Detail close up of stinging nettle hairs on stem, Verbena bonariensis
Devil's Leaf, Nettle Tops, Roman Nettle. The "above-ground" or aerial parts (flowers, leaves, and stems) of nettle may be a mild diuretic, which means it may promote the loss of water from the body. Such a diuretic effect may explain why the aerial parts of nettle were formerly used extensively to treat urinary tract conditions such as bladder infections. In Europe, they are still taken along with large quantities of water in a treatment called "irrigation therapy" to force fluids through the urinary system. Diuretics are also used to relieve high blood pressure. Recent studies of both humans and laboratory animals confirm that nettle's aerial parts may increase the production of urine. More effective diuretics are now available, but the aerial parts of nettle are still used to relieve conditions such as premenstrual swelling.
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Photo credit: © Scenics & Science / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: alkali, bicarbonate, bonariensis, close, countryside, detail, dock, hairs, leaf, nettle, neutralise, pain, rash, sodium, stem, sting, stinging, verbena, walk, weeds
