Brendan M.R. Bowles
An Investigation into the uses of Urtica dioica L (Urticaceae) Common Nettle – separate parts, different conditions?
Abstract
Intro: This report presents the findings of an investigation into the past present and possible future uses of Urtica dioica Linnaeus (Urticaceae) Common Nettle. In particular the author was interested in determining whether there is any pattern between the parts used and application, that is, would the aerial parts of this plant be preferentially applied to acute conditions, and would the subterranean parts be preferentially applied to chronic conditions.
Aims and Objectives: To assess whether there is any direct relationship between parts used and application of Urtica dioica. This was achieved by means of a detailed literature search and through organoleptic assessment.
Methods: The information gathered for this investigation was through qualitative research methods achieved by an extensive literature search including various book and Internet sources, publications, journals, and databases to determine the Historical, Traditional, and Modern medicinal use of Urtica dioica. The research was conducted using the author’s personal book collection of herbal and botanical sources, and further substantiated by sources found at four London libraries. These Libraries included the Kew Gardens Botanic Library, Kew Economic Library, Wellcome Trust Library, and the London Natural History Museum Library. The Internet searches were carried out at either at home or at the above facilities.
Conclusions: The hypotheses posed are as follows; (1) the aerial parts of Urtica dioica would preferentially be prescribed for acute conditions and (2) the subterranean parts of Urtica dioica would preferentially be prescribed for chronic conditions. The author concluded that there was not enough evidence to suggest that the aerial parts would preferentially be used for acute conditions and that there was not enough evidence to suggest that the subterranean parts could preferentially be used for chronic conditions.
