The Kentucky Gazette

From the American Museum, for July 1788.

Medical virtues of the common stinging Nettle.

It has long been my sentiment, that the most common gifts of Providence are the most useful, salutary and worthy of estimation. To prove that this opinion has not been ill founded, I will at present, apply it to only one instance, of which I can speak with confidence.

The common stinging nettle, apparently as useless and troublesome a plant as any that has been stigmatised with the name of weed, is one of the most efficacious medicines we have in the vegetable kingdom: In the form of a strong decoction, or infusion, taken in the quantity of a pint a day, it is a most valuable strengthener of general or partial relaxation. In that of a weak decoction or infusion, it proves an admirable alterative and deobstruent, in impurities of the blood, and in obstructions of the vessels. And in that of expressed juice, taken by spoonfuls, as the exigency of the case requires, it is the most powerful styptic in internal bleedings known. Externally applied, as a fomentation or poultice, it amazingly discusses inflammation, and resolves swellings. In the common sore throat, thus applied, and internally, as a gargle great dependence may safely be put in this common plant. I have been witness to its efficacy therein in many instances.

P.F.