Herbal remedies for the male

No 12 Stinging nettles. Urtica dioica/ Urtica repens Urticaceae family

These plants are so well known by everyone on this island that they practically need no description. However, it should be pointed out that the two species are markedly distinct, as one (Urtica repens) is an annual with smaller leaves and generally grows much smaller with a more delicate stature, only reaching about 40cm in height, whereas the more common Urtica dioica is perennial from a creeping underground rootstock and can attain heights of 8 ft or more given reasonable growing conditions.

Introduced by the Romans according to legend, it was used by the soldiers as a flogging aid to warm them during long cold nights and as an aid for sore, stiff bones and joints. This practice is known as ‘urtication’ and is regaining popularity especially on the continent in places such as Germany where

a lot of the most recent and valued research into herbal remedies has been carried out.

This is possibly the uber herb for males of a certain disposition and age. The reason is due to its ability to arrest prostate complaints.

Parts used

Nettle tops….as a spinach and spring detoxifying herb

Root……….. inhibits prostate tissue enlargement

Harvest

Leaves when required, although as a vegetable they are better before the height of summer.

Roots are dug at their best in Autumn but can be dug and used at any time should circumstances dictate.

Active constituents

Leaves contain iron, vit c, minerals, especially calcium, potassium and sillic acid as well as phenolic acids and flavonoids. Formic acid in stings. Histamine, volatile and resinous substances. Glucoquinone

The roots are rich in polysaccharides, lecithin, several phenolic compounds and plant sterols.

Actions

Nutrative, haemostatic, astringent, circulatory stimulant, galactagogue, hypoglycaemic, diuretic(excreting uric acid) Anti prostatic.

Indications

The leaves are so high in iron and minerals that it is recommended for cases of anaemia and other deficiency conditions. Nettles increase excretion of uric acid. The tannins present exhibit astringency whilst the presence of glucoquinone helps account for the perceived hypoglycaemic action. Extract of nettle leaf has been found to slow the heart of lab animals as well as helping to dilate and constrict the blood vessels alternately under different conditions.

The root is the organ that contains the magic as far as the men are concerned. Rich in plant sterols, sugars and other funky medicinal compounds, it has been shown by much research to arrest the enlargement of the prostate gland.

Recently, the esteemed German ’commision E’

(an authoritive body researching and advising doctors of the therapeutic use of plants in Germany as well as the E.U during the conversion and redrafting of legislation concerning the use of traditional herbal medicinal products in 2004.) signified the use of nettle root for benign prostatic hypoplasia.(BPH)

Although more research is being carried out, many successful treatments in Germany with nettles are testament to its efficacy. It seems that the nettle root extract inhibits the enzyme aromatase which normally converts testosterone into other compounds such as estradiol. This then allows the testosterone to locate and attach to its receptor site, thus keeping the libido up and preventing any abnormality with the prostate gland. The action of inhibition is a different one to another reported remedy for prostate problems, Saw palmetto.

The fat soluble extract is pharmacologically active in fat tissues where androgens such as testosterone are aromatised, whilst the more water soluble methanol extract exhibits the greatest B.P.H arrest, with resultant high levels of inhibition of prostate growth.

Other Applications

Treatment of arthritis and gout. As an alterative both for skin and joints it can aid the clearance of acne and other skin complaints as well as reportedly helping counteract the overproduction of dandruff. Nicholas Culpeper rated it an herb that was hot and dry in the 2^nd degree. It is locally astringent and a valuable wound staunching herb for the nose. Nettles can help reduce blood sugar levels, making it useful in the treatment of ‘type-2’ or late onset diabetes mellitus. It is also esteemed as a flogging herb to assist with skeletal stiffness and pains.