Where Are Stinging Nettles Found In The World?

Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The plant is common in herbal medicine, and young leaves can be cooked and eaten as a nutritious potherb.

Where in the world does stinging nettle grow?

Urtica dioica was originally found in the cooler regions of northern Europe, Asia and the United States. Now stinging nettles can be found in many areas of the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The stinging nettle flourishes in temperate climates where it can receive plentiful sunlight.

What country do nettles grow in?

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L. #3 URTDI) grows throughout Europe and in parts of temperate Asia all the way to Japan; it is widely naturalized elsewhere, e.g North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand (9).

Are Stinging nettles found in the US?

GENERAL DISTRIBUTION : American stinging nettle is the most common subspecies in temperate North America and occurs throughout Canada and much of the United States.

Do stinging nettles only grow in the UK?

This nettle is only found in Australia and New Zealand. It’s also referred to as stinging nettle and looks similar to the UK species.

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.

Is being stung by nettles good 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).

Why do we have stinging nettles in the UK?

They helped the Romans keep warm!
The nettle’s sting is a ‘counterirritant’: this means its chemicals can actually decrease an existing pain. Roman soldiers allegedly used this effect to adapt to the colder, harsher climate of Britain – rubbing nettles on their arms and legs to help them keep warm.

What is the difference between nettle and stinging 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.

What do you do if you get stung by a stinging nettle?

Treatment

1. Wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible to relieve the sting and remove the nettle hairs.
2. Local symptoms of pain and itching can be relieved by applying a moistened cloth and/or ice pack to the area.

Are stinging nettles 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.

What does a nettle sting feel like?

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. They may cause a raised area nettle rash on the skin.

Does stinging nettle hurt?

Stinging nettles are easily distinguished plants with a memorable sting. This plant, which can easily reach 3 feet in height, has fine hairs on the stems and leaves. Each hair is like a hollow needle filled with formic acid, the same chemical in ant saliva that causes pain to humans when bitten.

Do nettles sting dogs?

Nettles can sting dogs’ paws leading to intense itching and chewing. Avoid walking through nettles. Again, this would be a time to use an antihistamine recommended by your vet. Some paw waxes might reduce stinging and soothe afterwards.

How do you pick stinging 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.

Are nettles good for arthritis?

Nettle has historically been used to treat pain and sore muscles, especially related to arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that nettle tea may also reduce the inflammation and pain association with osteoarthritis.

Is nettle a laxative?

In ancient Greece, nettles were used as a diuretic and a laxative by physicians Galen and Dioscorides. In Medieval Europe, it was used to treat and naturally reduce joint pain and also as a diuretic.

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.

Can you eat nettles raw?

You might think that nettles would be difficult to eat raw, but actually they are fine. You can pop them into smoothies, juice them, or ferment them (I’m planning on making a lovely non-alcoholic water kefir nettle beer with my next batch). Nettles add a lovely mild flavour to any dish.

Can you drink nettle tea everyday?

Drinking just one cup of nettle tea every day can improve your health!

Is stinging 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)