Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

19th March 2009

Stinging nettles are a fantastically useful plant - they offer many health benefits, can be woven into a fine cloth and attract wildlife to the garden in droves. Found all over temperate regions read on to find out more about this plant's special powers.

Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

19th March 2009

Melissa Corkhill

By Melissa Corkhill

19th March 2009

The nettle patch in my garden is looking gorgeously verdant and green with the lengthening days and warm spring sunshine. I welcome the first shoots like an old friend as it is so versatile and I use it in the kitchen (for soups, tea and pesto) and in the garden as a rich nourishing treatment for other plants. I have also woven rope from the dried stalks.

The sting in the tail
The sting is caused by an irritant in the tiny hairs sound on the leaves and stem; histamine. Each hair is hollow with the venom stored at the base. When this hair is disturbed it breaks off exposing a sharp point, which penetrates the skin and delivers the sting.

And yet, how wonderfully clever nature is, to invent such a complex weapon against predators and then to counteract tis with the offering of the sooting dock leaf which can usually be found nearby. The leaves of dock when rubbed on the affected area, release a chemical that neutralises the sting and soothes the skin.

“Nettles can be used to good effect after birth as an all-round tonic for the new mother.”

In the kitchen
Nettles are an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium and a range of vitamins. Collect young nettle shoots (protect hands with thick gardening gloves) and steep in a pot of boiling water to make nettle tonic. This helps to clear out any toxins accumulated during the winter months. When dried or steamed the nettle loses it’s sting so no need to worry about having a painful experience!

Health benefits
Nettle tea has been used in treatment of rheumatism and urinary disorders and is also a rich source or iron an calcium for pregnant women. It can be used to good effect after birth too as it acts as an all-round tonic for the new mother and helps boost milk production too.

Good for wildlife
The nettle is one of the most important plants for wildlife in the UK supporting over 40 species of insect including a variety of butterflies. The small tortoiseshell and pecock butterfly are among the many inhabitants of the plant. In late summer, the proliferation of seeds on the plant provides food for seed eating birds.

Fine fibres
Cloth has been woven from nettle stems for many centuries. Read more about beautiful clothing made from nettles in issue 27 of The Green Parent magazine. A vibrant green dye can also be made using the leaves and stems whilst the roots make a natural yellow dye.

How to grow
To get a nettle patch started in your garden look for a sunny sheltered spot.= and ensure that the soil is well nourished (perhaps adding some organic manure or well rotted compost if you have some). Find a friend who can donate some nettles for your plot. These plants are wild so should not be taken from the countryside. Plant the nettles about 30cms apart and keep them well watered. Warn your children of the stinging powers and help them observe the proliferation of insect life enjoying the nettles. Watch your garden thrive ad your health increase!

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