Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives NSD and diet-related; Stinging Nettle Leaf

Does anyone know if stinging nettle leaf, not the root, is starchy? It is supposed to help purify the blood helping with anemia. I need to get my iron levels up and oral iron is not cutting it. I constantly go back and forth with my hemoglobin being a little bit low and being low normal. My doctor advised large amounts of iron which I am hesitant to do given past extremely elevated readings. Also, I don't think that is the true issue.

Thanks.

Don't know anything about nettle leaf, but I'm curious:
are you having problems absorbing any other nutrients, or just iron? There are various foods that inhibit iron absorption; do you happen to eat much of those (spinach, chard, non-herbal teas with tannin)?

I've had problems with protein absorption it seems.

I eat no chard, but spinach (maybe 1/4 to 1/3 cup, frozen) every other day. Oxalates/oxalic acid?

I have had this iron problem since before I underwent major diet modification. Could have been there too from all the wheat (not necessarily gluten) in my diet back then.

I also had major bowel surgery back in the day. My ability to absorb certain nutrients could be compromised due to IBD and surgery.

So many variables. Just curious to find out if I would respond to this herb and can keep the iron at lower levels.

Thank you.

Hi Jay. I don't know if it's starchy but I'm going through the same things are with the low iron counts. I heard about nettle tea and have been meaning to get some.
I have a few tablespoons of blackstrap molasses every day (straight from the spoon), I eat some porridge, almonds, meat and other high iron foods. Breathing is getting better slowly.

Timo. Hello. Most interesting that you have encountered similar information about nettle and aid for iron counts. I used to do un-sulphured blackstrap molasses also until it was apparent that I had candida yeast problems. It definitely takes a little getting used to the taste. I used to mix it with some warm water and drink it like a tea. I'd love to start using it again.

Maybe you already know this, but I remembered liver meat is supposed to be a really great source of iron due to high concentration of iron in a well-absorbed form (better than supplements). It might be worth a try, especially if organic liver meat is available locally (to avoid buildup of medicines and/or pesticides in conventionally raised animal livers).

The organ meat idea is very good. I sort of overlooked that. I had incorporated, not very willingly, chicken livers into my diet some time back.

I wrote the company whose product I am considering since no one had insight to offer on this particular herb. I will disclose the results when I receive a response.

The response received:



This answer provided limited information. I will try and find something or just 'trial and error' it to determine if, and how bad, it bothers me.

I found a discussion of nettle leaf constituents, which sadly does list starch:
http://www.botanicamedicines.com.au/product_info.php/products_id/414

Perhaps one could find a nettle leaf extract that would not include the starch

one glass in the morning with juiced red beetroot & carrot (both raw) will put up back your iron counts in a couple of weeks. tested.