Herbal Uses for North American Nettles

Folk remedies, by definition, are nothing new. For centuries, people have found medicinal and culinary uses for plants in part or whole. As science explores botanical properties of traditional medicines, it's revealing how and how well certain plants address conditions in the human body as well as discovering new uses for them. In addition to being edible, nettles are used to treat an array of ailments, from acne to asthma.

Distribution

• Various plants have the rather generic term "nettle" attached to their names. Between 30 and 45 species of nettle exist in the genus Urtica, while others, such as wood nettle or false nettle, belong to different genera. About six major species inhabit North America, with Urtica dioica being the most widespread. Called stinging or bull nettle, it lives from Mexico to Canada, except for Florida in the United States and the Canadian territory of Nunavut.

Description

• Stinging nettle can grow taller than 6 feet and has pointed, saw-toothed leaves growing off a central stem, which is covered with fine hairs. If touched by bare skin, the hairs cause an itching sting as they become embedded and toxins, including formic acid and histamine, enter the skin. Urtica ferox, a species native to New Zealand, has been fatal to at least one human, as well as to horses and dogs. Stinging nettle produces hanging clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers.

Nutrition

• Boiled or steamed nettle can be frozen like spinach for later use.

  The U.S. Forest Service states that nettle is very nutritious, as it contains protein and fiber, and dried nettle has nutritional amino acids. The plant requires minimal processing, usually steaming, drying or boiling, to rid it of its stinging properties. Though classified as an herb, its culinary use is more that of a green. It can be used to make beer or as a substitute for spinach in recipes. It's not uncommon in French recipes.

Medicine

• Nettle treats acne and eczema, intestinal worms, diarrhea and urinary tract infections, joint pain, gout and anemia. Modern medicine has become more open to the use of herbs as complementary rather than alternative treatment, exploring the effects of nettle on arthritis, benign prostate hyperplasia (BHP), allergies and hair loss. Raintree Nutrition cites documented research on the use of nettle for treatment of pain, allergies, anaphylatic shock, inflammation, convulsions, congestion and high blood pressure, among other things. It may even increase milk production in nursing mothers.

Preparation

• Early spring is prime time to harvest nettle.

  For culinary use, young nettle leaves may be steamed or boiled. Both leaves and roots are used for medicinal infusions, which involve steeping the plant parts with other ingredients in water or oil. It's best to harvest the plants early, as the younger leaves are the best to use for cooking and are preferred for medicine, too. You can use the young plants whole, while they are still only 6 inches or so in height.

Precautions

• Nettle has a range of medicinal uses, which means it has a corresponding range of potential hazards. Always check with your health provider before using any herbal preparations, but there are some to note specifically with nettle. It has diuretic properties and should not be used long term without medical supervision. It can lower blood pressure and heart rate, so it may be counter-indicated in persons with heart conditions. Pregnant women should avoid nettle, as it can effect menstrual cycles and may cause miscarriage.