Urtica dioica Sting Nettle Related species:
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Fibre made from the stems of the
stinging nettle has been found in Bronze Age sites, and was used in some
northern countries until the 17th century to make rope, cloth and fishing
line. Paper was also made from the pulped fibres. Indigenous Americans
treated aches and pains by lashing the surrounding skin with nettle stalks.
Nettles contain calcium, iron, magnesium, and Vitamins A, B and C. Infusions of the leaves reduce the blood sugar level, and promote activity of the kidney, liver and gall bladder (they are said to expel gall bladder stones). A strong infusion can be used as a healing wash for burns and rough skin, or can be used as a scalp tonic to encourage hair growth and to eliminate dandruff. The sting of most nettles is irritating but not dangerous, whereas that of the Australian species produces such a strong reaction that death has been reported in a few cases. The juice of crushed leaves and stalks is supposed to counteract the pain of nettle stings. Only the young tops of nettle plants are used in cooking. These should be collected in early spring (old leaves are too tough), washed thoroughly, and cooked in boiling, salted water in the same manner as spinach. The stinging element of the nettle is destroyed in cooking, and young leaves can be added to soups or used in omelettes. The nettle is a common weed and will grow in almost any nitrogen-rich soil. The rich minerals, nitrogen and chlorophyll stored in the plant make it valuable in the compost heap, or as a mulch around other plants. An excellent plant fertiliser can be made by soaking armfuls of nettles for several weeks in a 40-gallon drum of water. When this solution is sprinkled onto plants, it is said to protect them against fungus diseases and aphids. |