Nettle

Most people consider it a weed. However, nettle leaves can enrich the kitchen and be used for various ailments.

 

There is hardly a place on Earth where nettles (Urtica) do not occur. In this country, the common nettle (Urtica dioica) is especially widespread, thriving across the entire Northern Hemisphere – except in the tropics and Arctic. This herbaceous plant grows almost everywhere – particularly as a nitrogen indicator on nitrogen-rich soils. Due to its extensive root system, it is difficult to remove from the garden. However, nettle leaves have so many positive effects that it is generally advised against removing them.

 

Nettle leaves are full of important ingredients such as scopoletin and β-sitosterol, as well as flavonoids and silicates. Other substances found in nettles include chlorophyll, iron, folic acid, potassium, silica acid, linoleic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, and mucilages. Their high protein content makes nettle leaves interesting for nutrition, especially vegetarian and vegan diets. Additionally, the plant contains more vitamin C than many citrus fruits. Vitamin A is also present.

 

Seeing nettles in the garden as weeds is far too simplistic. When used as a mulch layer on the bed, they supply the crops with plenty of nutrients. The plant is also well suited for fertilizing. Equally well, nettle serves as a natural spray that prevents fungal diseases and repels pests like aphids. It can also greatly accelerate composting.

Once freed from the irritating stinging hairs, nettle leaves can be wonderfully processed in the kitchen. You can prepare nettle leaves like vegetables or salad, make nettle spinach, cook them into a soup, or brew them as tea.

In folk medicine, nettle leaves have a long-standing tradition. They were long considered a natural remedy against gout and rheumatism. This use is attributed to their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Moreover, nettle leaves serve as a natural diuretic. The flavonoids they contain have a diuretic effect and help with fluid removal. When a bladder infection or another urinary tract infection is imminent, many use nettle leaves as a home remedy.

The roots of the nettle are said to help men with benign prostate enlargement when urinating.

 

Nettles are inconspicuous plants that leave a lasting impression mainly through touch – in the form of burning red welts on the skin. These swellings are caused by the stinging hairs on the upper side of the nettle leaves, which actually serve to protect the herb from predators. The leaves themselves are arranged oppositely on the stem and are crossed by several leaf veins.