Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today.
Can you eat a stinging nettle?
Stinging nettle can be eaten on its own or as an ingredient in foods. Nettle leaves must first be cooked or steamed to destroy the hairs on them, which contain a number of irritating chemicals. Most medicinal uses of stinging nettle use more of the plant than you would typically eat.
Why do they call it stinging nettle?
Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact. The leaves have hair-like structures that sting and also produce itching, redness and swelling ( 2 ).
What is another name for stinging nettle?
common nettle
stinging nettle, (Urtica dioica), also called common nettle, weedy perennial plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae), known for its stinging leaves.
Are all nettles the same?
Three common ones are wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), slender nettle (Uritica gracilis), and dwarf nettle (Urtica urens). All of them are edible. Wood nettle differs from stinging nettle because it has alternate leaves. Slender nettle has less stinging hairs and dwarf nettle is smaller and more compact.
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.
What does stinging nettle do for you?
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).
Can you drink nettle tea everyday?
Drinking just one cup of nettle tea every day can improve your health!
How do you prepare stinging nettle for eating?
Nettles need to be thoroughly cleaned and de-stung before eating. To do this, the easiest method is blanching them in boiling water and rinsing them afterward, squeezing out the water before sautéing them or adding them into soups or stews.
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.
When should I drink stinging nettle tea?
Also consumed as a vegetable, nettles contain an impressive array of nutrients, phytochemicals, and other bioactives with a host of health-promoting properties. And in my opinion, it’s a perfect herbal tea to start your morning out right.
Are nettles good for arthritis?
Stinging nettle is an alternative remedy that people use for many reasons, including reducing arthritis pain and treating seasonal allergies.
Does nettle tea help you sleep?
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. “Stinging nettle should also be avoided if taking warfarin (Coumadin), because it may alter how well the medication works.
What type of nettles are edible?
Both Wood Nettle and Stinging Nettle are edible, nutritious plants you can find in backyards and woodlands. Wood Nettle is native to Eastern and Central North America whereas Stinging Nettle was introduced.
How can you tell if nettle is edible?
Nettles grow 2 to 5 feet tall and have opposite leaves. The leaves are coarsely toothed, pointed on the ends, and can be several inches long. Smaller, younger leaves are more heart-shaped. True to its name, stinging nettle imparts a painful sting through tiny hairs on the underside of its leaves and on its stems.
Does nettle tea make you poop?
Nettle tea is also effective (one handful of leaves for one cup) because the plant stimulates bowel movements.
Is nettle a blood thinner?
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood-thinners) — Stinging nettle may affect the blood’s ability to clot, and could interfere with any blood-thinning drugs you are taking, including: Warfarin (Coumadin) Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Does stinging nettle have side effects?
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.
Why are stinging nettles so painful?
Stinging nettles can cause a rash and other symptoms if people touch them. The reason for this is that stinging nettles contain fine hairs and chemicals that irritate human skin. One of these chemicals is formic acid, which causes the painful rash.
Does nettle tea cleanse the liver?
My favourite herb for liver support is stinging nettle. Not only is it a detoxifying herb ideal for spring cleansing, it also acts as a diuretic, detoxifier, and anti-inflammatory and mild hypo-glycemic herb, and exhibits strong anti-allergy effects.
Is nettle good for kidneys?
Two published case studies by the herbalist Jonathan Treasure, M.N.I.M.H., R.H. (AHG) illustrate that nettle seed can be quite effective for lowering serum creatinine levels and reducing symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure. 23 Nettle seeds appear to also be hepatoprotective based on studies in rodents.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.