stinging nettles

[EmeraldR]

Ive occasionally used stinging nettles topically when Ive had physical pain (sciatica around the hip in my case/as well as muscle aches)
IME its helped in terms of relief and stimulated the nerve/muscle pathways rather like accupuncture can do for moving clearing stuck/stagnant energy.

Ive been reading up on nettles and theres quite alot of interesting research on nettles both in folklore as well as modern science.

Stinging nettles are high in quercetin, and some people with histamine and/or mast cell issues benefit from drinking stinging nettle tea and using nettles as a regular ingredient in their normal cooking.

Extracts of acetone-dried powders prepared from nettle leaves were shown to catalyse the synthesis of acetylcholine. The specific activity of the enzyme in these extracts is of the same order as that of extracts from mammalian sources, such as ox brain, and the effects of temperature and pH are similar to those reported for mammalian choline acetyltransferase. Synthesis is not restricted to the younger leaves but appears to be continuous up to senescence.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844022010052

Urtica dioica produces its inflammatory effect on skin (a stinging, burning sensation often called "contact urticaria") both by impaling the skin via spicules – causing mechanical irritation – and by biochemical irritants, such as histamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, among other chemicals.

Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review - PMC

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a wild herbaceous perennial blooming plant that is commonly known as stinging nettle. It’s a common, multi-purpose crop that’s sometimes overlooked. Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America are all home to ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening of pharmacological uses of Urtica dioica and others benefits - PubMed

The nettle is actually a plant with many qualities and uses. The interest in it is deserved and it is given by other studies and investigations.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

chinese medicine perpective

Xun Ma (Stinging nettle leaves) in Chinese Medicine

Everything you need to know about the use of Xun Ma (Stinging nettle leaves) in Traditional Chinese medicine

www.meandqi.com

also urtica as homeopathic remedy

Urtica urens

Primarily associated with physical symptoms related to stinging, burning, inflammation and genito-urinary tract issues often accompanied by a red rash.

www.homeopathyschool.com

 

[iamthatis]

I like nettles. I sometimes add dried nettles to my bone broth or add them to tea. I used to make nettle pesto, using salt, nettles, olive oil, and nutritional yeast processed in a blender. Sure was tasty.

They are full of vitamins and minerals - though I'm wary of the high iron content. Energetically, they are a plant of good boundaries, very protective. Some studies have been done suggesting that nettles increase free testosterone in the bloodstream.

It has lots of uses, and interesting history/lore.

A Family Herb: Stinging Nettle Leaf Uses

Stinging nettle leaf uses range from providing excellent nourishment as a leafy green food source to acting as a helpful herbal remedy for the whole family!

theherbalacademy.com

Stinging Nettle Plant: A Spring Favorite

The stinging nettle plant is a springtime favorite! As with many weeds, it is making a comeback as more people become aware of its medicinal benefits.

theherbalacademy.com

 

[Seppo Ilmarinen]

Some years ago I started applying stinging nettles topically to see if it eases hay fever symptoms, as nettle works as an natural antihistamine. I found out it works and still sometimes use it on the worst days to help with the allergy.

Nettles have high amount of oxalates which is good to keep in mind when consumed, but at the same time it's been used in traditional medicine to relieve kidney stones because of it's diuretic properties.

 

[lainey]

Some years ago I started applying stinging nettles topically to see if it eases hay fever symptoms, as nettle works as an natural antihistamine. I found out it works and still sometimes use it on the worst days to help with the allergy.

Nettles have high amount of oxalates which is good to keep in mind when consumed, but at the same time it's been used in traditional medicine to relieve kidney stones because of it's diuretic properties.

That's so interesting, I didn't know it helped hayfever. I've seen people use nettles topically to relieve arthritis symptoms, so that's really interesting to know too!

Nettle leaves are covered in tiny hairs which have a high silicon content, meaning they’re extremely brittle. When the leaf touches your skin, the round tips of the hairs break off. The sharp point of the hair then enters your skin and several chemicals, including histamine and serotonin, are produced. These chemicals can help to reduce pain by stimulating pain neurons, so the skin irritation overrides musculoskeletal pain.

I heard of someone who made nettle tea regularly and cured their eczema, so it seems this is a very helpful plant.

 

[Yupo]

Nettles can also be used for the textile fiber commonly known as ramie. There are a variety of ways to process the fiber, and it is generally easier to get at than cotton or or flax. I believe most of the British WW2 era uniforms were made of ramie.
Short video on one way to process the fiber:

 

[Magnolia]

I've purchased stinging nettle to use as a tea and tincture to address health issues in my family. Last year, a stinging nettle plant appeared in my garden, and it is spreading magnificently, so I no longer have to buy it. That's good, since the above posts indicate it is far more beneficial than I realized.

Another gift nettle bestows on us involves our gardens. Nigel Palmer (a gardener with an enquiring mind) uses fermented stinging nettle leaves to spray on his plants. From Palmer's book, The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments:

“Foliar spraying and drenching are two effective ways to supply nutrients, biology, and water to plants. Foliar spraying is simply applying a mist onto plant leaves and stems. The most efficient absorption is through the leaf surface….....Foliar spraying is the fastest way to provide nutrition to a plant.

“Be thoughtful about your choice of amendments when you prepare a foliar spray solution……Broad-spectrum mineral amendments, like fermented plant juice of stinging nettle, dandelion, or leaf-mold-fermented carrot tops, are great starting points……..The proportion of calcium may be increased by adding vinegar-extracted oyster shells or eggshells. The proportion of phosphorus and calcium may be increased by adding vinegar extractions of cow bones.”

This video (5 min) demonstrates his method, although he is using dandelions instead of nettles in this presentation.

The fermented amendment recipe from his book:

• Pick dew-covered stinging nettle leaves and stems in the morning before sunrise, when they have the most energy.
• Weigh the plant material and add organic brown sugar (3 parts plant material to 2 parts brown sugar).
• Mix the plant material with the sugar and transfer to a glass jar or crock.
• Cover with a layer of brown sugar.
• Place a boiled rock or sterilized glass (of water) on the material to weigh it down. Don’t use plastic or metal weights.
• Cover the crock with a cloth. Store out of sunlight in dry, well-ventilated area, about 70 degrees.
• Ensure material stays submerged beneath liquid.
• Fermentation should be complete in about a week.
• Decant the liquid into a jar, using gravity and time. Do not squeeze liquid out of the material.
• To use as a foliar spray, soil drench, or pre-soak for seeds, use a ratio of 1:500 or 1:1000.
  A 1:1000 ratio is 4 gallons of water to 1 tablespoon of amendment. 1:500 is 2 tablespoons in 4 gallons. Stir vigorously.
• The remaining plant material can be used to make a shelf-stable vinegar extraction amendment. (video is 11 min)

Palmer conducts free educational sessions with Bryan O'Hara in my area. People who attend their sessions complain about the effort required to hand spray large gardens. Repurposed Materials sells a battery operated sprayer that is not too shabby, although the nozzles need care as they can get gummed up. It beats using a hand-pump sprayer. Nigel Palmer has a youtube site with a variety of short demonstrations about his methods.

 

[Theodor]

„Nettle – Queen of Wild Herbs“ and "The Nettle War in France."

Hello everyone,

I've been using nettle in tea, salads, and as a plant fertilizer and protection for the past few years. Nettle is said to contain all the nutrients essential for survival.

Perhaps you're familiar with micronutrient information and their effects and would like to confirm or comment on the information and the claim that nettle contains all the nutrients essential for survival.

Here's an article on micronutrients that I find quite good (excerpts translated, Brennnessel - Königin der Wildkräuter – Deine Ernährung):

Nettle – Queen of Wild Herbs

The nettle is one of the oldest medicinal herbs and probably has the most nutrient-rich native leafy greens of all. It is rightly called the queen of wild herbs.

