Description :
The stinging nettle is an herbaceous plant common throughout the world. It grows to between 24 and 36 inches tall. The plant has toothy leaves that taper to a point at the end. They are usually a darker green on top and lighter underneath. The stems and even the central veins of the leaves are covered with small, hollow hairs. These hairs contain a form of formic acid. The hairs are sharp and can easily penetrate the skin. The small green flowers mature to tiny green seeds. Nettle roots go into the soft ground to a depth 6 inches or so. There are, generally, two layers of root. In the top layer are young runners. These are watery, narrower than the lower roots and a light yellow, whitish or even green color if close to the surface. There are hairs at every node. These hairs are where the next year’s baby nettle shoots are located. The second layer roots are larger in diameter and a deeper yellow than the surface roots. They are more solid and have less water content so they dry down at a different rate and yield more dry root. Nettle roots don’t tend to run as deep in heavy soil as in light, sandy soils. Root diameters vary from smaller then pencil diameter to about a half an inch. The deeper roots being generally larger.
History and Folklore:
The Latin name Urtica dioica, is derived from Uro, which means to burn. Nettle root produces a yellow dye that is used in fabric-making. Nettle root is an ingredient in many hair care products.
Cultivation and Harvest:
You’ll want to wear gloves! Harvest Nettle root early in the fall. Dig about a foot outside and below the radius of the foliage. Roots should be thoroughly washed. The runner roots at the top of the soil are finer than the deeper roots and tend to grow more or less horizontally while the deeper roots are larger in diameter and grow more vertically.
Precautions:
Avoid during pregnancy or while nursing.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Diuretic, Astringent
Other Names:
American stinging nettle, Stinging Nettle, Ball Nettle, Bull Nettle, Flame Nettle, Hemp Nettle, False Nettle, Ouch
Ingredients: Nettle Root (Urtica dioica)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Maverick –