The Nettle tribe, Urticaceae, is widely spread over the world and contains about 500 species, mainly tropical, though several, like our common Stinging Nettle, occur widely in temperate climates. But unlike stinging nettle, pellitory does not have stinging properties, despite having hairs on the leaves and stems. The native species can be recognized in that male and female flowers appear on a single plant (monoecious), and the plant has only sparse stinging hairs, especially on the stem. Stinging nettle garden placement Most nettles are covered in tiny needle-like hairs, especially on the underside of the leaf and along the stem. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. The Herbal Academy neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Nettle has been used for gout, arthritis, skin disorders, anemia, allergies and asthma, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, sciatica, worms, weight reduction, and kidney stones.  Male and female flowers can be on separate plants or in separate clusters on the same plant.  Flowers have 4 tiny sepals and no petals.  Male flowers have 4 pollen stalks (stamens). The stem is erect, square, and quite substantial, with tiny hairs all along the length, particularly on the corners. I asserted over and over on the group that I was not growing nettles. It is used topically in salves and lotions, and internally as infusions, decoctions, vinegars (nettle vinegar instructions) and tinctures. Hairs on stem: Are there hairs on the stems or not. The leaves have high nutritive value (iron, … (Some people pre-treat the fabric in vinegar before the actual dye process. Strain and place in a shallow pan and gently place in your fabric. When touched it delivers a sting due to the tiny hairs filled with chemicals on the leaves and stalk. ... Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), wood nettle (Laportea canadensis) and the stingless nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica) are all sources of fibres. Nettle tea may be the answer. It also has smooth margins on the leaves, and a reddish stem. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! As with other important plants, as humans migrated, they felt nettle so important that they brought it on their journeys to new homelands. After fermenting it for 5-6 weeks the nettle … If you have had the unfortunate experience of brushing up against this herb, you’ll think that nothing good can come of it and will probably feel like scratching that old, now only imaginary, itch again.  Young plants often have a reddish-purple tinge when they emerge.  Plant has one main, leafy stem that is square in cross section. 5) Inflammation Stinging nettle leaf extracts may block inflammatory markers (TNF-a, IL-1, IL-6, NF-kB , etc.) Dioica is from the Latin “dioecious” meaning two dwellings or houses, referring to nettle having male and female flowers on separate plants. Dyeing with plant material yields lovely but muted colors. In the wild it can be found around creek beds, in low areas, and near running water. Boil the nettle in water (about 50/50 water to nettle) and then simmer for about an hour, and let it sit for several hours. There is a long history of using stinging nettle for food. Stinging nettle is called stinging nettle because it has needles which can poke your skin and cause a stinging sensation. Nettle has a square stem (but it is not in the mint family) and can grow to over six feet tall in optimal conditions. For a light green dye, chop both the leaves and stems. Eating them helps, due to the anti-inflammatory effect. A wash of stinging nettle tea or common mullein tea (Verbascum thapsus) will often alleviate the stinging. A powdered form is used to treat hay fever and prevent the onset of food allergies.  The stinging leaves may be applied to skin as a counter-irritant to bring circulation and healing to arthritic areas, sores, and bruises. Affiliate links are shared throughout the website and the Herbal Academy may receive compensation if you make a purchase with these links. The toothed leaves are borne oppositely along the stem, and both the stems and leaves are covered with numerous stinging and non-stinging trichomes (plant hairs). If nettles volunteer in your garden, leave them – they are known to be good companion plants that may increase the volatile oils in surrounding plants, thereby intensifying their flavor. Stinging nettle leaf and stem extracts have decreased blood sugar in small human studies. Plants with square stems fall mainly into the mint family (Lamiaceae). Stinging nettle occurs in New England as two subspecies, one (Urtica dioica ssp. Urtica is derived from the Latin word meaning “to burn or sting” (for obvious reasons). Continued Stinging Nettle Doses. (Here’s a good seed source.) The Herbal Academy supports trusted organizations with the use of affiliate links. We have a lot of it here in the Pacific Northwest. If you touch a plant that looks like nettle and gives you a noticeable sting, it is probably stinging nettle. The medicinal value of the nettle plant has followed it across continents from the past to the present.  The leaves have high nutritive value (iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and D) when eaten or drunk as a tea. I think it was saying “use me, use me!”