A very common plant, the stinging nettle can be found growing in
gardens, hedgerows, fields, woodlands and many other habitats
. Its preference for damp, fertile and disturbed ground makes it a good coloniser of places enriched by human activities, such as agriculture and development.
Where can I find nettle plants?
Nettles thrive in damp, nitrogen-rich soil; look for it in
bottom land along rivers and streams, around old farm-steads, and in other full-sun to partially shaded areas with well fertilized dirt
. When you find it, you’ll usually find it in a dense stand.
Can you buy stinging nettles?
Stinging nettle is incredibly easy to add to your daily routine.
It can be purchased in many health food stores
, but you can also grow it yourself. You can buy dried/freeze-dried leaves, capsules, tinctures and creams.
Where do stinging nettles grow best?
To prepare for planting, look for an area with rich soil and sufficient moisture. Nettle does especially well
on the edges of meadows, pastures, or streams where the soil stays moist but isn’t waterlogged
.
Is stinging nettle poisonous?
While all parts of the nettle plant are edible, the leaves and stems can’t be eaten straight from the plant due to the barbs. Instead, you must thoroughly cook the plant before eating it to deactivate its stinging potential.
When the plant is uncooked it is toxic
.
What’s the difference between nettle and stinging nettle?
Nettle leaf tea is derived from the leaves of the common nettle plant, also known as the stinging nettle
. The scientific name for this plant is Urtica dioica. The ‘stinging’ moniker is apt, as handling the plant with exposed skin is known to produce a burning sensation that persists after contact.
How do you harvest stinging nettles?
Harvest the nettles by
cutting off only the upper leaves (no larger than about 3” wide)
. Check the undersides of the leaves to make sure there is no white spittle present. Since you want only the leaves, you’ll save yourself a lot of effort later by cutting the leaves from the stems as you go.
What is the home remedy for nettle sting?
Baking soda
is one of the simplest of home remedies for nettle stings. It’s an alkaline, which neutralises the nettle sting’s acid. Mix a few drops of cold water with some baking soda in a cup.
Does stinging nettle have poisonous look alikes?
There are no poisonous look alikes to nettle
. If they’ve got that sting and the serrated edges, there’s no doubt about it- they’re nettles and they’re edible and nutritious.
Who should not take nettle?
Do not take nettle without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:
lithium; blood pressure medication; insulin or oral diabetes medicine
; or.
Does nettle tea make you poop?
Nettle tea is also effective (one handful of leaves for one cup) because
the plant stimulates bowel movements
.
Are nettles good for the garden?
Because it’s rich in nitrogen, this is particularly useful for leafy vegetables like kale, chard and spinach
. You can also cut nettles to lay, as they are, around larger plants or shrubby fruits, where they will serve as a valuable mulch. Their high nitrogen content also makes them a natural compost activator.
How do I grow nettle?
Choose a spot that has rich, moist soil a little ways from any other herbs.
Seed in the spring in rows that are an inch apart and keep the area moist
. If you started your nettle inside, transplant the growing nettle greens into a prepared garden bed, spaced at least 12 inches (30 cm.) apart.
Are all nettles edible?
Leaves, stems and roots are edible
. Young leaves are preferable however, no matter how far into the growing season be sure to remember that until dried or cooked, stinging nettle leaves will have those stinging hairs – never eat them raw!
How do I make nettle tea?
Put the nettles in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water and add the sugar or honey. Put the pan on the hob and bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Taste the tea and add any more sugar if needed. Serve in mugs with a nettle for decoration.
Why are nettles Good For?
Nettle leaf is
a rich source of antioxidants, which are needed for reducing the number of free radicals in your system
. Vitamin C, for instance, is a powerful aid to the immune system and may even provide protection against various types of cancer.
Is nettle OK for dogs?
Nettles make a superb natural supplement for dogs in need of vitamins and trace minerals in their diets
, but do not need to be taking huge multi-vitamin supplements. They are an excellent addition to your dog’s well-balanced diet.
What are stinging nettles called in America?
gracilis (Ait.) Selander
(American stinging nettle), from North America, has stinging hairs and is monoecious.
What does burning nettle look like?
It is
a small to mid-size, upright, broadleaf weed with bristly, deeply serrated leaves
. Small, greenish-white flowers appear from late spring until late autumn. Burning nettle is found primarily in disturbed areas such as ditches, roadsides, fences rows and, unfortunately, in gardens.
Can you drink nettle tea everyday?
Drinking just one cup of nettle tea every day
can improve your health!
Can you eat nettles raw?
Just pluck the top off the plant, just the first few leaves, taking them from underneath by pinching the stem with your nails. Then roll them into a very tight ball, squidging them as you go to break down the fine hairs that contain the sting. Then pop them in your mouth and eat…
How do you eat nettles without getting stung?
Can you eat flowering nettles?
Nettles
should not be eaten once they have flowered
but can be cut back to produce young flowerless nettles in no time. A very abundant and under used superfood that is very easy to identify if a little painful to collect without gloves.
Do dock leaves cure nettle stings?
Do dock leaves help nettle stings? It is often claimed that crushed dock leaves relieve the pain because their alkaline sap neutralises the nettle’s formic acid, but
dock leaf sap is acidic too, so this cannot be true
.
Does vinegar help nettle stings?
If you have an itchy bite, dab a drop of vinegar on it.
The vinegar can help reduce stinging and burning sensations
. It can also act as a natural disinfectant if you’ve been scratching too much. If you need more relief, try soaking a washcloth in cold water and vinegar, and then applying it to the bite.
How long does nettle sting last?
Each hair is like a hollow needle filled with formic acid, the same chemical in ant saliva that causes pain to humans when bitten. This acid can redden the skin and cause a non-spreading rash that can last
up to 24 hours
.
