Most just think of it as a stinging weed, but the nettle has so many uses that we overlook - as Emma Pritchard reveals
It’s time to fall back in love with the humble nettle (urtica dioica). In the 21st century, their well-known sting and weed status has left them somewhat unwanted. Yet for centuries before this, this surprisingly versatile plant has been used as medicine, to flavour food and even for clothing.
Nettles can: Make soup
Packed with calcium, magnesium and iron, use nettles to boost your immune system as the seasons cross over. Boil onion, carrot, leek and potato together in vegetable stock and add nettle leaves in the final stages of cooking. Serve with homemade nettle bread for an added nutritional punch.
Nettles can: Alleviate pain naturally
Applying nettle leaves to arthritis-affected areas is believed to help reduce symptoms. Can’t bear the thought of the sting? Try taking a supplement, instead.
Nettles can: Create a natural dye
Nettles provide an excellent fabric dye: for a yellow colour, boil fabric with the roots of the plant; for a greener hue, choose the leaves.
Nettles can: Help your garden grow
Nettles are rich in nitrogen so add them to your compost heap to help break down the waste matter more quickly. If you have roses, leave your nettle patch untouched to attract ladybirds which feed on the nettles in the early part of the year.
