Like stinging nettle, pellitory (or Pellitory-of-the-Wall, or Lichwort), is a part of the nettle family Urticaceae. When I first started gardening, I absolutely hated stinging nettle. A folk remedy for relieving the sting is to rub crushed rosemary, mint, sage, or even the leaves of the nettle itself on the irritated skin. I think I will domesticate it in the nearest future. It's a perennial, winter-hardy … Documented accounts of its use date as far back as 1200 BC, and its uses are widespread. Although it's often talked about in terms of its medicinal properties, I prefer to think of nettle as a food. Over the winter the foliage will die back and the plants will go dormant, reemerging in spring. The plant is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but now it can be found worldwide. Where to Find Stinging Nettle. Here are 6 evidence-based benefits of stinging nettle. – you might realize that you already have some growing nearby that you can dig up and transplant to your garden. Fresh leaves can also be used in cheesemaking as a vegetarian substitute for rennet. I’ve decided to stop cutting a section of my nettle patch to allow it to flower and seed so I can have my first go at harvesting nettle seeds. Additionally, these plants thrive on nitrogen rich soil, so it is a good idea to dig some composted manure into the soil where you are planning to plant. How did I miss that?! This is the most popular herbal nettle which has been used for centuries by mankind. I know. As long as you use one of these methods, nettle leaves can be a part of practically any dish, used in a similar way to spinach or other leafy greens. If you don't have children or pets in the yard, this is a great plant to have for greens in the spring. But you don't have to read that book to learn how to make nourishing herbal infusions; you can learn quickly online, here. You can find more tips on freezing herbs here. Stinging Nettle Benefits – Butterflies & Edible Stinging Nettle soup is delicious, nutritious, and will save you a trip to the grocery store. It pre-dates the nettle; if I did this from scratch, I wouldn't bother protecting the nettle from bandicoots. Stinging nettle is a multifaceted companion plant and has a very special place within a cannabis garden. There are many other varieties of nettle that you can grow, but stinging nettle is the most common. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one such weed with a variety of beneficial uses from a food source to a medicinal treatment to nettle garden fertilizer. Nettle’s Garden – The Old Craft Interview with Greg Kaminsky: Awakening to Authentic Spiritual Practice – The Uncommon Path Greg Kaminsky started »Occult of Personality« the – maybe first – but for sure the most prominent and constant podcast around the Western Esoteric Tradition in 2005. Here’s how – and why – you should grow it at home. The stem and underside of leaves are covered in small hairs that deliver a sting loaded with formic acid that can irritate skin for … Tilling or cultivating an area that is heavily populated may spread the rhizomes, increasing the colony instead of getting rid of stinging nettle. Keep your gloves on when you wash them, carefully removing any dirt or insects. I've been a nettle fan ever since I first read about nettle in Susun Weed's book, Healing Wise - which was about the best introduction I can imagine. In the US, there is a history of Native American use in food, medicine, clothing, and ceremonies. (I like using cardboard as a barrier because. Perhaps this is why they were given the Latin name dioica, which means “two houses.”. Pour the nettle liquid into a spray bottle and add water. I’ve tried making cordage from banana fiber before and I’d be keen to try with nettle fiber (there is so much to learn!) The nettle has sharp hairs on its leaves. The leaves can be preserved and consumed in a number of ways. Receipe for Stinging Nettle Slurry: big container with lid or mesh, non-metallic; 10l rainwater; ca 2 pounds / 1kg nettle plants, collected with gloves Cut the nettles small, fill the container with the water and cover loosley. You can also try blending the infused vinegar with honey to make an oxymel, which is perhaps even tastier! It was introduced in the 1800s, probably as a source of medicine, food, and material. Popular garden weed killers can also be used to kill stinging nettles. I think now that you’ve reminded me I’ll try again with only the leaves . Just harvest regularly to encourage new growth, and keep an eye on them in case they start to spread to areas where you don’t want them to grow. Once nettle flowers and goes to seed, its leaves may be potentially harmful to your kidneys if you consume a lot of it. Nettle, Urtica dioica, is an herbaceous perennial in the Urticaceae family that is often found growing wild in the understory of riparian zones, on the edges of meadows, in open forests, or in disturbed soils near pasture. And it is often infused into a tea. Males have a stringier, compact cluster of flowers that tend to point outward. If you want to grow some, these seed heads will provide hundreds of seeds. Another use for nettle! While picking the nettle plants, you should be careful because some of the varieties may cause stinging on the skin and result in rashes. In the UK our nettles have only just begun to flower and seed, so I’m hoping to give it a try. Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are able to survive in a wide range of conditions but are most common on ground that’s been left uncultivated for a long period.Plants can spread to form clumps, and seed is also distributed to infest new areas. Then I drop the leaves into stir fries and what I call "bubble'n'squeaks"... (Bubble'n'squeak, at our place: a meal made from left over veggies, bits of bacon or other meats, and other odd items found in jars in the fridge, mixed and heated in a fry pan and usually graced with greens from the garden. I have never tasted a cooked green – either wild or domestic – that I like better. Depending on your climate, you may have nettles available year-round (remember not to eat/drink the leaves while its flowering/seeding) or every spring. Caution: Nettle can be harvested for eating any time except when it's flowering or seeding. If I miss the message for too much longer, someone is going to get stung, to remind me. Read on, and I'll tell you a number of reasons why. These are hearty perennials with a tendency to become invasive, so choose wisely. Hi Kate, another great article! Fibers can be dried, pounded, and twisted into rope or cloth. So those are some ways to use nettle in the kitchen; what about the garden? The wild, exotic charm of the stinging nettle is particularly evident in near-natural plantations in combination with sage (Salvia), echinacea and yarrow (Achillea) and in autumn beds with asters, horned stonecrop and ornamental grasses. I highly recommend Groves’s book, which is available from Amazon, if you want to learn more about how to use common plants as herbal remedies. The action of disturbing the hairs breaks off the fragile silica tips, and the hair acts like a needle, injecting you with chemicals. Throw them in soups, pasta, stir fries, stews, or omelets. But with the Stinging Nettle the pain is literal because its fine hairs, even only brushed lightly on bare skin bare skin, create the feeling akin to dozens of little syringes injecting fiery pain. Stinging Nettle is a perennial herb growing nearly worldwide. U. dioica has been used to address a range of ailments over the centuries. To make a tincture, you can infuse dried or fresh leaves in alcohol or vinegar for use as an herbal remedy. I remember my mum using it to treat wounds on people. Stinging Nettle tea is truly a healing potion for those suffering from depression, spring asthenia, hair loss, and more. I love your perspective on everything! The stinging nettle is one of more than 50 varieties of nettle plants worldwide. The leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids (the building blocks of protein), and powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols and carotenoids (via Eat This Not That). In recent years, it has also developed into an important prairie garden perennial and a real trend plant, populating our gardens together with asters, goldenrods and ornamental grasses. Realize, you must use great care when raising and preparing it for use. They can be used to make a fresh nettle soup, added to stews, used in baking, or simply sauteed in a little butter and garlic as a side dish. Let’s learn more. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) originated in Europe but now grows on every continent but Antarctica, where-ever there is fertile, moist soil and particularly where the soil has been disturbed. To use, dilute a few drops of the tincture in half a cup of water and drink as a general health tonic. Make the nettle spray solution. Heather is a certified permaculture designer and student herbalist. The stinging nettle is one of more than 50 varieties of nettle plants worldwide. I will share my main use for nettles, though. There are quite a number of claims about the healing properties of some root and leaf extracts, but many of these are inconclusive and largely anecdotal. I put them in my Excalibur dehydrator and then use them in smoothies all year. They spread easily, sending long exploratory runners surprising distances under or between things and popping up where you least expect them. It's broadcasting a clear message: "It's time to harvest a large amount of nettle and make nettle fertilizer tea.". After disposing of the leaves, the liquid can be stored in the refrigerator and used in place of animal rennet. Glad you liked the bailing twine, Raine . Place the mixture in a tightly lidded jar in a dark location, and shake it daily. I just needed to know why my landlord insisted so strongly on maintaining that pesky nettle patch. Do you have other nettle recipes or garden applications that you could share? According to Maria Noel Groves, author of “Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies,” one cup of tea infused for 4-12 hours contains “approximately 500 milligrams of calcium in a highly bioavailable form,” meaning it is easy for the body to absorb and put to use. Stinging Nettle By Nat Bletter | May 1, 2008 Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, in the Urticaceae or nettle family) has an off-putting name, but it is actually a delicious and nutritious wild green.Sometimes called simply nettles, this short, scruffy herb grows about four feet high in moist areas near streams and lakes in nearly every part of the U.S. Squeeze to drain as much moisture as possible, chop, and place in freezer bags or containers. Though it grows abundantly as a weed, stinging nettle is also sometimes cultivated as a food plant. One of the most interesting ways of enjoying nettle that I’ve ever tried is in cheese- it’s popular in the Netherlands, and the herb adds just a touch of flavor that combines nicely with creamy dairy. These are actually tiny hollow tubes known as trichomes. If they show up in your garden, you might want to relocate them before the plants get too big. A guy called Allan Brown has made some good videos on the subject. Not only does nettle follow us about but it leaves us in no doubt, when we brush against it, about its presence and identity. Plants can later be thinned to an inch apart. Here are some ideas for making use of the free food and fertilizer that this under-appreciated weed has to offer. Why would I want a stinging plant to spread out? These same aphids are eaten by blue tits and other woodland birds that dart around the stems. I routinely add it to my compost piles in the spring to heat the pile up after a cold winter. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. COPYRIGHT © 2020 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Many times, you may come across a big patch of wild nettles in the garden and forests. To harvest, cut back the top third of the plant, just above a node where leaves branch off, which will encourage new growth. Weigh them down with a stone and fill it up with water. She holds a bachelor of science degree in environmental science from Tufts University, and has traveled and worked in many roles in conservation and environmental advocacy, including creating and managing programs based around resource conservation, organic gardening, food security, and building leadership skills. Let it sit for about a month and then strain. I was living at a property with a huge patch of it growing directly across the path from my veggie garden, and those nettles didn’t like to stay put! Just find the right spot, establish your nettle patch, and enjoy. For food and making herbal remedies, harvest the foliage when the stems looks juicy, before flowering. It is safe for almost everyone, has a plethora of uses, and is actually quite delicious. Just be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves and pants, and closed-toe shoes. Stinging nettle has an erect, squarish stem and serrated, simple, pointed, ovate leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. The chicken wire was put there to keep the bandicoots out of this section of raised beds. Your compost heap will love it, too, if you have excess after feeding your plants. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) originated in Europe but now grows on every continent but Antarctica, where-ever there is fertile, moist soil and particularly where the soil has been disturbed. They spread from seed and from the roots so to control nettles you need to attack on both fronts. Nettle is native to Europe but now grows in damp fertile soils virtually throughout the world. The stinging nettle plant has tiny little needle-like projections all over the leaves and stems. And so I started learning. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. It usually pops up each spring, and easily spreads after flowering and going to seed. And when you think it’s done or you have a new batch ready, put the plant material and any left-over liquid on the compost. Nettle is easy to grow and can easily be started by seed indoors, or divided from existing patches. I rated the plant neutral for two reasons. Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica Common nettle Stinging nettles are considered a weed by many gardeners but they have a lot to offer those who give them some space in their garden. Show larger version of the image Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) growing among zinnias in a raised garden … It’s is native to most parts of the United States and Canada. These “hairs” are hollow and act like mini hypodermic needles that inject a shot of formic acid, histamine, and other substances that can irritate your skin. Photo by Joni Blackburn. The only way to get rid of stinging nettles permanently is to remove the whole of the root. Top leaves picked from the Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) early in the season are my absolute favorite cooked green. Simply go outside and pull this “weed” from your garden – and use it to make the perfect summertime dish. You get the idea. (I’ve shared some links at the end of this article to resources that describe its amazing nutritional profile.). All this food, fertilizer, and what-ever other uses you might want to put nettle to—there are many, some detailed in the book and articles I've listed below—is available for very little effort on your part. If both varieties thrive in the catchment area, the smaller plant will be pushed into th… I wanted to show you cutting the nettle back at the edge of the bed, but I needed my cutting hand to hold the camera. The vibrant, dark emerald green hue of the nettle plant signals that it is rich in chlorophyll, and therefore, the plant is excellent for the body’s integumentary system ( s kin, nails, and hair), as well as the cardiovascular, urinary, lymph, and respiratory systems. It actually smells more like cow dung than cow dung does. It has been grown, foraged, and harvested for thousands of years. The ideal time for the harvest lies between May and July, as long as the plants are not yet blooming. Keep the soil moist throughout the spring until you are done harvesting, after which time the plants will usually take care of themselves. John from https://www.growingyourgreens.com shows you his community garden plots after he has been away for a week. Take it from someone who is very familiar with both smells.). I’ve only made cordage and I’m only a beginner but it’s quite soothing to do. And thanks for the dehydrator tip. When the bucket gets low, it can be topped up with more water a few times. Some people purposely sting themselves to encourage the release of an anti-inflammatory response. For a long time, I kept my stinging nettle in a tub out of the way of people because I didn't want it to sting anybody. I have a personal theory that the plants (“weeds”) that most persistently follow human beings about are those that have the most to offer us in terms of medicine, food, help in our gardens, and other useful things. Seeds are very tiny and require light for germination. Since the stalks of the stinging nettle are quite bare in the lower area, it is advisable to place lo… Like nettle leaves.). And here are some interesting nettle articles... "How to Make Stinging Nettle Fertilizer Tea", "A Family Herb: Stinging Nettle Leaf Uses", "19 Remarkable Benefits of Stinging Nettle", Nettles were once tithed, they have so many uses: medicine, food, fodder, fertilizer, beer, dye, fiber for thread, nets, durable cloth, paper, hair restorer, aphrodisiac, and smoke! In some parts of the US, stinging nettle is considered an invasive weed due to its ability to self-seed and spread through its root mass. Perhaps among the most cherished benefits of stinging nettles is the fact that they taste great. Or, why not find them in the woods? Nettle leaf tea can have diuretic properties and is often used to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times, such as to treat arthritis and back pain. Nettles can be used to make cordage/string. Love your pic of the bailing twine and how “real” you are! It can grow in full sun to partial shade and will tolerate soil with a wide pH range, anywhere from 5.0 to 8.0. Nettle is usually found in waste areas of gardens, coastal cliffs and under trees. This herb should not be used during pregnancy, or by those who take prescription medication. What Is Stinging Nettle? GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Insects found included predatory bugs, predaceous flies, parasitic wasps, and native bees. 1. Once plants flower and start to look woody and fibrous, leaves become stringy and tough. See our TOS for more details. Never mind worrying about pests and disease. They prefer high nitrogen soil with plenty of moisture, like the edges of farm fields and along rivers. It’s delicious on a warm day. This may also help to reduce spreading if you are concerned about the patch getting away from you. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. If you’re interested in growing other medicinal herbs, you’ll need these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. Overview Information Stinging nettle is a plant. After removing stalks, leave them to decompose on the ground around plants. The root and above ground parts are used as medicine. You’ll need about one cup of liquid nettle rennet per gallon of milk. in, nourishing herbal infusions; you can learn quickly online, here, it’s a resource that otherwise goes to landfill, it feeds my soil (appropriately balanced with other nitrogenous inputs I use) as it breaks down, running weeds such as couch grass and nettle runners are much easier to pull out when they’re running under or over cardboard than over uncovered soil, since they’re loosely rooted if you catch them early enough. I decided to leave it as it was rather than go outside, secure that chicken netting by some other means, take another picture, re-edit it, and re-load it. If you have a friend with a thriving patch, ask if you can dig up a couple of plants in late fall and replant them in your yard. Stinging nettles die down to tough yellow roots in autumn, over-wintering to grow up again the following spring. Just shake out a seed head into a jar or bag. That’s fascinating about eating nettles and not needing deodorant any more. In the garden, nettle can be added to the compost pile as an excellent mineral support for feeding beneficial bacteria, protozoa, fungi and later your plants! Alternatively, if you do find a patch growing wild, you can gather the tiny seeds in early fall, once they have turned brown. The drying time can vary depending on your location and the relative humidity, and it could take anywhere from one to a few weeks. But practice is what makes this journey remarkable, so here is a first and easy way to use your knowledge on The Stinging Nettle – the fire in the garden to make a traditional Romanian elixir called The Healing Fire or in Romanian: Focul Vindecator. Nettles don’t need much maintenance after harvest season, as they are very hardy and spread easily. Stinging nettle Perhaps one of the most intriguing examples of strange garden bedfellows is the relationship between the weed stinging nettle and several vegetable varieties. Though seen by many as an irritating weed, nettles have been appreciated by foragers for a long time, and they are so much more than just a menace to be wary of. I didn’t grow up eating much okra myself, but I have grown to love it as an adult, especially in Indian subzi recipes. Find the perfect stinging nettles garden stock photo. You’ll often find it sneaking along beside, through, or under the walls of barns, stables, gardens, and houses. Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) in the Herb Garden. Keep in a dark place, such as a pantry. This is why I decided I wanted a larger patch of it, and why I put it where it could spread into a pathway: to remind me to harvest it often and use it well. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2016, where 50 women with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups and one group was given an extract of U. dioica. There’s one way to find out! Even though the stinging nettle is not the friendliest plant to your skin, it has wonderful benefits for your health. If there is anything to that theory, then nettle must be among the most useful of them all. Perhaps the most infamous identifying feature is the tiny stinging hairs, which can be found under the leaves and along the stems. The tiny flowers are arranged in inflorescences that hang off the stems like catkins. I started a nettle patch a couple years ago, but haven’t made use of it as well as you have. It’s a relative of mint plants, so it shares the same invasive quality. Bring a basket, bucket, or paper bag, and a clean and sharp pair of scissors. I routinely add it to my compost piles in the spring to heat the pile up after a … There are loads of videos on YouTube but Sally Pointer has the best method for joining in, I think. It comes from Europe. This article covers its use as plant food. Dry in a dehydrator on the lowest temperature setting, about 95°F for 12 to 18 hours. Their flavor has been described by TV Chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall as “irrefutably green,” somewhere between spinach, cabbage, and broccoli, with a unique hint of nettliness: a sort of slight, earthy tingle in your mouth.”. The creeping surface stems can extend for some considerable distance, rooting at the nodes and producing aerial shoots. But I gave up doing that because it didn’t occur to me (duh) to strip the leaves and only dry them, without the stalks — so there were always stalky bits in the soup. Identification of Stinging Nettle. (“Mum, what’s these green dots?!”). Heather Buckner hails from amongst the glistening lakes of Minnesota, and now lives with her family on a beautiful homestead in the Vermont Mountains. Stinging nettle is dioecious, which means plants can have either male or female flowers. Discover fermented stinging nettle tea, an excellent fertilizer for plants in both gardens and vegetable patches, and an amazing pest control agent for most parasites like aphids. As the seeds are effortlessly surviving every form of production you can leave blooming or withered stinging nettles out of your consideration. If you’re using fresh leaves, it’s best to chop them and use about eight ounces of leaves to 16 ounces of liquid. I am now a complete convert. Urtica dioica var. Infused tinctures can be stored in a cool, dark place for three to five years. Stinging nettle leaf has a long history (from ancient Greek times) as a diuretic and laxative. You can read more about harvesting and using stinging nettle roots here. Space seedlings about 8 inches apart. This versatile edible and medicinal herb is not often cultivated, but foraging it from the wild is certainly not your only option. Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, has leaves and stems with tiny, hollow, tipped hairs. so thanks for the resources , You can indeed eat the seeds of nettle; I’ve read that they are great for thyroid health in particular. Frequently, I would be out peacefully weeding my beds and daydreaming – until I was jolted back to earth by an unexpected sting, the effects of which could last for hours. I knew nettle had many uses but wasn’t sure so this was a useful reminder. U. galeopsifolia lacks the stinging hairs. If you do touch a stinging nettle. All parts of the nettle plant are edible and are used by some practitioners today in herbal remedies. The nettle we’re used to in the UK is Urtica dioica, a perennial plant full of iron, calcium, magnesium and nitrogen, which makes it incredibly nutritious for both other plants and humans. Stinging nettle i n our garden Besides feeding us, our nettle patch also nourishes our garden and compost bins. But unlike stinging nettle, pellitory does not have stinging properties, despite having hairs on the leaves and stems. Stinging nettles are both tasty and healthful and considered a desirable, if weedy, herb. Stinging nettle rash presents as raised bumps or hives that are often light in color and up to a centimeter in diameter. But the trouble was I never thought of using it, and it couldn't spread out beyond the confines of its tub. Be conscious about what you are doing. Don't use it on a given garden bed or potted plant more often than about once every 3 to 4 weeks. Gardener’s Path and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. They have also appeared singly in my upper flowerbeds, which are near the nettle patches so I assume they seeded from them. I don’t mind them being around as they are … Males and females grow adjacent to each other, and the flowers are usually wind pollinated. These same aphids are eaten by blue tits and other woodland birds that dart around the stems. Same bed (below), with nettle harvested and a new cardboard barrier in place. Thinking of nettle as a super-food reminds me to eat it often as a cooked green (it loses its sting when you cook it). Sow seeds in flats in late winter. Hydrating Your Landscape: Which Irrigation Method Is Best for You and Your Plants? The login page will open in a new tab. I just could not understand why anyone wanted this plant around. This batch of chicken and nettle soup had bits of chicken meat in it. If you want, you can incorporate some leaf mulch around the plants to help retain moisture during dry spells. Do you have questions? Nettle is an erect annual weed that grows up to 60cm tall, with short stinging bristles on the stems and leaves. A light steam with just a … Nettle fabric was used by Europeans and Native Americans for linens and sailcloth as early as the 16th and 17th century. In fact, it might just be my favorite herb yet! Hi Theresa, thanks for your comment. To blanch, place in boiling water for a minute or two, and then quickly douse in ice water. There are 5 subspecies of which 4 have stinging hairs. (Don't keep it near the house. But it seems the latter may be the case. Cover the barrel with a lid because this liquid will have a strong smell! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This valuable plant also has long been part of culinary and medicinal practices. You may have had the misfortune of experiencing the unpleasant sensation of accidentally brushing up against a plant, or pulling one up without gloves. In Germany it was used during the first half of the 20th century, often combined with cotton to make undergarments, stockings, and fabrics. Upon contact, the tiny needles pierce the skin and release chemicals including acetylcholine, formic acid, histamine, and serotonin, which trigger inflammation and pain that can unfortunately last for up to several hours. The coming of spring brings forth renewal and return to Nature as it reawakens. Stinging nettles are a common weed, tough weed to control. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, in the Urticaceae or nettle family) has an off-putting name, but it is actually a delicious and nutritious wild green. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a springtime, flowering plant that grows abundantly in North America and temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs in moist sites along streams, meadow, and ditches, on mountain slopes, in woodland clearings, and in disturbed areas. Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are nasty perennial weeds that have needles waiting to brush up against your skin, making it burn. Nettle does especially well on the edges of meadows, pastures, or streams where the soil stays moist but isn’t waterlogged. Product photos via: Crossing Press and Storey Publishing Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. I can’t remember where I found out about this attribute of nettle, but it works! They will spread quickly, once they become established. Please log in again. harvesting and using stinging nettle roots here, You can find more tips on freezing herbs here, 9 Reasons Why Tulip Leaves May Turn Yellow Prematurely, When and How to Harvest Cantaloupe, the Sweetest Garden Candy, How to Identify and Prevent Crown Gall on Apple, Grow Mexican Petunias (Ruellia Simplex) for a Heat and Shade Tolerant Perennial, How to Train Pumpkins to Grow on a Trellis. A complete meal, as far as I'm concerned. Keep this in mind when you consider where your nettle patch should be. You may want to reduce the amount of water you dilute it with when you think it’s getting a bit weaker. Harvesting nettles can sound intimidating, but with a few precautions in mind, you won’t get any trouble from the pesky needles. The more I researched, the more I began to change my tune on nettle. I’m glad it was helpful Jay. Thanks for commenting , About subscribing, your privacy, and my content. Stinging Nettle in seed in my garden. In the 80’s, we used to go into the wild in search of stinging nettles. But for this you’ll need a big harvest – two pounds or more of fresh leaves, simmered in four cups of water with a tablespoon of non-iodized salt for 30 minutes. You may choose to cut off the top third to keep plants from becoming too tall and toppling over. When we take the time to appreciate their value and learn to handle them with care, nettles are really an incredible herb with so much to offer us. Stinging nettles do have some positive benefits. I have found 3 separate patches of stinging nettle on our property and for the past month or so, have been harvesting the tops to eat. She is also a fanatical gardener, and enjoys spending as much time covered in dirt as possible! Planting Nettle in Your Garden Stinging nettle root extract is often used in over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies, particularly those labeled for “men’s health.” The root extract contains beta-sitosterol, a plant phenol that has been shown to reduce urinary tract complications associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – the enlargement of the prostate. Dried leaves can also be ground into a powder for use in cooking, to make tea, or as a nutritional supplement. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a common plant that grows in the United States, Canada, and Europe.It primarily grows in damp, fertile soil. Besides feeding us, our nettle patch also nourishes our garden and compost bins. Nettles can also be foraged easily, and they grow as a weedy perennial all over the place. If I'm planning to eat it, I harvest the tips (wearing gloves) and snip the leaves into a bowl. If the problem is an established stinging nettle patch, then it’s a bigger problem all together. If you are concerned about spreading, consider confining it to containers. Stinging nettles are growing very well around my garden. If you can learn to properly identify them – which isn’t difficult if you touch them, but relying on visual cues is preferred! Stinging nettle’s health benefits are plentiful, and this prickly weed can practically cure all that ills! This is our nettle patch, beside the main pathway through our garden. This is our nettle patch, beside the main pathway through our garden. The above-ground parts are used for allergies, hayfever, and osteoarthritis. You can also turn nettles into a liquid fertilizer by filling a barrel with the leaves and branches. Stir every day, while holding your breath. Click here for more information. The main consideration is moisture. You can store the fresh leaves in the refrigerator for two to five days, just make sure they are kept in a closed container to prevent them from inadvertently stinging anyone! 2. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Seeds should germinate in approximately 14 days. Or I drop them into soups. There’s also a Facebook page called Nettles for textiles. The nettle leaves are extremely high in nutrients and make a delicious tea. The leaves, stems, and roots have been used for food, medicine, cordage, and dye for millennia. The first Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) I had came from a friend, who shared plants she originally got from a nursery. Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! Many nettle patches hold overwintering insects which swarm around fresh spring nettles and provide early food for ladybirds. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a springtime, flowering plant that grows abundantly in North America and temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere.. Thank you for the information! Cooking, drying, crushing, or blending will remove the stings, making leaves safe to handle and eat. They are edible and a rich source of vitamins A and C plus iron, potassium, manganese, and calcium. Here is more about what we do. The ratio should be 1 part nettle liquid to 7 parts water. Once planted, stinging nettles need to be cultivated to keep the plants under control, as they may become invasive if not managed in the garden. Urtica dioica, often known as common nettle, stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting) or nettle leaf, or just a nettle or stinger, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae.Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, it is now found worldwide, including New Zealand and North America. Leaves, roots, and seeds have all been used medicinally, and each has different applications. Stinging nettle has a long history of use for food, medicine, cordage, and dye. Today, it is still commonly used as a textile similar to hemp or flax. I have one every day, and have been able to stop using deodorant since I started eating nettle every day, no joke! It was concluded that nettle could be a great biological control for managing insect pests, and was recommended for use in vineyard habitat restoration and pest management, as well as for butterfly conservation. They seem to grow together in patches. Yum, that soup sounds delicious, Onwuka, and I would love to try it! I’m thinking maybe I need another nettle patch . This will return nutrients to the soil, and the added mulch layer will help retain moisture in the spring. I learned, for instance, that it is one of the most nutrient-rich native herbs known. A very hearty plant, this herb will do well in a variety of climates and conditions. Leave a minute piece of root in the soil and that’s enough for the nettles to regrow. And not just any food, but a super-food. To store, remove leaves from the stems and secure in tightly lidded glass jars. It is most common in the North Island (except for North Auckland and Taranaki) and in parts of the South Island. Stinging nettles support more than 40 kinds of insects, for whom the sting can form a protective shield against grazing animals. If "stung" by a stinging nettle, the irritation will go away on its own in a few minutes to a few hours. Ouch! If a spot is too dry, plants may struggle and will lack flavor, and may potentially lack some of their potency as an herbal remedy. Always consult with a medical professional or trained herbalist before starting any herbal treatment. Nettles are a perennial plant found in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
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