Fresh Nettles Tincture (2oz)
Fresh Nettles Tincture
Ingredients: Fresh harvested nettle leaf and stalk, in gin and vegetable glycerin.
Harvested ethically with intention, in community with Atabey Herbal Medicine Collective in Spring, 2021 in the Columbia River gorge.
Deep rich earth nourishment, a spring tonic for respiratory relaxation, allergy support, uterine and hormonal support, and general vitality. One of the most widely and commonly used plants, Nettles is a wonderful ally for helping us move gracefully in-between the seasons, especially between Winter and Spring, and Spring and Summer.
Photo by Paul Morley on Unsplash
Safety Information from MountSinai.org:
“Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It is also used for urinary tract infections, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.
Hay fever
One preliminary human study suggested that nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever. In another study, 57% of patients rated nettles as effective in relieving allergies, and 48% said that nettles were more effective than allergy medications they had used previously. Researchers think that may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen. More studies are needed to confirm nettle's antihistamine properties. Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle well before hay fever season starts.
Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or rash (mainly from topical use). It is important to be careful when handling the nettle plant because touching it can cause an allergic rash. Stinging nettle should never be applied to an open wound.
Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle.
DO NOT self treat with nettle for BPH. See your doctor to receive a diagnosis and to rule out prostate cancer.
There is some evidence that stinging nettle may raise blood sugar and interfere with diabetes management. There is also evidence that it can lower blood sugar. Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely when using stinging nettle.
Stinging nettle can have a diuretic effect. If you have kidney or bladder issues, speak with your provider.
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners)
Stinging nettle may affect the blood's ability to clot, and could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, including:
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Aspirin
Drugs for high blood pressure
Stinging nettle may lower blood pressure, so it could strengthen the effects of these drugs:
ACE inhibitors: Captopril (Capoten), Elaropril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Zestril), fosinopril (Monopril)
Beta-blockers: Atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Induran)
Calcium channel blockers: Nifedipine (Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
Diuretics (water pills)
Because stinging nettle can act as a diuretic, it can increase the effects of these drugs, raising the risk of dehydration:
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrocholorothiazide “