For centuries, this wild miracle plant has been used in numerous ways throughout many countries and cultures worldwide. Most commonly, nettles have been eaten, used as topical medicine, and consumed as a mineral rich tea. The fibers of its stem have been used to make a strong cloth, similar to that of hemp or flax. In folklore, the plant has been used as a talisman that is sprinkled around the home to ward off evil, or carried in a sachet to repel curses. Late herbalist Michael Moore even claimed that nettle seed oil could be used on the scalp to stimulate hair growth. And some people swear by stinging their joints with nettle hairs for the treatment of arthritis.
Around 50 species of the Urticaceae family exist worldwide. Urtica comes from the Latin verb urere, meaning to burn. This is in reference to the plant’s notorious stinging hairs. The two main species of the plant are U. dioica and U. urens. Dioca comes from the botanical term dioecious, which refers to a species that has either only male or female flowers on each plant. Both of these species are native to Eurasia and Africa, but have become naturalized in North America, South America and Australia.
The species most often found in North America is Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis, a perennial plant that loves moist areas, growing largely along streams and marshes from sea level to 10,000 feet. Its habit is two to six feet, with ovate serrated leaves that are heart-shaped at the base and square stems, bearing green flowers in long clusters. And famously, it’s covered in those pesky stinging hairs that irritate the skin when touched.
This key constituents of this bristly plant are: vitamins (A, C, E, and K), riboflavin, thiamine, minerals (calcium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silica, iron, and zinc), protein, formic acid, histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, flavonol glycosides (quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin), and chlorophyll. Its notorious hairs are made of silica and inject neurotransmitters (including acetylcholine, histamine, and serotonin) into the skin.
Nettle's rich nutrition soothes fatigue and produces steady energy, as it helps to maintain even blood sugar levels. It also acts as an alterative, purifying the blood and aiding in nutrient absorption, acid neutralization, and waste elimination. If you're up for a challenge, consider trying urtication, a method involving intentional contact with nettle's stinging hairs to address arthritis, gout, and joint issues. This traditional method is used by various cultures, including the Cherokee and many Indigenous peoples throughout southern California. The nettle's sting produces intense physical stimulation in the nerves and joints, enhancing circulation, lymphatic flow, and cellular metabolism to relieve joint pain and stiffness.
Boiling the leaves neutralizes the stinging hairs, leaving you with a delicious and nutritious green. If you’re making nesto (nettle pesto), simply place the fresh leaves and stems directly into your food processor or blender: the crushing action will neutralize the hairs. Drying for tea or later use will do the same. Harvest young leaves in spring before the plant flowers – gloves are recommended. My nephew taught me that if you don’t want to wear gloves, you can touch the plant in the direction of growth (using an upward motion) to avoid the majority of stinging. A little olive oil, lemon, and salt are wonderful compliments to the cooked greens.
Resources
Distribution, Ecology, Chemistry and Toxicology of Plant Stinging Hairs, National Library of Medicine.
Nettle Monograph, The Herbarium (membership required).