Stinging Nettle
Urtica Dioica
Family: Urticaceae - Origin: Worldwide
Description
Stinging Nettles are a nerve-tingling perennial thriving globally with a long history of medicinal uses. Filled with more nutrients than most cultivated crops, it can also be an easily obtainable and sustainable staple in one's diet.
Origin & Etymology
Native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and western North America, nettle's name derives from the Latin 'Urtica', which means 'sting'. Evidently, this plant has been stinging since the start of history, causing an antihistamine response from injecting little hairs when it 'stings' - (what it's actually doing, is innocently stimulating the nerves and blood flow, desensitizing us to allergens.)
Medicinal Uses
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Allergy Relief - Nettles help alleviate allergy and hayfever symptoms such as sneezing, itching and congestion. This is done by reducing the body's production of histamines.
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Pain Relief - Studies show this plant to be an effective analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-ulcer agent, making it a great remedy to heal wounds and reduce pain.
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Prostate Health - Nettle roots can benefit men with enlarged prostates (BPH), and prevent prostate cancer.
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Detoxification - As a diuretic, it helps flush out toxins from the kidney, and also help boost immunity and manage menstruation.
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Inflammation - Has anti-inflammatory properties and has a long history of treating joint pain and arthiritis.
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Nail Health - Containing silica, the chemical makeup of our nails, nettles can help grow nails and hair.
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Cardiovascular Health - Exhibiting antiproliferative and hypotensive characteristics, nettles can prevent cardiovascular disease.
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Nutrient-Rich - Nettles come with a long list of nutrients - Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, along with easily absorbed calcium and iron, making it a great at tackling anemia.
Consuming
With a similar flavour profile to spinach, nettle leaves can be easily cooked to neutralise the sting, then thrown into soups, stews, pastas, pestos, and more. The roots, with their own list of medicinal benefits, are often dried alongside leaves to make teas and tinctures. At the end of the nettle's lifecycle, the seeds can also be harvested, packed with nutrients to enjoy in smoothies or as a snack.
Foraging / Growing
This plant is typically foraged in spring to early summer, when the plants are young and tender, with the nutritional content being at its peak. Should you choose to cultivate it, here are the guidelines:
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Germination Temperature: 10℃ - 21℃ / 50℉ - 70℉
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Minimum and Maximum Temperature: 0℃ - 35℃ / 32℉ - 95℉
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Ideal Growing Temperature: 10℃ - 24℃ / 50℉ - 75℉
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Days to Maturity: 60-90 days / Maximum life of 5 years
Folklore
The stinging sensation caused by nettles summoned the belief that handle them will build courage and resilience. There's a saying, 'grasp the nettles', which means to use said courage in the face of difficult or challenging situations. Funnily enough, literally grasping the nettles with a tougher grip will allow for less stings to find their mark, as the force used can break the stinging hairs before they get a chance to penetrate.
Other Uses
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Fiber and Textiles - Stems of nettle contain a strong fiber which has been historically used to make ropes, sails, and cloth for shirts and bedding.
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Animal Feed - Due to its high nutritional factor, nettles are enjoyed by many animals.
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Garden Fertility - Alongside attracting beneficial insects, nettles can be made into a high nitrogen liquid feed or compost activator, eliminating the need for store bought feed.
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Dye - The roots of nettles can be used to make a dark yellow dye.