NETTLE
(Urtica dioica)
stinging nettle, common nettle
Description:
A perennial, with stiff, stinging hairs. Square, bristly stems,
2-7 ft. Opposite, cordate, deeply serrated leaves are pointed
and downy underneath. Small, greenish flowers grow in axillary
clusters.Throughout U.S. growing in waste places, gardens, roadsides,
along fences and walls.
Edible,
Medicinal, Toxic: Young leaves and shoots are rich in vitamins
A, C, protein, minerals, cooked as greens, brewed for beer. Pick
leaves from the underside, folding top of leaf inside, using tough
part of thumb and forefinger. When boiled for pot herb, skim nettles
from top of liquid. Heating or drying removes the sting.Anti-inflammatory,
astringent, digestive, diuretic, hemostatic, tonic. Stimulates
circulation and clears uric acid, relieving arthritis, gout and
eczema. Seeds for tuberculosis, to treat lungs after bronchitis.
A decoction of root used externally on scalp for hair loss CAUTION:
Do not eat old plants uncooked. They can produce kidney damage
and symptoms of poisoning.
