Among the conditions stinging nettles are purported to treat are: 1. Stinging nettle leaf. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. And believe it or not, some people actually cook and eat stinging nettle, which—if prepared properly—will lose its stinging sensation and is quite nutritious. Poison ivy and stinging nettle are both native to our region. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with nettle does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. The nettle has sharp hairs on … The best ways to use nettle are fresh, tinctured, or freeze-dried, but air-drying or dehydrating works, too. Tendonitis Although researc… The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Stinging nettle resembles clearweed (Pilea pumila), a non-toxic but unpalatable plant, but clearweed has no stinging hairs. 1 cup chopped fresh Michigan morels – optional ¼ cup chopped, fresh parsley Fresh lemon zest Salt, pepper to taste. Wood nettle is harder to gather in quantity and it's more susceptible to the pressure of over-harvest. © Copyright 1995-2020 Regents of the University of Michigan. Nettles grow 2 to 5 feet tall and have opposite leaves. Clinical studies have been done on rats and humans and have inferred that this plant is indeed beneficial for treating prostate related problems. Initiatives; Wayne County Employee Fraud Reporting; News & Resources. Opposite, egg- to lance-shaped with a rounded base and pointed tip. The stinging nettle is covered in small hairs. Put the cubes in hot water to thaw and sip as tea or add them to green smoothies later. Gout 5. Contact with stinging hairs can cause a skin irritation. True to its name, stinging nettle imparts a painful sting through tiny hairs on the underside of its leaves and on its stems. The stinging hairs, called trichomes, are hollow like hypodermic needles with protective tips. Once nettle flowers and goes to seed, the plant produces an alkaloid that could be harmful to the kidneys when consumed in quantity. Hello - You don't need to do anything special before cooking or drying. Ask your doctor before taking nettle with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Plant taxonomy: Stinging nettle is a member of the genus, Urtica, a broadleaf, perennial plant. Affiliate Disclaimer: In some cases, we use affiliate links, which means we get a small (tiny) commission if you make a purchase after clicking a link. It can also be categorized as a noxious weed. Swamps and (less often) marshes, moist disturbed forests and thickets, ditches and weedy areas, lake shores and river banks. You can also make bigger batches to store in the fridge for a couple days to drink cold or re-heated. Nettle (or stinging nettle) is a plant also known as Bichu, Feuille d'Ortie, Graine d'Ortie, Grande Ortie, Ortie, Ortiga, Urtica, and other names. archaeologists in Denmark discovered scraps of a 2800-year-old Bronze Age burial shroud. Of course we've always heard they are edible, so that led to this google search and your fantastic page! We just returned… by Donovan. It's arguably one of the most nutritional wild edibles available, but it needs to be cooked or dried to neutralize the sting. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. You can find it along the edges of woods, in partial sunlight, sometimes even winding up trees. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. We use nettle regularly during pollen season — both freeze-dried and fresh tea. They hit the swollen area with the stinging nettle plant. They reported that nettle leaf flour had three times more protein than wheat or barley and less than half the carbohydrates. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Freezing is the best method for putting nettle away to use later, especially for eating. … Today, it can be found all over the world, but its origins are in the colder regions of Europe and Asia. Contact with stinging hairs can cause a skin irritation. Stinging Nettle Root 10:1 Pure Extract 750mg (Equivalent to 7500mg Raw Stinging Nettle Root) Promotes Prostate & Urinary Tract Health - 100 Vegetarian Capsules 4.5 out of 5 stars 673 $20.70 $ 20 . Long sleeves and work gloves will work, too. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. We only link books and other products that we think would be useful to our readers. Muscle and joint pain 2. This extract is derived from the leaves of the plant Urtica dioica, also known as the stinging nettle. Some stinging nettle subspecies may have green stems, whereas other subspecies may have purple stems. The tips break off when touched, unsheathing the sharp needles. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: It is not known whether nettle will harm an unborn baby. That's 37% of the daily value for calcium and 25% for fiber, according to nutritionvalue.org. Avoid taking nettle with other herbal/health supplements that contain vitamin K. This includes alfalfa, parsley, nettle leaves, plantain, and others. The cotyledons (seed leaves) are round to oval, and hairless except for a few stinging hairs and sparse, short, nonstinging hairs. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Early spring is the best time to harvest — I try to pick more early in the season and store for later use. Stinging nettle is a tall perennial broadleaf weed that often grows in colonies. Learn how we develop our content. 1/2 C. nettle pesto. Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of nettle at the same time without medical advice. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Stinging nettle is a plant that grows in North America, Europe, and Africa. It thrives along trails. Deglaze the mix with the wine and cook over low heat until all the wine has evaporated. Thanks for your support! Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, season is coming to an end already.This weekend will be a great time to look for nettles and bring them home to eat or preserve. This is better than making tea from dried nettle but it obviously takes a lot of space and isn't practical unless you live in an igloo, in which case you probably don't have access to fresh nettle. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. Puree fresh leaves, steep in hot water, let cool, pour into ice cube trays, and freeze. It is also believed to build energy and restore flexibility … Stinging nettle stems (singular, never branched) can get as tall as about 1.5 feet (0.46 m) to 9 feet (2.7 m). Masks are required throughout all facilities. Or try making fresh stinging nettle pasta. The easiest way to get the benefits of nettle is to steep the fresh leaves in hot water for an earthy hot tea. Its tough, fibrous stalks have been made into paper, cordage for fishing nets and rope, and linen-like cloth. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Other times it grows on sunny slopes, river shorelines and flood plain areas. When touched those hairs “sting” with a nasty blend of histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine and formic acid. Arthritis 4. Stinging nettle should not be confused with "white dead nettle" (Lamium album). Stinging nettle can cause a lot of pain, but fortunately, this rarely translates to serious, long-term issues. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. 6 C. chicken stock or water. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. It's considered an aggressive invasive and has become established and common in certain areas. There are several variations of poison ivy with different growing habitats, Kelly says. Freeze tea in plastic freezer containers. According to the traditional medicine, this plant is used for many purposes. Alternative practitioners believe that stinging nettles can reduce pain and inflammation associated with both infectious and non-infection conditions. Delivering significant amounts of iron, calcium and protein nettles are a welcome spring food. The sting typically doesn't last long, but it when it stings, it really stings. Do not use this product if you are pregnant. Then strain and drink. Stands of nettle tend to be so dense that it's really easy to pick a lot quickly. Simply harvest a handful of leaves, cover with boiling water, and let steep for ten minutes or so. It primarily grows in damp, fertile soil. Pinching off the top of the plant is a great way to take only tender new growth while leaving most of the plant to continue growing. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Such plants are represented in Michigan only by a Houghton Co. collection (Lake Linden; O. Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Copyright 1996-2020 Cerner Multum, Inc. University of Michigan Herbarium | 3600 Varsity Drive | Ann Arbor, MI 48108-2228 | eeb-michiganfloraonline@umich.edu |phone 734.615.6200 | fax 734.998.0038 Urtica - Michigan Flora Home Blanch whole leaves and pack in freezer bags or plastic containers and freeze. According to the USDA's food nutrient database, 100 g of blanched stinging nettle has an average of 481 mg of calcium and 6.9 g of fiber. I should mention, too, that the best way to pick nettle is with scissors and rubber dishwashing gloves, since they're long enough to cover part of your arms and wrist. Often maligned due to its painful “stings,” stinging nettle is actually a flavorful, high-protein superfood with a long history of use as a culinary, medicinal, and fiber plant. Typical European plants are said to be usually if not always dioecious and to have broader ovate and definitely cordate leaf blades, which bear stinging hairs on both surfaces. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. A distant mint relative, stinging nettles are equally invasive and need to be sternly managed . stinging nettle tall nettle This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in … I'm actually doing the ecosystem a favor by harvesting nettles! Stinging nettle (Urtica genus) is a European native plant that has become naturalized throughout the United States. Do not use extra nettle to make up the missed dose. Follow all directions on the product label and package. Stinging nettle is an interesting and a medicinal plant that has various kinds of benefits on the human health.Due to the hair like structures present on this plant, it is known as stinging nettle. copyright © 2010-2020 Wild Edible, all rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions. The stinging hairs seem to have a knack for finding any square millimeter of minimally guarded skin. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. No matter how much armor you wear, though, it's nearly impossible to avoid getting stung. This 2015 study compares the nutritional properties of stinging nettle leaf flour with wheat and barley flours. It is also believed to build energy and restore flexibility … The stinging nettle can also be grown in controlled-environment agriculture systems, such as soil-less medium cultivations or aeroponics, which may achieve higher yields, standardize quality, and reduce harvesting costs and contamination. According to another more recent study, what makes nettle work so well is its anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do you do anything to try to remove the nettles before making tea or cooking/drying? It is not certain whether nettle is effective in treating any medical condition. Heat the stock in a large saucepan. A big bowl or basket is also really helpful -- just cut the tops straight into your bowl. Smaller, younger leaves are more heart-shaped. In Germany, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical devices has approved the use of stinging nettles as a cure