Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial herb of the Urticaceae family that is native to Europe, northern Africa, Asia, and North America. It is distinguished by its large green leaves and stinging 'hairs' found along the stems and leaves. Stinging nettle has a long history of use in different cultures, primarily known for its diuretic and laxative properties---thus why it's associated with its aid with urinary tract disorders.

Antiparasitic: In British Columbia, stinging nettle is used for endoparasites in poultry. A leaf infusion (2.5 g dry plant leaves infused in 1 L boiled water) protected rats. Farmers found that when they allowed birds access to stinging nettle they will often nibble on it as a form of self-medication against internal parasites.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Stinging nettle extract was found to possess antibacterial potency against MRSA isolates and may be used as a natural antiseptics and antimicrobial agents in medicine.