How many times have you ripped out stinging nettle to make space for other 'more beneficial' plants growing in your garden? Nettle comes into season in November and December, but this year, think again before throwing this plant into the compost or into the bin!
Many perceived 'weeds' are actually nature's medicine! With today's pharma taking over our granny's healing concoctions, we are slowly losing touch with the nutritional and medicinal value of what's growing wild just under our noses.
The benefits of stinging nettle
It's not just old wives' tales. Science is making some interesting discoveries about the health benefits of nettle.
1. Nettle is nutritious
This 'leafy green' contains a surprising variety of nutrients, including vitamins A, C and K; various B vitamins; minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus; all essential amino acids; a variety of 'good' fats; and a variety of polyphenols and pigments. Many of these nutrients also act as antioxidants in your body.
2. Nettle is a natural medicine
Nettle acts against several ailments. The potential health benefits of stinging nettle include reduced inflammation, reduced bleeding, boosted liver health and wound healing. More studies are underway to confirm its use for treating hay fever, reducing blood pressure, controlling diabetes, and reducing an enlarged prostate in men. Although studies are still being concluded, it is widely used for the treatment of arthritis.
Nettle is also believed to purify the blood, cleanse the kidneys, build up immunity and moisturise dry skin. Traditionally, it has been used in the treatment of painful muscles and joints, eczema, gout, anemia, nose bleeds, chilblains, mouth ulcers, ringworm, dog bites, asthma, pleurisy, pneumonia and as a metabolic stimulant.
Precautions when dealing with stinging nettle
The fresh plant stings. Be careful when you are handling it as it can cause burning sensation and irritation, while some people may display serious allergic reactions. Dried or cooked nettle does not have the same effects as the chemicals responsible are neutralised.
In pregnant women, nettle may trigger uterine contractions, thus raising the risk of a miscarriage. If you’re on medication, such as for blood pressure, diabetes, blood thinners, diuretics or lithium, speak to your doctor.
How to enjoy stinging nettle
Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant that's also used in Western herbal medicine. Avoid consuming fresh leaves as the barbs cause stinging pain and irritation. Dried, freeze-dried or cooked stinging nettle is generally safe.
1. Make nettle tea
Steep the dried leaves and flowers to make a delicious herbal tea. Use the smaller leaves from the top of the plant as they're more nutritious than the larger leaves toward the bottom. Drink warm or cold.
2. Eat it
Cook the leaves, stem and roots in a soup, stew or stir fry. Or add to dumplings or homemade pasta as a spinach substitute. In fact, you can use nettle in all recipes with spinach or kale. You can also make a hummus or pesto with nettle. There are many fantastic nettle recipes online, just ask Google!
Nettle varieties in Malta
There are seven species from the urticaceae family recorded on the Maltese Islands. Of these, two are indigenous.
Urtica urens
Urtica urens L. is commonly known as small nettle or annual nettle in English, or 'hurrieq zghir' in Maltese. It is frequently occurring and blooms from December to April.
Urtica membranacea
Urtica membranacea, or urtica dubia, is commonly known as large-leaved nettle or membranous nettle in English, or Hurrieqa komuni in Maltese. It is rather common and blooms from November to May.
You'll be looking at this 'pesky weed' through a different lens now, won't you?