Urtica dioica - The Stinging Nettle

 The Stinging Nettle

By Lachlan Royle 

The stinging nettle; perhaps the most hated plant in the UK by every child who would have to retrieve a football or a frisbee from within a deep patch. But there is a lot more to a stinging nettle than first meets the eye. 

Characteristics

The Nettle itself can be broken into 4 key features, the roots are fibrous and thin and often fan out under the surface of the plant anchoring it into the soil. Then come the stem and the leaves, these are the bits that harbour the actual 'stingers', this sensation is caused by small hair like structures named trichomes, these contain a mixture of irritants including formic acid. Once a trichome comes into contact with a surface the end breaks off leaving a sharp point engorged in the potential attacker, this point is similar to that of a hypodermic needles. This broken off point then injects the toxins into the attacker, being barbed the trichomes are nigh impossible to remove and instead you must wait for the pain/irritation to pass. Finally there are the flowers which cluster together in between the leaves, whilst not being visually that appealing the flowers are essential for reproduction. 

Uses

Stinging nettles have been used in many medicinal forms, traditionally it was believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Stinging nettles are also very helpful in easing menstrual and menopausal symptoms. The extract of the oil can also be used as a skin supplement to help keep clear skin as-well as improving circulation and energy levels. Beyond medicinal use they are also commonly eaten, when boiled all the trichomes lose their toxicity and are no longer able to sting you. Some commonly eaten recipes are nettle soup and a nettle based tea, beyond that though they can be used as a base for vinegar and a wrapping for some products such as cheeses or meats. All in all they are an incredibly useful species for ecosystems and ourselves with a wide variety of uses. It's just irritating how painful they can be.