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by those who employ it as being highly effective in relieving chronic rheumatism.) Nettle is used for its galactagogue properties and as a treatment for bedwetting in children. It is reported to have hypoglycaemic properties (ie. to lower the blood sugar level). The infusion pro- Or vides a soothing and healing lotion for burns. It is a highly-esteemed tonic for the scalp. To stimulate hair growth, rendering it soft and glossy, and to prevent falling hair and by Gregory Ah Ket. BA., MNHAA. eliminate dandruff, a strong decoction of the plant is used every other day as a shampoo or Nettle juice is combed through the hair daily. STI NGING NETTLE Nettle has been variously used in cloth and paper manufacture, as a food, a medicine, a dyestuff and livestock feed. Nettle fibre, Urtica dioica, U. urens similar to flax, was used in different times, particularly in northern Europe, to make sheets tablecloths and linen, sailcloth, sacking, Action: Alternative, haemostatic, diuretic, astringent, galacta ropes and nets. (The fine cloth resembles silky linen in feel and gogue. appearance.) Systems Affected: Lungs, liver, kidneys,bladder, blood. Cut and dried, Nettle is given as a supplementary feed to live- Preparation and Dosage: (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, stock: it increases milk production in cows and egg production in dose 2-5 grams by infusion. ' poultry, and imparts condition and sleek coats in run down horses. wwi-_A decoction of the plant yields a permanent green af ca dye and the roots, boiled with salt or alum, produce a beautiful yellow colour. The young plants, 15 to 20 cm high, are eaten as a ™2_ cooked vegetable in many cultures. A strong lecoction of the plant can be used as a sub- stitute for rennet. Strained, cooled and ‘Iq? added to warm milk, it will curdle it without imparting a strong flavour. ae ea, Flies have a distaste for the plant and a fresh bunch es “_ of Stinging Nettles helps to keep a kitchen or ‘Tost pantry free of them. a The whole plant is downy and covered with