25. Stinging Nettle. Urtica dioica

Stinging Nettle. Another highly versatile common plant. Even the fibrous stems of nettles were once used to weave a rough cloth. The young tops make a most delicious soup, Nettle tea is good internally for rheumatic pains and externally as a balm against sunburn or as a cleansing hair rinse. A green dye can be made from the leaves and the seeds of this plant were once considered to have aphrodisiac qualities. Nettle leaves are an astringent, a diuretic and a tonic, thanks in part to their high vitamin C and iron content. As an astringent it has been used to decrease unwanted prostrate growth. As a tonic in beer, tea or soup it strengthens the whole body. The high salicic acid content in the plant can also help with eczema and the dried leaves make an easy poultice. 
The name ‘nettle’ comes from an old Scandinavian word ‘ Noedle’ - meaning ‘needle’ in reference to the stinging parts. Nettles were cultivated there and they were grown under glass in Scotland as ‘early kale’. A famous Irish dish called ‘Brotchan Neanntog’ contains nettles, but they become too tough after June for serious eating. Food for Free, a book by Richard Mabey even has a recipe for Nettle Haggis. 
Gerard claims Nettles as a remedy against Hemlock, bad mushrooms, quicksilver and Henbane, also against the bites of serpents and scorpions. An oil made from the leaves will take away the sting that “itself maketh”.
INDEX OF FLOWERS
Selfheal Common Vetch Penny Cress
Bittersweet Lesser Celandine Campion
Campion & Cow Parsley White Clover Vervain
Lesser Celandine and Primrose Dandelion Dandelion seeds
Periwinkle Evening Primrose Thrift
Foxglove Fennel Green Alkanet
Gunnera Hawthorn berries Plantain
Indian Balsam Herb Robert Speedwell
Nettle Lady's Smock Cherry Blossom
Scarlet Pimpernel Opium Poppy Quince blossom
Ramsons Meadow Cranesbill Rosebay Willow herb
Meadowsweet Lesser Stitchwort Broad leafed Willow Herb
Greater Stitchwort St. Johns Wort berries Tormentil
Dog Rose Thistle head Valerian head
Red Shank Valerian Sweet Violet Windflower
Yarrow Feverfew Rock Rose

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