Nettle Salts with Dill Flowers Photo by: Ruby Adkinson

Taxonomic Data:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Urticaceae
• Genus: Urtica
• Species: U. dioica

Description: Stinging nettles, with their characteristic tiny hair-like structures, have been both a bane for those who accidentally touch them and a boon for those who understand their medicinal properties. These perennial plants, native to Europe and Asia, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Medicinal Uses: Stinging nettles have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including pain relief, inflammation reduction, and as a diuretic. Recent studies have delved deeper into these uses:

• Osteoarthritis Treatment: A comprehensive review titled “Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) and Its Potential in Treating Osteoarthritis” by M. Johnson, A. Smith, and L. Roberts in the Journal of Herbal Medicine in 2023 suggests that stinging nettles may offer a natural alternative to conventional osteoarthritis treatments, with fewer side effects¹.

Recent Scientific Insights on Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Stinging nettles have been traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, and recent scientific studies have shed light on their potential medicinal benefits. A study conducted in 2020 titled “Antileishmanial activity of Urtica dioica extract against zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis” highlighted the therapeutic effects of Urtica dioica against cutaneous leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease. The research indicated that the extract from U. dioica effectively reduced the viability of the parasites, suggesting its potential as a treatment for this disease.

Another study from 2019, “Combined Sabal and Urtica Extracts (WS® 1541) Exert Anti-proliferative and Anti-inflammatory Effects in a Mouse Model of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia”, explored the effects of a combination of Sabal and Urtica extracts on benign prostate hyperplasia. The results demonstrated that this combination reduced prostate tissue hypertrophy, inflammation, and epithelial hyperplasia.

Furthermore, a study titled “Bioactivity-guided isolation of flavonoids from Urtica dioica L. and their effect on endometriosis rat model” from 2019 investigated the effects of flavonoids isolated from U. dioica on endometriosis in rats. The findings suggested that these flavonoids could be effective in treating endometriosis due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

These studies underscore the potential of stinging nettles in treating various conditions, from parasitic diseases to inflammatory disorders. As always, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals before using nettles or any other herbal remedies for therapeutic purposes.

It’s essential to pick the leaves before the plant flowers, as after flowering, the leaves can develop gritty particles called cystoliths that can be irritating to the kidneys.

When harvesting nettles for culinary use:

1. Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling stinging nettles to avoid getting stung by the tiny hair-like structures on the leaves and stems.
2. Choose Young Plants: The best time to harvest nettles is in the spring when the plants are young and the leaves are tender. The top four to six leaves on each stem are the most tender and ideal for culinary use.
3. Avoid Flowering Plants: Once the plant starts to flower, it’s best to avoid harvesting the leaves for consumption.

After harvesting, the leaves should be blanched in boiling water for a minute or two to neutralize the stinging hairs. Once blanched, they can be dried and used to make nettle salt or any other nettle-based culinary preparation.

Culinary Uses: Beyond their medicinal properties, stinging nettles have found their way into kitchens. They can be used in soups, teas, and even as a substitute for spinach in many dishes.

Recipes

1. Nettle Pesto

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh stinging nettle leaves (blanched and chopped)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparation of Nettles: First, wearing gloves, pick the young, tender leaves of the stinging nettle plant. Blanch the nettle leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to remove the sting. Drain and chop.
2. In a food processor, combine the blanched nettle leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
3. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
4. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pesto can be used as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or a dip.

2. Nettle Salts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh stinging nettle leaves (blanched and dried)
• 1/2 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Preparation of Nettles: Wearing gloves, pick the young, tender leaves of the stinging nettle plant. Blanch the nettle leaves in boiling water for about 1 minute to remove the sting. Drain and pat dry with a towel.
2. Spread the blanched nettle leaves on a baking sheet and let them dry completely. This can be done in a low oven (around 150°F or 65°C) or naturally in the sun.
3. Once dried, combine the nettle leaves and salt in a mortar and pestle or a food processor.
4. Grind or pulse until the nettle leaves are finely ground and mixed well with the salt.
5. Store the nettle salt in an airtight container. It can be used as a seasoning on dishes to add a unique flavor and a touch of nutrition.

Growing Conditions: Stinging nettles prefer rich soil with good moisture. They thrive in partial to full sunlight. When handling them for planting or harvesting, it’s essential to wear gloves to avoid their sting.

Note of Caution: While stinging nettles have numerous benefits, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using them for medicinal purposes.

References:

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