for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. There are a few techniques that work well: I love the fact that stinging nettle is such a nutritional powerhouse and such an effective remedy for allergies and it's so freely available. Nettle is often sold as an herbal supplement. Petiolated leaves have coarsely toothed margins, smooth surfaces to a few hairs beneath and long, stinging hairs on the lower surface. Increase Your Energy Levels: Nettles are used as a traditional spring tonic to strengthen and support … Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. However, taking nettle during pregnancy may stimulate uterine contractions and could increase your risk of miscarriage. They hit the swollen area with the stinging nettle plant. Complete disclaimer, Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read, understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by, End-User License Agreement, which can be accessed by clicking on this link. Other drugs may interact with nettle, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Stinging nettle rash presents as raised bumps or hives that are often light in color and up to a centimeter in diameter. COVID-19: Updated Visitors Policy. NOTICE: This health information was not created by the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) and may not necessarily reflect specific UMHS practices. The tiny flowers are arranged in inflorescences that hang off the stems like catkins. I love knowing that the negative impact of over-harvest isn't really an issue since it's so invasive where I live and throughout the U.S. When you find it, you'll usually find it in a dense stand. Prepare nettle leaves as you would spinach — lightly steamed, sautéed, in stir-fries, soups, etc. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are one of more than 50 varieties of nettle plants worldwide. You could also make pesto with nettle and freeze in ice cube trays. Common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial plant found in temperate regions throughout the world. It is not known whether nettle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. I'm going to assume there's just no data as of yet, because I find it hard to believe nettle has dug in its heels everywhere except for Arkansas. The leaves and young stems of this herbaceous plant are fitted with stinging hairs tipped with formic acid and other irritants. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Stinging nettle may also affect the sneezing and itching of hay fever, perhaps because the herb can reduce the amount of histamine the body releases from mast cells in response to an allergen. Be careful not to overcook which will destroy nettle's nutritional qualities and result in an unappealing mush. Last thing I want to do is drink a glass of tea only to swallow a bunch of dislodged nettle needles! Directions. For centuries, nettle has been a staple for ancient cultures and continues to be an important food source throughout the world. Some of the claims are better supported by research than others. Nettle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. The researchers blanched nettle leaves for one minute, drained, and dried at 60°C (140°F) for two days and then ground the dried leaves into flour. Cooking, soaking, or drying will neutralize the sting -- it's not really the needles that cause pain, but the chemicals they inject. Nettle has been used in alternative medicine to treat hay fever, asthma, diarrhea, osteoarthritis, circulation problems, diabetes, fluid retention, symptoms of enlarged prostate, and other conditions. Fresh mint is great for enhancing the earthy flavor. The stems are sharply angled (typically 4-angled), often with bristly-pubescent stinging hairs. Stinging nettle, or urtica dioica, is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for ages, dating back as far as Ancient Greece. Male flowers can be yellow or purple, while female flowers are green and white. It has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. Nettle also had "a range of health benefitting bioactive compounds" and "a better amino acid profile than most of the other leafy vegetables". Not only is nettle an excellent food source, but it also has a long history of use as a fiber. Hay fever 7. Dogs, humans, and other animals who come into contact with the stinging nettle will experience unpleasant symptoms that can intensify with repeated exposure. You can also dry and store nettle leaves for later use in capsules or tea, but dried nettle is far inferior to fresh or frozen. Occasionally the stems may be smooth. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Rubbing the affected area with jewelweed or plantain can help relieve the sting. But for generations, traditional herbalists have prescribed stinging nettle to alleviate allergy symptoms and a 1990 double-blind study corroborates its efficacy (using freeze-dried extract of stinging nettle). These little needles wrecked havoc on our exposed legs and the thought of drinking them or putting them in our mouth seems scary. In Germany, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical devices has approved the use of stinging nettles as a cure for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Does the heating up process do something to eradicate the sting? If you choose to use nettle, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Our native wood nettle (Laportea canadensis) has similar qualities, though it favors the shade of forest canopy and grows in more sparsely populated colonies. Thanks. Stems Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Stinging nettle (Urtica genus) is a European native plant that has become naturalized throughout the United States. For medical advice relating to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. May Reduce Inflammation. Nettle leaves also make a greenish dye, while the roots were used traditionally as for yellow dye. The plant usually grows between two to four feet high and blooms from June to September. Rose gloves are a better alternative since they'll last longer, but they're more expensive. Revision date: 10/9/2014. Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica, is a common plant that grows in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Inflammation is your body’s way of healing itself and fighting infections. Version: 3.01. Leaves. Stinging nettle is dioecious, which means plants can have either male or female flowers. The most important consideration for harvesting nettle is NOT to eat it after it flowers in late spring. Stinging nettle should not be confused with "white dead nettle" (Lamium album). Stinging nettle, (Urtica dioica), also called common nettle, weedy perennial plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae), known for its stinging leaves. It's a great plant to keep around the urban or rural homestead, as long you keep it from taking over your garden or yard. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Wash the nettle leaves and sauté with the onion, morels and rice in a large skillet. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Nettle (or stinging nettle) is a plant also known as Bichu, Feuille d'Ortie, Graine d'Ortie, Grande Ortie, Ortie, Ortiga, Urtica, and other names. About Nettle Leaf Extract: One of the most potent herbal ingredients that has been widely used in health supplements in recent times is the nettle leaf extract. In reply to Hello - Eczema 3. The stinging nettle plant can grow well over 10 feet tall and is commonly found in uncultivated areas of moist soil such as pastures, wasteland, and alongside streams. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. It's hard to imagine a plant that inflicts such agony could actually provide real relief for the agony of seasonal allergies, or, to be technical, allergic rhinitis. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. It's considered an aggressive invasive and has become established and common in certain areas. Like most edible plants, the best way to eat nettle is to consume it shortly after being harvested. If you have any left over and don't want to store it, pour it on your plants...they really love the silica in nettle tea. This helps to keep Wild Edible online. In 2012, archaeologists in Denmark discovered scraps of a 2800-year-old Bronze Age burial shroud that were made of wild nettles. Anemia 6. Petiolated leaves have coarsely toothed margins, smooth surfaces to a few hairs beneath and long, stinging hairs on the lower surface. 1 medium onion. Do not take nettle without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: This list is not complete. Erect, rhizomatous perennial. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. The first true leaves have margins that are coarsely round-toothed on short stalks. The leaves are coarsely toothed, pointed on the ends, and can be several inches long. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. However, nettle has not been proven with research to be effective in treating these conditions. a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (some parts of the nettle plant contain large amounts of vitamin K, which affects blood-clotting). The trichomes inject formic acid, histamines, and other chemicals into your skin, which is what causes the sting. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Although not all side effects are known, nettle is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time (no longer than 6 months). Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. I'm guessing the process also softens or degrades the needles because they're not an issue. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Pick only the tenderest, youngest leaves. Enlarged prostate 9. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Opposite, egg- to lance-shaped with a rounded base and pointed tip. Considering the economics of your time, nettle is one of the more valuable wild edibles. 2 T. butter. Do not confuse these plants with dead nettle (Lamium maculatum), a harmless perennial plant used in shade gardens. Or for a stronger brew, make an infusion by loosely filling a Mason jar with nettle leaves, cover with boiling water, cover the jar, and let steep overnight. Quick question due to our recent experience. In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken stock or water so it is steamy when ready to cook the rice. Taking nettle with any medicines that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. 70 ($0.21/count) $26.70 $26.70 A. Farwell 8513 in … We just returned from backpacking in Shenandoah National Park, where we were accosted constantly by stinging nettles. Nettle may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Stinging nettle has naturalized in nearly every state in the United States. Urticaceae (Nettle family) Life cycle. Fair Michigan Justice Project - LGBTQ Unit; Initiatives. Nettles thrive in damp, nitrogen-rich soil; look for it in bottom land along rivers and streams, around old farm-steads, and in other full-sun to partially shaded areas with well fertilized dirt. These hairy like structures are known as trichomes and cause a sting-like feeling when you touch the plant. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is found throughout Eurasia, North America, and northern Africa, and has been introduced to parts of South America. According to the USDA's range map, it (Urtica dioica) has not been confirmed in Arkansas. The skin surrounding the hives may be red. Nettles grow 2 to 5 feet tall and have opposite leaves. Urinary tract infections 8. 1/2 C. white wine.