The Journal of Ethnobiology and Traditional Medicine: "Nutritional and Therapeutic Efficacy of Stinging Nettle – A Review."

If stung by the stinging nettle plant, it’s important not to touch or scratch the area. The chemical irritants can dry on the skin and be removed with soap and water. Touching and scratching can push the chemicals further into the skin, extending the irritation time for days. Using duct tape or a wax removal product can help remove any additional fibers. Nettles have a number of uses in the vegetable garden, including the potential for encouraging beneficial insects. Since nettles prefer to grow in phosphorus-rich and nitrogen rich soils that have recently been disturbed (and thus aerated), the growth of nettles is an indicator that an area has high fertility (especially phosphate and nitrate), [71] [72] and thus is an indicator to gardeners as to the quality of the soil. [73] [74]

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It contains a variety of compounds that are thought to contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects, including: [19] [20] [21]

The dried leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a delicious herbal tea, while its leaves, stem and roots can be cooked and added to soups, stews, smoothies and stir-frys. However, avoid eating fresh leaves, as their barbs can cause irritation. Did you know?‘Dioica’ means two houses, as the male and female nettle flowers are found on separate plants. Ruminants avoid fresh stinging nettles; however, if the nettles are wilted or dry, voluntary intake can be high. [ citation needed] Table 3: Contents of ryegrass and nettle silage [69] If you’re into foraging, they can also be made into tasty meals and beverages for you too – we’ve linked a few recipes below for you to try at home.

What Is Stinging Nettle?

Stinging nettle capsules and tablets can be taken orally. There is inconclusive evidence on whether stinging nettle capsules or tablets for allergy relief are better ingested on an empty stomach or not. If there is concern about upset stomach and other side effects, take it with food. How to Treat a Stinging Nettle Sting Nettles are sometimes used in cheesemaking, such as for Cornish Yarg [41] and as a flavouring in varieties of Gouda. [42] a b c Bomme U.; Unterholzerner S (1996). "Günstigste Verfahren zum Anbau der Grossen Brennnessel". Gemüse. 3: 233–234. Urtica gracilis Aiton". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 31 May 2023. Nyerges, Christopher (2016). Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles. Rowman & Littlefield. p.130. ISBN 978-1-4930-1499-6.

Arthritis sufferers often experience joint pain, typically in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Nettle works alongside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to allow patients to decrease their NSAID use. Because prolonged use of NSAIDs can cause a number of serious side effects, this is an ideal pairing. High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it puts you at risk of heart disease and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide ( 20). Heliyon: "Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review." Nettles: Bad guys come good". The Telegraph Online. 29 April 2010. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022 . Retrieved 21 February 2019.

Side Effects

Stinging nettle tea is often used in many pregnancy teas and prescribed by herbalists and midwives as it is nutrient-rich. The American Pregnancy Association says the safety may be contingent upon whether the nettle root or leaves are used as well as the correct dosage. On the other hand, certain doses could cause uterine contractions. It is advised to discuss with your health-care provider before using this herb during pregnancy. [58] Byrek me hithra"[Recipe: Nettles Pie] (in Albanian). 13 February 2013. Archived from the original on 2 July 2017 . Retrieved 14 May 2017. The metaphor being played with can be interpreted in a variety of ways, as one which explores a general sense of truth and honesty, or more specifically feelings of dysphoria, sexual repression, and freedom from society.