Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle is one of the most widely used herbs in the Western world. However, this common plant has received little attention from the medical community. Throughout Europe nettle is used as a spring tonic and detoxifying remedy. If used regularly over the long-term it can be remarkably successful in cases of rheumatism and arthritis.⁷² Based upon its traditional uses, it might be inferred that nettle is a safe immunomodulating tonic. A lectin (plant protein) found in a nettle's leaf stimulates the proliferation of human lymphocytes.⁷³ Traditional use of nettle in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hayfever) is gaining research support.⁷⁴ It is especially indicated for cases of childhood eczema and beneficial in all the varieties of this condition. Fresh nettle has been used as a safe diuretic.