Urtica dioica

'Stinging Nettle'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Urticaceae: this is the familiar stinging nettle which grow to 1.5m. Found growing on waste ground, hedgerows, woods and gardens, preferring nitrogen-rich soils near human habitation. The pendulous catkins, borne on separate-sex plants, appearing from June-October. The fruits superficially resemble the flowers. The leaves are oval, pointed tips, toothed, in opposite pairs, these leaves have stinging hairs, causing irritation to the skin. Widespread and common. Native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America.

USES:

The young leaves can be cooked as a potherb and added to soups, they can also be dried for winter use. Nettles are a very valuable addition to the diet, they are a very nutritious food that is easily digested and is high in minerals (especially iron) and vitamins (especially A and C). Only use young leaves and wear stout gloves when harvesting them to prevent being stung. Cooking the leaves, or thoroughly drying them, neutralizes the sting, rendering the leaf safe to eat. Nettle beer is brewed from the young shoots.

Nettles have a long history of use in the home as an herbal remedy and nutritious addition to the diet. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used as a cleansing tonic and blood purifier, so the plant is often used in the treatment of hay fever, arthritis, anaemia. The whole plant has antiasthmatic, antidandruff, astringent, depurative, diuretic, galactogogue, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic properties and a stimulating tonic. An infusion of the plant is very valuable in stemming internal bleeding, it is also used to treat anaemia, excessive menstruation, haemorrhoids, and arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints, especially eczema. Externally, the plant is used to treat skin complaints, arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, haemorrhoids, and hair problems. The fresh leaves of nettles have been rubbed or beaten onto the skin in the treatment of rheumatism.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame, only just covering the seed. Easy.

HARVESTED: 2021*