‘Be Nice to Nettles Week’ raises awareness of the positives beyond just the irritating sting a nettle gives you.
It is currently ‘Be Nice to Nettles Week’ in the UK, which lasts between the 15th May to the 24th May.
Nettles play an important part in the environment and have many unknown interesting facts about the infamous plant.
Kim Walker, one of the founders of Handmade Apothecary, has the lowdown on all things nettles.
She said: “Nettles are massively abundant and like to grow in disturbed land around humans. They have been there for us throughout history to provide food, fibre and clothing.
“We need to appreciate them not only for what they have done for us, but also the supportive role they play for a healthy ecosystem. It is also great that weeks like this exist to change our minds – instead of weeding them out, embrace them!”
Foraging for Nettles
When foraging, Kim told us why it is important to be aware; particularly when picking up nettles.
“If you ‘grasp the nettle’ firmly and quickly, it is possible to forage it without getting stung too much,” Kim said.
“This is not recommended for the faint hearted or sensitive though because any hesitation could leave you stung!”
It is suggested to use dock leaves to soothe irritation when you have been stung by a nettle. We asked how much truth is in this common belief?
“I learned a useful tip from the herbalist, Monica Wild, a few years ago. The base of the dock leaf produces a soothing sticky gel, a bit like Aloe Vera and it helps with stings.
“I have never found the leaf itself useful. If the gel isn’t available then use ribwort plantain or nettle juice itself.”
However, Nettles also provide many other medicinal benefits.
“The leaf is rich in iron and calcium, great for those with osteoporosis and it is a great supplement for vegans who may struggle for sources of iron.
“Skin conditions like weeping eczema can be treated by the leaf’s infusion.”
A trained medical herbalist like Kim can help us to learn more about their benefits through regular posts on her Instagram about all types of herbs.
Nettles and the Environment
Furthermore, the plant is also vital in protecting the environment that they grow in.
“Nettles are important for supporting caterpillars of the peacock and small tortoiseshell butterflies who take advantage of its stinging protection!
“Additionally, they make a great fertiliser with comfrey (a herb that blooms flowers) for gardeners to use,” explains Kim.
Nettles have two different genders!
The Latin name for the plant is Urtica Dioica which means ‘two houses’ and relates to their genders. Therefore, most pants have both seeds and flowers on the same plant but nettles do not.
Kim explains the methods in identifying a nettles gender.
“Look for tiny, hot-cross bun like flowers popping open and little puffs of ‘smoke’ (pollen) being released into the warm summer air. The pollen carries over to the flowers of the seed-producing plants.
“These are like tiny ‘hairs’ that pick up the pollen from the air. These flowers go on to ripen into tiny little seeds.”
To learn more about nettles and other herbs try out their workshops online: Preserving Traditions: Processing & storing your own food & medicine — Handmade Apothecary.
