Facts on Nettle

The stinging nettle is an herbaceous perennial found throughout the whole of Europe, much of Asia, Canada and United States. It is an abundant weed on rich soils in gardens and waste ground. From it's profusely branched yellow rootstock rise numerous quadrangular stems. It grows up to 120 cm high. The leaves are soft, pointed, with a serrated margin. Stinging hairs cover the whole plant. Brushing against a nettle can result, in a very sore and uncomfortable rash.

Nettles have historically been used to treat rheumatism, eczema, gout, anemia and arthritis. The popularity of stinging nettle products is increasing in the field of alternative medicine. It is used today in the treatment of: -

Urinary problems.
Enlarged prostrate (early stages).
Kidney stones.
Hay fever.
Joint pain
Sprains and strains.
Tendonitis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Insect bites and stings.
Osteoarthritis
Cough

Nettles products are generally made from the roots and leaves. The plant contains numerous substances, which assist in preventing hair loss and improve its appearance and growth (including vitamins C, B2, B6, histamine, chlorophyll, A and B).

Hair rinse: -
100 gm chopped nettle.
Half liter of boiling water.
Half liter 4 percent vinegar.

Pour the boiling water over chopped nettles, when cooled add the vinegar. The preparation, warmed and used daily for 10 days will visible improve the hair and scalp.

Young nettles can be incorporated into "detox" drinking either as a tea or cooked and eaten as spinach. To make tea, add 2 to 3 teaspoons dried leaf to a cup hot water, and allow to steep 10 to 15 minutes. Make young fresh leaves into a tasty soup or even favor an omelette. Nettle juice can be used as a substitute for rennet to make cheese.

Nettle fibers were used to weave cloth up until the late 18th century. Fabric from nettles makes strong, durable, self-dyed linen. Yellow and green dyes from nettles were once used in the making of Harris Tweed.

When dried and powdered nettle is added to poultry food, this increases egg-production. Pigs do well on boiled Nettles.
A bucket of nettles covered with rainwater and left soak for a week, strained and put into a spray acts as a useful insecticide in the garden against black fly and aphids.

There are several superstitious beliefs surrounding nettles: -.

Dust nettle around the house to keep evil out and send it back.
Throw nettle onto the fire to prevent danger.
Hold in the hand to ward of ghosts.
Dispel fears by carrying nettle with yarrow.
Wear as a charm to keep negativity far away

Caution
Only use young leaves. Herbs contain active substances that can cause side effects and interact with other medications, herbs, or supplements. Therefore, herbs must be taken with care. Contact with skin can cause an allergic rash.

Learn more about this author, ROSEMARIE GLANVILLE.
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