Large nettle (Urtica dioica)

Large nettle can be found all over Europe, Asia and in North America. The large nettle has since the middle Ages had a long line of usages in Europe. It contains flavonoids (kaempferol), silicates, histamine, serotonin, potassium, silicon, free amino acids, chlorophyll and acetylcholine. It is anti-inflammatory, diuretic, it counteracts 5-alpha-reductase and has positive hormonal effect on the prostate. It is used for alleviating arthritis, hay fever, asthma and itching from insect bites. Large nettle also generally stimulates the digestive system and has cleansing properties. Pharmacological studies show that it increases the secretion of chloride and urea by the kidneys.