Lecture on Stinging Nettle

Introduction to Stinging Nettle

• Also known as stinging nettle due to its stinging properties.
• Contains formic acid that causes burning and stinging sensations, potentially leading to small blisters.
• Does not sting when cooked or dried, only fresh.
• Can be compared to a bee sting.

Medicinal Uses

• Some use the sting medicinally to treat arthritis by stimulating blood flow to painful joints.
• Bringing blood flow to an area can help alleviate pain and improve joint function.
• Personal experiences of being stung: face, legs, and arms. Painful.

Plant Description and Profile

• Flowers are not showy; leaves are the main interest.
• Plant height: 2-4 feet.
• Spreads and sprawls, requires 12-inch spacing but grows in dense clumps in the wild.
• Harvestable 80-90 days after planting.
• Grows in various conditions: full sun, partial shade, or shade.
• Prefers high organic matter soils, often found in compost or manure-rich areas.
• Heavy feeder, prefers frequent watering.

Growing Tips

• Avoid planting in areas frequented by children or where frequent weeding/harvesting of other plants is necessary due to the sting.
• Propagation from seeds is difficult; about 50% germination rate.
• Better success with cuttings.
• Requires rich, moist, and permanent spots in gardens.
• No pests or diseases associated with nettle.

Harvesting and Drying

• Harvest before flowering using heavy gloves and scissors, sickle, or scythe.
• Wear long sleeves and use a tarp for transportation.
• Dry on open screens in warm temperatures; dries in a few days.

Herbal Preparations

• Used in infusions, tinctures, vinegar, and infused oils.
• Highly nutritious: rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, protein, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
• Used in foods: pesto, soups, spanakopita.
• Benefits male and female reproductive health, respiratory system, urinary tract, kidneys, immune system, thyroid, adrenals, and skin.
• Effective for allergy relief: drink infusions before pollen season.

Folklore

• Originally a beautiful plant with showy flowers, feared extinction due to overharvesting.
• Changed appearance to become less attractive and develop stinging properties to avoid extinction.

Encouragement for Cultivation

• Despite difficulties growing from seeds, encouraged to try growing nettle or find wild plants to transplant.
• Adding lots of manure can improve growth and spreading.
• Cautions about nettle stings for children.
• Highlights the plant's nutritional and medicinal value.