Herba Urticae
Aliases：Xún Cǎo (Scalding Herb); Xiē Zǐ Cǎo (Scorpion Grass); Shì Má Zǐ (Stinging Nettle Seed); Xiǎo Xún Má (Small Nettle); Hā Lā Hǎi (Hala Sea Nettle); Huǒ Má (Fire Nettle); Huǒ Má Cǎo (Fire Hemp Grass); Bái Huó Má (White Nettle); Huó Má Cǎo (Living Nettle Grass); Liè Yè Xún Má (Lobed-leaved Nettle); Yǎng Yǎng Cǎo (Itchy Grass); Hǔ Má Cǎo (Tiger Nettle Grass); Qīng Huó Má (Green Nettle).
Xún Má (Nettle) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the whole plant of Urtica laetevirens Maxim., Urtica fissa Pritz., Urtica angustifolia Fisch. ex Hornem., and Urtica cannabina L., plants of the Urticaceae family. Its stems and leaves are covered with stinging hairs that can cause sharp pain upon contact, hence the folk name “Scorpion Grass” (Xiē Zǐ Cǎo). It is commonly used in folk medicine for rheumatic arthralgia (wind-dampness bi syndrome), hypertension, and infantile convulsions, among other conditions.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals; calms the liver and stops convulsions; resolves food stagnation and promotes bowel movements; and detoxifies.
Indications
Used for rheumatic arthralgia, postpartum convulsions, infantile convulsions, sequelae of poliomyelitis, hypertension, indigestion, constipation, urticaria (hives), traumatic injuries, and insect and snake bites. In addition to the above indications, nettle (Urtica spp.) is also widely used in folk medicine. In some regions, it is also used for chronic bronchitis, diabetes, and skin pruritus, among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Extracts of nettle (Urtica spp.) exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Anticoagulant effect: Exhibits anticoagulant activity. Anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) effect: Numerous clinical studies abroad have demonstrated that Urtica dioica (European nettle) and Urtica species are effective in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Antibacterial effect: Exhibits certain antibacterial activity. Antioxidant effect: Exhibits antioxidant activity. Hypoglycemic and lipid-regulating effects: Urtica species have shown hypoglycemic and lipid-regulating pharmacological activities.
Ingredients
Vitamins: Various vitamins. Tannins. Flavonoids: Diosmin, among others. Alkaloids: Stachydrine, among others. Organic Acids: Formic acid, butanoic acid, among others. Other Components: The stem bark contains formic acid, butanoic acid, and other irritant acidic substances.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 5–10g. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, fresh herb mashed and juice extracted for rubbing; or mashed for external application; or decocted in water for washing the affected area.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with spleen-stomach weakness. Should not be used in excessive amounts for internal administration: Overdose may cause severe vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, palpitations, and even collapse. Use with caution during pregnancy: As this herb is warm and dispersing in nature, pregnant women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Contraindicated for individuals allergic to nettle: The stinging hairs of this herb may cause contact dermatitis; those with an allergic constitution should avoid contact.
Selected Formulas
For Rheumatic Arthritis (from Inner Mongolia Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of hemp-leaved nettle (Urtica cannabina L.), decoct in water, and use the liquid for external washing. For Postpartum Convulsions and Infantile Convulsions (from Inner Mongolia Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take a small amount of hemp-leaved nettle, decoct in water, and take orally. For Hypertension and Numbness of Hands and Feet (Empirical Formula) Take 30g of nettle root (Urtica spp.), decoct in water, and take orally. For Eczema (Empirical Formula) Take 60g each of nettle root (broad-leaved nettle, Urtica laetevirens) and ephedra root (Ephedra spp.), decoct in water, and use the liquid to wash the affected area. For Urticaria (Hives) (from Inner Mongolia Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take fresh seedlings of hemp-leaved nettle, mash to extract the juice, and apply topically. For Venomous Snake Bite (from Inner Mongolia Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of hemp-leaved nettle, mash thoroughly, and apply to the affected area.
Daily Consumption
Blanched and Served Cold as a Salad: Wash fresh young nettle leaves thoroughly, blanch them in boiling water until fully cooked, then remove and squeeze out excess water. Mix with minced garlic, salt, vinegar, sesame oil, and other seasonings, and serve. It helps resolve food stagnation and promote bowel movements.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
