Nettle is a valuable plant. It enhances the soil where it grows. It contains enzymes, iron, vitamins, various salts and formic acid. The last one is the substance causing the itching and also one of its names, “knidi” (hives). It is not so widely met in Kythera as it is in other places. It is mainly met in cultivable areas close to walls and ruins. It has been used as a healing herb since antiquity.
Scientific Name: Urtica urens
Family: Urticaceae
Kythera Name: Agriza, Agkriza, Tsouknida
Name in other places of Greece: Tsouknida, Tsiknida, Tsoukna, Skinthra, Agkinida, Knidi
Collection: All the plant along with its leaves, roots and seeds may be used. It grows with the first rains of October and it is kept until May. For healing usages, it is collected from May to June when it is almost dried.
Properties:
One of the most common medicines with many healing properties. Nettle is used as diuretic substance. It dissolves uric acid. It is an ideal therapy for nephritis, cystitis and gallstones. It is also a very good haemostatic and antianaemic agent. It is also used as cathartic, vasoconstrictive, anti-rheumatic, anticonvulsant substance and against the formation of nephrolithiasis. It is recommended for the treatment of skin conditions and of irritations caused by insects. It is applied on the scalp against dandruff and hair loss.
