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Schwabe News Volume 5 | Issue 10-12 | October – December 2014

Urtica dioica

It was introduced by Dr. Hirschel’s Archiv and first included in homoeopathic literature by Dr. Clarke.  Its pathogenesis and usage has a broad similarity with Urtica urens.  In some areas, it has been found superior to the frequently used Urtica urens. It is a herbaceous perennial plant. It is found in Great Britain and all over Europe and Japan. In India, it is found in North-West Himalayas from Kashmir and the salt range to Simla.

It contains quercitin, histamine, choline, acetylcholine, serotonin, glucoquinone, phenols and plant sterols.

A homoeopathic tincture is made from the whole plant. It is covered by both Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States and German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia.

It is used for catarrh, leucorrhoea, bronchial haemorrhage blood-splitting, uterine haemorrhage, nephritis, haematuria and menorrhagea. Young leaves when steamed make a laxative vegetable. Dried leaves powdered and inhaled relieve asthma and bronchial troubles. The homoeopathic tincture is used for prevention of calculus, gout, erythema, and vesicular eruptions. It has properties of fighting allergies. Its roots are diuretic. Research on its root extract gives value as a medicine for benign prostate hypertrophy. Reports suggest it to control dandruff and is said to make hair more glossy, and so is used in shampoos.

It was used earlier in the following cancerous ulcers, inflammed or oedematous tumours. Its alcoholic abstract has been used in hepatitis, cholecystitis, habitual constipation, current research indicates it as a good drug to inhibit prostrate growth, to correct uric acid diathesis, to control allergic reactions specially in hypertensive and diabetic patients and it is also useful in salmonella infections. 

Recommended dose: Ø/1x 10-20 drops 2-3 times a day, under medical supervision

References

• P. N. Varma et al., A Compendium of Rare and Clinically Established Mother Tinctures, 4th Edition, Dr. Willmar Schwabe India Pvt. Ltd., A-36, Sector 60, Noida.
  J. H. Clarcke, Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica, Reprint Edition 1992, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
  R. Murphy, Homoeopathic Remedy Guide, Lotus Health Institute, Stuart, Virginia, United States.
  P. N. Varma, Indu Vaid, Encyclopaedia of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, Updated edition 2007, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.