Stinging Nettles

Urtica Dioica

Locations
In the forrest garden

Identification
If the plant looks remotely like the pictures and stings you when you touch it, its almost undeniably a stinging nettle. Leaves- Simple serrated leaves, growing opposite each other with two to each node.

Fruit-

Flower-

Uses
Edible - Nettles leaves can be harvested and eaten in spring and early summer when the plant is young. It is best to harvest only the top four leaves of the nettle when the plant is not taller the knee height. Harvest the plant with gloves, long sleeves and pants to avoid stinging. Immediately after harvesting, place the nettle into a pot of boiling hot water for 3-4 minutes to remove the sting. After this, nettle can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The leaves can be used in the same instances you may use spinach. They are good in stir fries, soups and pesto.

Medicinal - Nettles are exceptionally high in iron, potassium, manganese, calcium and vitamins A and C - and can therefore be consumed for good overall health. The plant is known to remove metabolic wastes from the body, while strengthening the mucosa of the urinary, digestive, and respiratory systems. Nettle is also said to help treat arthritis as it prevents uric acid build up in the joints, while also treating anemia, hay fever and kidney problems. Nettles can also be dried to be used in tea to combat allergies, or as an infusion in place of a daily multi-vitamin. To make an infusion place roughly two handfuls of nettle into a quarter-gallon jar and fill the jar with boiling water. Close the lid of the jar and allow to infuse for 2-4 hours (depending on your desired intensity). Drain the infusion, dispose of the plant material and drink the infusion over the course of the day.

Utilitarian - Fiber taken from the stem can be used to make cordage, cloth and paper. See making How to Make Dogbane Cordage