The monthly herb - Nettle
In Spring we eat the young nettles. There are many benefits to this not least of which that they are very yummy. They make a refreshing tea. They are full of vitamins and minerals and covered in little hairs that inject a concoction of histamine, acetylcholine and serotonin into the skin. This forms an itchy rash which is often treated by rubbing with dock or other leaves. If the stem is held firmly between the finger tips it seems not to sting (‘seizing the nettle’) but gloves are advised when working with them. Some people report a tingling of the lips when ingesting them, even after they have been well prepared by cooking. They can be steamed like spinach and are truly delicious, or waved over an open fire so the leaves toast and curl to crinkly crisps.
The young nettle tops are best for culinary purposes and they are a true spring delight. Later in the year, it’s not advised to eat them; as John Wright says in his book, Hedgerow (2010):
“At the first sign of flowers you must stop picking. The plant will now start producing cystoliths - microscopic rods of calium carbonate - which can be absorbed by the body where they will mechanically interfere with kidney function.”
Nettle is widely regarded as helpful in maintaining the health of the urinary tract, by helping to flush out harmful bacteria. It is used to help manage a range of related illnesses. Some research suggests it reduces the size of the prostrate in those suffering benign prostatic hyperplasia 1
The Arthritis Foundation -2 suggests using nettle tea as part of a system to manage osteoarthritis and associated pain.
Nettle has been shown -3 to reduce blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Nettle might stimulate uterine contractions so should be avoided during pregnancy.
Nettles grow over most of the Earth with the exceptions of the polar regions. There are many varieties, and they indicate a nitrogen rich soil. Make and female flowers occur on different plants.
It is a component of the mediaeval Nine Herbs Charm. They feature in the stories of Anansi and in the writing of Hans Christian Anderson.
The Norse god Loki wove fishing nets from nettle, and the plant makes excellent cord and fabric. If you’re interested in making cord or weaving, then you’ll need to wait until the plants are taller and the gaps between the leaf nodes wide. Don’t wait too long though as the stalks become woody and difficult to work with in the Autumn. The German army used nettle for their uniform in World War One.
1- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3589769/
3- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24273930/
4- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-664/stinging-nettle