Description :
Native to the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, the abrasive nettle is a most familiar and abundant herb that thrives in the rich soils of cultivated land. The stinging is caused by the plant hairs, which contain histamine and formic acid. Nettles are said to deplete the soil of minerals and vitamins and concentrate them in their leaves. Nettle is a perennial, sliding plant. Its Lanced leaves are a rich source of minerals, and make the plant an ideal tonic remedy in cases of anemia due to lack of iron. They are collected in summer to be used in toning soups with seasonal vegetables or cooked as spinach. However the seed are the most nutritious part of the nettle plant, Nettle Seed contains everything that is in the plant and root, plus essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Nettle seeds are soft enough to be eaten raw. They are packed with enough nutrients that only small daily doses are needed.
History and Folklore:
The latin name Urtica dioica, is derived from Uro, which means to burn. Used horse salesmen in Germany, Hungary, and other places in the 1800’s, would feed a handfull of nettle seed a day for about two weeks to horses destined for sale. Even in older horses, this tended to make for a nice, shiny coat that made them appealing to buyers.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Wear gloves! Harvest Nettle seed in the fall when the leaves of the plant have withered and the seeds are turning brown. Seeds can be eaten raw, dried or crushed.
Precautions:
Avoid during pregnancy or while nursing.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Adaptagen
Other Names:
American stinging nettle, Stinging Nettle, Ball Nettle, Bull Nettle, Flame Nettle, Hemp Nettle, False Nettle, Ouch
Ingredients: Nettle Seed (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.
Nicholas –