The "Great
Nettle" is one of over 500 varieties of nettle and is known to reach up to a meter high! The name Urtica Dioicia is the latin
name; Uro meaning "to burn" and Dioicia meaning "two houses". This is because both male
and female flowers grow on each stalk making the nettle self pollinating.
Used in ancient times by the Romans for boosting leg circulation, the
fibrous stalks were used to make sacking - a fine cloth - and even paper.
In World War I, Germany and Austria utilized Nettles for cloth making and
in dried form for horse feed and to induce egg laying in hens.
The uses
of this surprisingly versatile herb include utilizing it as a Spring
harvested vegetable, containing high amounts of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Niacin, Potassium,
Zinc, with Vitamins A, B, C, D and K. The dry leaf contains a whopping 40% protein by volume. In culinary uses it is substituted easily for
greens, including spinach.
Nettles
have many medicinal uses: Salves, Oils, Tonics, Hair rinses that
stimulate growth, shine, strength and assist thinning. Nettle tea is used
for Asthma, Allergy and Cold relief in the loosening of congestion,
regarded as a Diuretic, helps to maintain Kidney health and function and it is
said to aid in the actual production of coagulation
and hemoglobin production in red blood cells. It is used in homeopathic
treatments for Anemia, Menstrual relief and reduction, Prostate health,
Gout, Rheumatism, Arthritis, Joint pain and many skin conditions including softening fine lines of aging skin. In juiced form, Nettle is used
for a bug spray, and is anti-bacterial..
The
plump green seeds are dried and used for energy and a nutritional boost
by the teaspoon full, although moderation is suggested. The dry leaf form makes an excellent medicinal tea. The dry leaves and stalks are used for animal
feed. Composted for your garden it breaks down into a manure substitute.
Harvesting the threads of seeds from the Nettles is at the end of the
growing season, when the seeds dry on the stalk. Don the rubber gloves
with long sleeves and clip off into a basket. They will simply air dry on a
screen. Always use the entire Nettle, cutting it from an inch or two
from it's base. To treat the sting rub Dock, the soil they grow in, or
the fern next to them to ease. Nettle can be contained in upraised beds or large pots.
For
planting Nettle seeds, sow them lightly on a moist fertile well
draining soil. They need to be kept moist to germinate. Once they are
established they return every year. They prefer more shade and damper
soil. Nettles do well planted by trees, streams and ponds.
nettle 