The nettle is particularly rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

A comparison with our native cultivated greens makes this clear:

mg/100g	Potassium	Phosphorus	Magnesium	Calcium	Iron	Vitamin C
Lettuce	224	33	11	37	1.1	13
Lamb's lettuce	421	49	13	35	2.0	35
Kale	490	87	31	212	1.9	105
Spinach	633	55	58	126	4.1	52
Nettle	410	105	71	630	7.8	333

Original table with source reference


Calcium
The calcium content is particularly impressive, making nettle very helpful for bone and tooth development.


Iron
With its iron content, it supports oxygen transport in the body, aids the immune system, and influences the production of hormones and neurotransmitters.
The iron in nettle is easily absorbed by our bodies due to the simultaneous availability of vitamin C. Nettle therefore helps with iron deficiency, fatigue, and exhaustion.

Nettle's content of beta carotene, protein, chlorophyll, silica, and phytoestrogens is also particularly noteworthy:

Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is the precursor to vitamin A and is very important in a vegan diet, as vitamin A is found exclusively in animal products. Vitamin A is particularly beneficial for the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.

Protein
Nettle is a top source of protein, containing all essential amino acids in a composition beneficial to humans. The protein content is 7.4 grams per 100 grams.

Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green color. It is very similar to the molecular structure of the human blood pigment hemoglobin, with a magnesium ion instead of an iron ion at its center, thus having a blood-forming effect.

Silica
Silica is a compound of silicon and water, making it a water-soluble silicon compound and is best absorbed by the body in this form. After zinc and iron, silicon is the third most abundant trace element in the human body and contributes to the formation of connective tissue, cartilage, and bones. As the main element of bone-forming cells, silicon can accelerate calcium deposition in bones and is therefore instrumental in their formation, stability, and elasticity.

Phytoestrogens
Thanks to its high phytoestrogen content, nettle stimulates our hormonal system, thus increasing vitality and strength, as well as sexual desire and potency.
It also has a hormonal regulating effect and, by stimulating the excretory organs, also promotes the skin's sebaceous glands.


Healing Effects: Blood purifying + blood building + diuretic + detoxifying
It flushes the body and kidneys, has a nourishing and detoxifying effect.
It is also recommended for allergies, rheumatism, stomach and intestinal ulcers, kidney stones, and liver and gallbladder disorders.


Signature Features and Defense Mechanism
The leaves of the stinging nettle are rich green, heart-shaped, slightly serrated along the edges, and covered with numerous small stinging hairs. Even the lightest touch releases venom into the skin, causing hives and a burning sensation. This toxin consists of, among other things, histamine and formic acid. The stinging nettle can be handled relatively unscathed if you touch it from bottom to top, thus following the direction of the spines.

NOTE: People with a histamine intolerance may experience a scratchy throat, nausea, stomach or intestinal discomfort, or headaches when consuming the wild plant.


Harvest
Nettles can be harvested from March until frost. To do so, only the top two to three pairs of leaves are picked. If pruned regularly, they will sprout fresh again throughout the year.

Starting in July, the green seeds form in the upper part of the plant, turning brown in August/September. This is a sign that they are ripe. Nettle seeds have long been known as a tonic. They are particularly rich in protein, vitamins A, E, and C, and contain the unsaturated fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acid in a favorable ratio.

There are female seeds, which hang down, and seeds from the male plant, which protrude more from the stem. The female seeds are preferentially harvested, and this is best done around midday on sunny days. The seeds can be eaten fresh or dried and have a slightly nutty flavor. We like to sprinkle them simply over salads or other dishes.


Preparation Ideas for Nettle Leaves
Juice and Smoothie: The preferred preparation method in raw food cooking is freshly squeezed juice, a smoothie, or a smoothie bowl.

Nettle Drops
A sophisticated way to consume nettle drops is to eat them while out for a walk in nature. To do this, grasp a nettle leaf by the stem with your fingertips in the direction of growth and pluck it off. Then, in the same direction of growth, run your thumb and index finger over the front and back of the leaf, roll it tightly, and fold it into a drop. This will break off the stinging hairs, and it's ready to eat!

Salad
For use in salads, the nettles are rolled with a rolling pin, then chopped very finely and sprinkled over a mixed salad like kitchen herbs.


