URTICA URENS

Homeopathy

URTICA URENS

Urtica urens
Annual nettle.

Key Uses:

Blistering, burning, stinging, red rashes caused by insect bites, stings, shellfish, and plants

Burned, blistered skin

Urticaria

Origin : Found wild in temperate regions throughout the world.

Background : In the 1st century CE the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides advocated this nettle and its relative, Urtica dioica, as a treatment for festering wounds, nosebleeds, and delayed menstruation. The plant has a long tradition of use for many ailments in Western herbalism, and is still highly valued today.

Preparation : The whole flowering plant, including the root, is steeped in alcohol.

Remedy Profile : Appropriately, urticaria (nettle rash or hives) is a key condition treated by Urtica urens. It is given for red, burning, stinging skin eruptions that may be swollen or itchy. Symptoms are often aggravated by warmth, bathing, and vigorous exercise. Itching tends to be worse on rising in the morning, perhaps causing a fear of going to bed at night. Urtica urens is also used for actual burns or scalds with classic redness and blistering, and for blistering, burning, stinging, red, allergic rashes caused by insect bites, stings, shellfish, and plants.

Symptoms Better : For rubbing the affected area; for lying down.

Symptoms Worse : For warmth; during a snowfall; for bathing in cold water; at the same time each year; for touch; after childbirth.