Once wilted they can no longer sting you. The sting relies on erect hairs to penetrate the skin and inject the stinging formic acid. When wilted strip the leaves off the stems. Always cook nettles, which destroys the stinging formic acid. Nettles are not suitable for salads! Recipes you'd like to share? We love to chat about foraging! However, chronic inflammation can inflict significant harm 6.
Stinging nettle harbors a variety of compounds that may reduce inflammation. In animal and test-tube studies, stinging nettle reduced levels of multiple inflammatory hormones by interfering with their production 7 , 8.
In human studies, applying a stinging nettle cream or consuming stinging nettle products appears to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. For instance, in one person study, applying a stinging nettle cream onto arthritis-affected areas significantly reduced pain, compared to a placebo treatment 9.
In another study, taking a supplement that contained stinging nettle extract significantly reduced arthritis pain. Additionally, participants felt they could reduce their dose of anti-inflammatory pain relievers because of this capsule That said, research is insufficient to recommend stinging nettle as an anti-inflammatory treatment. More human studies are needed. An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH. Animal research reveals that this powerful plant may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — a more powerful form of testosterone Stopping this conversion can help reduce prostate size Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extracts help treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects 14 , Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms However, human studies note that stinging nettle is equal to or only slightly better at treating hay fever than a placebo 17 , While this plant may prove a promising natural remedy for hay fever symptoms, more long-term human studies are needed.
Approximately one in three American adults has high blood pressure High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it puts you at risk of heart disease and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide Stinging nettle was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure For one, it may stimulate nitric oxide production, which acts as a vasodilator. Vasodilators relax the muscles of your blood vessels, helping them widen 21 , In addition, stinging nettle has compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax your heart by reducing the force of contractions 21 , Additional human studies are needed before recommendations can be made.
Both human and animal studies link stinging nettle to lower blood sugar levels 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin I boiled mine in water after washing in hot water.
I have a friend who eats them raw in the field after bruising in his hand. Of course. You can freeze purees in ice cube trays for easy portioning too—just pop them out and vacuum seal, etc. A friend told me her nettles stayed green even after boiling them in soup. Many plants have red hues until the temperature warms up. I think the black color results from a chemical reaction when heated with oxygen, eg in an open pot.
Quickly steaming, in a covered pot will, I believe, avoid this. Hi, does nettle become kind of sticky after cooking? I blanched them to put in spanikopita but they turned into one large lump in the fridge.
Alan, Just ran across your site. You have taken a passion of mine and just blistered it! They are abundant along park edges and as ornamental trees all over St Paul. Mid summer the sidewalks are covered in purple and the birds are just giddy.
Where I grew up, a local farm grew asparagus during WWII and canned it before eventually shutting down and the area going wild. As a result, the ditches and farm edges and railroad paths have bunches of asparagus all over the area. A rite of spring was to get out and one could easily pick a bushel if you knew the spots. Really enjoy the vibe of your videos. You have captured exactly the feeling of getting out in the wild and really taking the time to look closely around you for the wonders that abound.
My wife and i see it as a meditation of sorts with a treasure hunt, and a tasty meal at the end. So, nettles? Always heard of eating them but never knew exactly how to go about it. Your video has enlightened me to give them a try this spring. My question for you today is about timing. Do you keep a list of typical season or time when you know you have to hit the woods for certain things? For example ramps first week or two of May, chanterelles 2nd half of July, etc. Hey Mike! If you do, we should meet up this year and gather some.
At this stage it is best to quote John Wright from his Hedgerow book as he says it so well and thoroughly;. The plant will now start producing cystoliths - microscopic rods of calium carbonate - which can be absorbed by the body where they will mechanically interfere with kidney function. This should be common sense. Nettle have long roots to draw up nutriton and normally thrive in healthy and nitrogen rich soil, though do a little research and be sure you're picking from areas as free from pollutants as possible.
Of course pollutatants can also be air-borne, so picking away from busy roadsides is recommended too. Sometimes the leaves of stinging nettles are tinged purple. This need not be a problem, nor a reason to avoid that particular patch, though it tends to signify that the plant is tired or stressed in some way, which can make the leaves a little bitter.
Something to consider. We've all done it, or know someone who's been badly stung by nettles. Many of us are also tempted to pick delicious looking nettle leaves, even though our gloves are miles away in a forgotten cupboard. Thick sleeves can be used as a substitute for gloves wearing over your hands , though know that nettles also have a habit of finding bare skin and innocently brushing themselves against you.
A nettle sting doesn't have to be problem; the sting brings blood to the skin's surface, thus stimulating blood flow. Though too many stings are sometimes too much to bare. Consider waiting; the nettles continue strong, and return every year. I'd love to show and teach you more about Stinging Nettles, including recipe ideas, find out more on my Wild Food Foraging Courses.
The reason for the song lyrics is explained in my blog When NOT to eat Stinging Nettles, yet the song is self-explanatory really, so just watch and […]. Remember not to pick them if they're flowering and head to shady spots where they will flower […]. Hi Sean, glad I could answer via email. You may want to attend a foraging course with a teacher near you to help you learn more about foraging in a safe way.
I know I won't receive this in time, but it will be good to know. I've cooked with nettles before, as I'm a chef and we had gardeners at the inn and they grew things and foraged for me and brought things in. I just ordered some from a purveyor, years later and they just don't look right.
I would have thought they went to seed; as they have a millions tiny, green, wasabi-like seseme seeds falling off of them! But the leaves are very small, and they are all in tight cluster, almost like pot plants!!! Now I'm guessing they sent me "baby nettles" picked them immature, or are trying to grow micro and charge a lot.
So now, i have stems, tiny leaves, and a millions green seeds!! Any advice?????? AA in New England. Hi Alan, oh, that doesn't sound great! There are lots of different types of nettles, so the size does vary.
However, it does sound like you've been sold seeded nettles and not a good deal. If they are seeds you can use them, if they are flowers, you can't. Actually, flowering nettle plants shouldn't be used - not good for human consumption. The seeds only come on female plants, they are a little 3-D in their shape.
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