Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) is much more than an
aggressive spreader that gives our shins a temporary burning sensation when we brush
up against it. The high-nutrient herb has many valuable uses for us, our
gardens and the ecosystem. In early April, I'll have nettles transplants available for
your landscape.
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| Stinging nettles |
Type of Plant: Medicinal; beneficial; medium-sized
height for herbaceous layer of garden; naturalized, usually found along streams
Flower: Tiny pearl-like cream flower that blooms
early to late summer
Height: About 4 feet
Width: Space transplants about 2 feet apart
Spreads: Profusely via seeds and underground runners
Garden Location: Sun or shade, grows in about any
soil type but prefers soil high in organic matter with a lot of moisture. Can
grow near black walnuts. Companions of sunflowers, grapes and fennel. Plant away from children's
playing areas so that they don't accidentally sting themselves and in a contained
area where it won't spread obtrusively.
Ecosystem Uses: Tap root draws up nutrients from well
below the soil surface. Encourages populations of pest predators to build up in
early spring as well as populations of ladybugs in fall. Attracts lacewings, which
are predators of aphids, scale insects, mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, asparagus
beetle larvae, caterpillar eggs and young caterpillars, Colorado potato beetle
larvae, corn ear worms, lace bugs and spider mites. Ladybugs are predators of
many of the pests listed already as well as bean beetle larvae, psyllids and
adelgids.
Other Garden Uses: High-nutrient content makes the
plant a good addition to compost and compost tea.
Medicinal/Edible Uses: Widely applicable: it can
strengthen and support the whole body, especially the reproductive system, kidneys
and liver. Some people take it for allergies and hay fever or to prevent grey
hair. It can dry the body, so if your skin and mouth are typically dry, you can
try taking it alongside a mucilagic herb (meaning it contains gelatinous
constituents that are soothing) such as marshmallow.
Nutrients: Potassium, iron, chlorophyll, calcium,
silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc, chromium and other important trace
minerals.
How to Cook with It: Using gloves, snip the plant
when it is between 4-inches to 3-feet high, before it starts to flower. Lightly
steam to disarm stinging hairs. Drink the water in which it was steamed. The cooked
greens can replace spinach in about any recipe. Try it in omelets, soups or
spanakopita. The roots can also be steamed and eaten.
Other Ways to Use Its Medicine: Dry the leaves and
make a tea, preferably a cold infusion to preserve its nutrients, which can be
lost in a hot boil. Soak the herbs in a jar of cold water for approximately six
hours before straining and drinking. If it soaks more than 24 hours, it should
be added to your compost pile and not ingested. Nettles can also be made into a
hair and scalp tonic, tincture, elixir, ointment, cream, foot soak, bath herb,
infused oil and honey. Some people who suffer from joint pain purposely sting
the skin with the fresh herb, causing inflammation around the joint, helping
relieve pain and stiffness 4 to 8 days following the application.
Combinations with Other Herbs: With lemon balm, oats
and chamomile to tone the nervous system. With dandelion greens for urinary
health. With green milky tops and raspberry leaf for improved energy and sexual
function. With alfalfa, red clover, ashwagandha, hawthorn, yellow dock, ginger,
and cinnamon, boiled together in a decoction that is then mixed with molasses
to make an iron-rich syrup.
Plant Maintenance: Cut before going to seed to
prevent unwanted spread. Divide rhizomes regularly and give the divisions to a
friend.
Information about medicinal uses is primarily from Paul
Pitchford's Healing with Foods: Asian
Traditions and Modern Nutrition, David Hoffman's Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine;
Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for
Vibrant Health, and classes from the Appalachia School of Holistic
Herbalism in West Asheville.
Reserve stinging nettles and other medicinal plants from M R
Gardens by contacting me (Megan) at gardens@wncmretc.com or 828.333.4151.
