Originally native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, it is now found worldwide, including New Zealand and North America.
Are nettles native to UK?
We have two native species of nettle in the British Isles, the common nettle Urtica dioica L. (Figure 1) which has two (some authorities list more) subspecies: ssp. dioica the widespread and often very abundant stinging nettle with which we are all familiar and ssp.
Where are nettles grown?
Nettle, Urtica dioica, is an herbaceous perennial in the Urticaceae family that is often found growing wild in the understory of riparian zones, on the edges of meadows, in open forests, or in disturbed soils near pasture.
Is it good to be stung by nettles?
And while its sting may be uncomfortable, it actually has a beneficial effect on inflammation in the body. By preventing the body from making inflammatory prostaglandins, the sting results in an overall less inflammatory reaction in the body.
Why do we have nettles in UK?
Once upon a time, nettles were planted by us, and were used as food (for things like nettle soup), medicine, cosmetics and clothes. Thankfully, the stings are destroyed in the processing, otherwise they’d make very uncomfortable pants! This is one reason you find them everywhere: they were very useful plants.
What purpose do nettles have?
General Uses. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
What is the point of stinging nettles?
The nettle’s sting is an adaptation to provide protection from predators. The sting causes any predator that may eat the plant or uproot it to stay clear.
Is stinging nettle toxic to humans?
When taken by mouth: Stinging nettle is possibly safe when used for up to 1 year. It might cause diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people. When applied to the skin: Stinging nettle is possibly safe. Touching the stinging nettle plant can cause skin irritation.
Are nettles poisonous?
Stinging nettle
If touched, these needle-like hairs inject the stinging acid into the skin, triggering a burning, tingling sensation and an itchy rash. Thankfully the symptoms usually do not persist longer than 24 hours. Interestingly, the cooked plant is safe to eat and is popular is some places as a vegetable.
How long do nettle stings last?
Nettle stings can be itchy and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. This will usually settle down within a few minutes or a few days and you can often treat them yourself.
What neutralizes a nettle sting?
If you really want to neutralise the effect of the nettle sting’s acid and dock leaves don’t work for you, try treating it with soap, milk or a dilute solution of baking soda, all of which are alkaline.
Do nettles help arthritis?
There’s little evidence available on the use of nettle leaves for osteoarthritis: one study suggested a positive effect in the short-term treatment of osteoarthritis of the thumb but another found no beneficial effect in the short-term treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
What is the difference between stinging nettle and nettle?
Nettle leaf tea is derived from the leaves of the common nettle plant, also known as the stinging nettle. The scientific name for this plant is Urtica dioica. The ‘stinging’ moniker is apt, as handling the plant with exposed skin is known to produce a burning sensation that persists after contact.
Does eating nettles hurt?
Consuming dried or cooked stinging nettle is generally safe. There are few, if any, side effects. However, be careful when handling fresh stinging nettle leaves, as their hair-like barbs can harm your skin. These compounds can cause rashes, bumps, hives and itchiness.
Can I eat stinging nettles raw?
Because the stings have to remain firm to cause the irritation, cooking the leaf instantly makes them safe – don’t try to eat the leaf raw in a salad or anything. There are plenty of recipes online for a variety of hot dishes, so see what you fancy. Think of the nettle leaf like spinach and use it in a similar way.
What animal eats nettles?
Stinging nettles are great wildlife attractors: caterpillars of the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies use them as foodplants; ladybirds feast on the aphids that shelter among them; and seed-eating birds enjoy their autumn spoils.
Who should not drink nettle tea?
Pregnant people
Interactions. Pregnant people should not take nettle or drink nettle tea. Due to a lack of research, children under the age of 12 years should also avoid nettle. It is important that people with existing conditions and those who take certain medications speak with a healthcare professional before trying nettle.
When should nettles be cut down?
The best time to cut nettles for a liquid plant fertiliser is early spring, as this is when the nitrogen content is at its highest. To ensure that the butterfly larvae are not disturbed it is best to cut in March and again (if you want to) in October.
Can you drink nettle tea everyday?
It is a powerful blood purifier that drives out toxins from the body, making it the perfect addition to your daily routine to stay healthy. The herb has antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, and anti-inflammation properties. What’s more, it is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K, along with containing carotene and iron.
How do you pick nettles without getting stung?
Nettle-Picking Tips
Use rubber gloves or pinch the leaves hard, so you don’t get stung. Once picked, lay the nettles out on a tray to wilt. Once wilted they can no longer sting you. The sting relies on erect hairs to penetrate the skin and inject the stinging formic acid.
Does nettle tea make you sleepy?
That’s not all: “Stinging nettles can cause drowsiness, so taking with sedative medications such as sleep and anti-anxiety medications should be avoided,” adds Dr. Uram.