The Nettle War in France
Another interesting topic on this topic is "The Nettle War in France." You can watch the article "Nettle War: Advertising or Recommendation: €75,000 Fine, 2 Years in Prison in France" on YouTube (in German). A brief summary of this article (from Querbeet: Der Brennnesselkrieg in Frankreich ):

Nettle manure is used by many gardeners; the plant extract has proven effective for pest control and as a fertilizer for many generations, including in France. Many gardeners made the fermented extract themselves, and some even traded it. A dispute erupted over nettle manure, which culminated in a ban in 2002.
Accordingly, manure could neither be sold nor the knowledge of its production passed on. The legislator's justification: a lack of scientific evidence for the safety of the manure. The French Ministry of Agriculture classified nettle manure as an "unauthorized plant protection product." In 2006, unauthorized plant extracts were banned in France, including nettle, among many other wild herbs. Violators faced heavy fines: €75,000 or two years in prison.

The nettle thus became a symbol of the fight to preserve traditional agricultural knowledge against the industrial lobby, whose pesticides were approved. Whether banned or not, gardeners in France secretly began to use the manure, and after years of wrangling and public and media pressure, the government lifted the ban. In 2011, the "Regulation Authorizing the Marketing of Homemade Nettle Manure for Use in Plant Protection" was issued. Nettles are resilient.

Here is also a comparison table of the nutritional values in the appendix (in German)

 

[Alana]

Oh, herbal talk, I love this!

Nettles is an excellent plant, for all the reasons already mentioned and more. It might be why it can be found so easily, at an arms' length in most places, and for a good part of the year.

It is especially alleviating

-when low blood pressure and anemia are present, for people who get dizzy when they stand up abruptly.
- for burns externally to heal the wound and absorb the heat, but also internally for helping the kidneys process the proteins released from the burn
-it is a great medicine for most kidney-related problems, as it is a tropho-restorative (nourishes & restores health) to that particular organ, the same way Hawthorn is a tropho-restorative to the heart. It is so good for the kidneys that herbalists have taken people off dialysis using its seeds, though I heard that the leaves can be used the same way too.
- in herbal medicine it is considered an alterative, cleanses/detoxifies the blood.
-it has anti-histaminic actions, so it's good for allergies, especially those from the environment. If a person suffers from Hay Fever in the spring, it's best they start taking it regularly end of January/beginning of February to strengthen the system for when allergy season begins.
- for men, it protects the prostate, and helps with impotence problems, troubles with erections, etc.
- it is for women with anemia from excessive menstruation and signs of low blood pressure, low blood pressure and anemia during pregnancy, and for deficient lactation post-partum.
-it's so full of vitamins & minerals that people take it as a general tonic because it also improves mood, concentration etc. In a way, it is land's sea-weed.

I could go on and on about this wonderful herb, BUT a word of caution. No wonderful herb is for everyone, and Nettles is so diuretic that it can be very drying for people with an already drying constitution. This is why it's so good for water retention & gout, it flushes the waters out, and in the process cleans out the kidneys. People with a tendency towards hyperthyroidism might feel uncomfortable and over-stimulated when taking Nettles, and yes, it is very high in oxalates, so people with oxalate sensitivity should avoid it. Interestingly, oxalic acid is responsible for the development of most cases of kidney stones, but in herbalism Nettles are used to help the body expel kidney stones, as @Seppo Ilmarinen mentioned. It is only used for the duration of the treatment though in this situation, not perpetually.

Like with any herb (everything, really!) give it a quick try first to see how your body reacts to it before you commit to it.

I like to make a fresh tincture in Vodka as soon as I cut the top fresh leaves, before the "sting" disappears. I take my jar and alcohol with me in the yard and make it "on location" between 10 am and 2 pm, when the oils of plants are highly concentrated on the leaves. The tincture comes out a beautiful green colour. I also dry up leaves to have as tea in winter or add in broths and stews. A great way to get multiminerals into our system.

 

[Maya]

When I was a kid my Balkan grandmother used to make nettles with mash potatoes and eggs & bacon once a week.
Yum ! Thank God now I have yard full of nettles and chickens, too