A sting in the tail
Nettle (Urtica dioica or stinging nettle) is a perennial member of the Urticaceae, bearing serrated leaves on thick stems all of which are covered in stinging hairs and will grow up to 2m in height. It is native to the northern hemisphere and will colonise any nitrogen-rich wasteland, progressing by way of a strong rhizome and in quite a short period will invade a very large area.
Mostly regarded as a pernicious weed, it has some surprising qualities. Its name derives from the Latin uro, meaning I burn, and the common name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word netele, meaning a needle.
The Greek physician Dioscorides recommended it for a range of ailments and the Romans of that period used it for the practice of urtification, beating with fresh nettles to stimulate blood flow to keep warm in winter.
The plant’s main constituents are quercitin, serotonin, histamine, choline, glucoquinine, sterols, calcium, potassium, iron, silicic acid, phenols and vitamins. These make it very useful as a diuretic, tonic, astringent, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, and, like saw palmetto, it inhibits prostate enlargement. Many ancient claims made for nettle are now being supported by recent research in Germany into the compounds of the root, which indicate its value as a treatment for BPH and that the leaf and stem have a marked anti-inflammatory effect on those suffering from arthritis. Patients given a daily infusion of 50g of nettle showed a marked improvement in their condition.
Nettle is hypotensive and at the same time will eliminate urates, which sometimes alarms those taking it to reduce high blood pressure, but the passage of gravel in the urine is a good sign. The plant makes a considerable contribution to de-toxifying and cleansing the system, in addition it is valued as a blood toner. Many readers will associate nettles with nose-bleeds as it was used, in the form of a poultice, by grandmothers to staunch the flow of blood. Regularly taken as an infusion, it will reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
A tincture made from the root will relieve hay fever and other allergies such as shell fish and strawberry. Fresh pressed juice from the stem and leaf will combat nettle rash, so if you are unfortunate enough to fall into a nettle hedge, don’t forget to keep some. The juice has long been used in folk medicine to treat eczema, providing you don’t mind looking like a martian. The itching associated with Hodgkin’s disease is said to be relieved by consuming regular infusions of nettle.
The plant is rich in iron and potassium as well as vitamin C and therefore makes an excellent weekly tonic for both young and old. The fresh shoots may be cooked just like spinach and can be consumed hot or cold. Furthermore, nettles can be fermented and transformed into a refreshing summer beer. The stems yield a fibre that was used to make clothing.
If any of you have a compost heap you will find that nettles make an excellent activator and should be added on a regular basis.
Finally I recommend the old Scottish adage for those bold enough to try it:
‘Grasp a nettle like a petal and it stings for your pains’
‘Clasp it like a man o metal, and it soft as silk remains’
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Next week Gentian
