Full Name - Nettle, Urtica diotica, a. k. a. Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettles make it difficult to show them much love.
You can't touch them, for one thing.
For many of us , we remember as children the stinging pain of our first Nettle rash.
And so most people know Nettle by its lasting sting.
Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) produce formic acid (similar to ant stings) which they hold in brittle hollow hairs.
One accidental brush against their bristly lines of hair causes burning, numbness and swelling for hours.
However, this treacherous weed can be put to good use -
so here are
10 reasons why Nettles are worth nurturing !
1. Despite their fearsome reputation the Nettle has many uses.
The chemicals that Nettle uses to defend itself are rendered harmless after drying, freezing or heating. Because of this, Nettle is safe to eat.
Nettle has good reasons to protect itself, one of them being that it is a very good food source. Nettles are highly nutritious.
2. They're medicinal.
Nettle offers many health benefits. Nettle is unique in its balance of protein, vitamins and minerals in its spiny leaves.
This balance of nutrition in Nettle is well suited for the human body.
Nettle is ideally suited for people with challenges to their immune system and low energy.
Nettle is a handy herb for people who often struggle with urinary tract infections. It is often combined with Dandelion Leaf or Chickweed.
It is also an herbal treatment of PMS and swollen ankles.
3. Stinging Nettle is amazing for any one who suffers from allergies.
Its secret lies in the nutritional boost it gives the body as well as the anti-inflammatory action of its leaf.
Nettle offers relief for people with pollen allergies and also with skin conditions such as eczema and hives.
Nettle root increases the production of T cells, which is vital to controlling allergic reactions.
A dose of Nettle before meals can help people with mild to moderate food allergies.
4. Nettle's nutritional balance is practicularly helpful for those suffering from anemia.
Nettle has vast amounts of iron, chlorophyll and vitamin C which increase the body's red blood cell count.
Regular blood donors recover quicker after adding Nettle to their diet. It's excellent for people who have trouble absorbing nutrition from their food properly.
5. Nettle helps with the following conditions :
- Allergies
- Prostate enlargement (BPH)
- Anemia
- Hives
- Arthritis
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
6. Nettle leaf is a traditional hair tonic used to fortify thinning or damaged hair.
7. Nettle root has a healing effect on the condition known as Enlarged Prostate.
The extract decreases the rate of growth significantly. Best to use with guidance from a qualified health care specialist in treatment of this disease.
The anti-inflammatory action of Nettle means diseases like arthritis can be effectively treated as well.
8. These plants are packed with magnesium, iron and calcium - all essential minerals for healthy humans.
9. They're tasty too, although Nettle nutrition is a dish best served hot.
The sting disappears when the leaves are boiled. Nettle leaf has a long history of culinary use. It can be used in any recipe where cooked greens are requested with ease. Almost any recipe with cooked spinach can be made more nutritious by substituting nettle. Nettle is great in soups, stews and stir fries.
10. And finally, they can raise your spirits... literally.
In England, Nettle wine is a traditional country wine that's enjoying a
bit of a resurgence. It is a very dry, crisp wine that, according to people who have tried it, "retains a bit of a prickle" 