. And from that you must twine thread with which to knit eleven shirts with long sleeves. To some people this sting is a very big deal; others shrug it off. Most stinging nettle products are made from the stem and leaves, but the roots also have pharmacological qualities. The leaves and stem make most stinging nettle products; however the roots also have some medicinal qualities. Nettle (Urtica dioica) has fulfilled many needs for humans in the past. Archeologists have documented its use from scraps of fabric found in Denmark burial sites from the Bronze Age (3000 – 2000 BC). During World War II, nettle was harvested in Britain by the ton for undisclosed reasons. dioica) is introduced. It was later revealed it was used to make camouflage uniforms for the troops! The root is what you hold so you don't sting yourself while you run around having a Stinging Nettle fight with your friends. Weigh them down with a stone and fill it up with water. Flattened, lens-shaped, hard-coated seeds (achenes), 1–2 mm. Nettle has a square stem (but it is not in the mint family) and can grow to over six feet tall in optimal conditions. Like stinging nettle, pellitory (or Pellitory-of-the-Wall, or Lichwort), is a part of the nettle family Urticaceae. Stinging nettle is a perennial herb that grows from two to six feet tall, depending on the soil conditions and weather. It can be added to stews and smoothies. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements. It’s easiest to start from a transplant, but if you don’t have access to a stinging nettle patch, start your own plants from seed. Stinging_nettle_urtica_dioica_plant_colony_070611_JSAC.JPG, 041614_RAD_stinging_nettle_Urtica_diotica_young_reddish_plants-r.JPG, 061014_RAD_Urtica_dioica_stinging_nettle_whole_plant.JPG, Stinging_nettle_urtica_dioica_flowers_070611_JSAC.JPG, Short-stalked, opposite leaves with coarse teeth, Inconspicuous, greenish flowers in drooping clusters at leaf joints, Forms large colonies in moist, rich soils, Opposite pairs of leaves with stinging hairs, Greenish or brownish flowers with 4–5 sepals and no petals. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a common plant that grows in the United States, Canada, and Europe.It primarily grows in damp, fertile soil. The fabric is similar to that made with hemp or flax. The leaves are opposite (two leaves per node on the stem), heart-shaped and sharply toothed. The stinging hairs secrete acid into the skin when their brittle tips are broken upon touching.  A wash of stinging nettle tea or common mullein tea (Verbascum thapsus) will often alleviate the stinging.  Young leaves and stems are edible when cooked like spinach.  Stinging properties disappear with cooking. According to some research, the stinging nettle root does this by minimizing the levels of inflammatory chemicals found in the body, and in interfering the transmission of pain signals. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. Once I started using nettle, a patch volunteered right at the end of my deck! Nettle has a square stem with simple leaves that grow opposite. The herb has anti-inflammatory qualities that can affect treatment of … Use stinging nettle wherever you would cooked spinach. Nettles have both ordinary and stinging hairs on stems, leaf petioles (stem part of a leaf) and undersides of the leaves. Around the cave where you are sleeping grow many of them; only those nettles, or the ones found in churchyards may you use. Those plants are found in the Loosestrife, Verbena and Stinging Nettle families, but none of them smell minty. Mints and stinging nettles share a superficial resemblance, both having square stems and opposite leaves. Consequently, it makes sense that rest of the plant contains a number of materials that protect its interior structures from its own poisons. The juice from the nettle stem is an antidote for the sting, though I’ve wondered if you found yourself in a nettle patch how exactly you would get that juice without incurring further stings. Many of the species have stinging hairs on their stems and leaves. If you cast one of these shirts over each of the eleven swans, the spell will be broken.”. Sign up for the Herbal Academy Newsletter, and we'll send you a free ebook. Other antidotes are mint, rosemary, and sage. Its one of those plants that like “wet feet” (or dampish soil). Information offered on Herbal Academy websites is for educational purposes only. Each leaf has a jagged edge. Cut the leaves away from the stem using scissors and place your harvest in a basket. A perennial plant to zone 2, nettle likes full sun but can grow in the shade, although shaded plants may not be as tall.  Some tribal groups used a strong fiber from the stems to make twine for fishnets and snares.  The fiber can also be used to make paper and cloth that is more durable than linen. Cover the barrel with a lid because this liquid will have a strong smell! As with many plants, it is making a huge comeback as more people become both aware of its many benefits and learn to handle it. Nettle seems to stimulate growth in nearby plants and helps reduce bug infestations. It can be a coarse fabric or one as fine as good quality linen. The parts we use are the aerial parts, although the root and seed also have applications. First Nations used it to produce cordage. Clearweed has a very translucent appearing stem. Some species of Urtica are on every continent (except Antarctica).  Short-stalked leaves, 7–15 cm long, in opposite pairs with prominent scales (stipules) at the base of leaf stalks.  Leaves have saw-toothed margins, are oval in shape, and taper to a point. You can start stinging nettle either from seed or from pulling up and transplanting a rooted stem. We also create opportunities to share what we've learned with local conservation organizations, students of all ages, management agencies and volunteers. ), If using wool you’ll want your water on the cool side to avoid causing the wool to felt.