are more than 500 species of nettle growing mainly in tropical countries. The whole herb is employed for therapeutic purposes.
