Stinging nettles are not very popular, due to their stinging defence and because they can be invasive in gardens. But here are some reasons why we should love the plants, and why every garden deserves a nettle patch!
Edible - Yes, you can eat nettles! Just be sure to cook the sting off! They can be eaten much like spinach. My suggestion is to add them to any soup, stew or curry you eat. You can also have nettle tea!
Nutritious - Nettles are one of the most nutritious plants on the planet! They are high in protein and iron, among other things.
A high yielding vegetable - If you have a small garden but want to be as self-reliant in food as you can, nettles grow vigorously!
A good fibre plant - The stems of the nettle plant can be used to make ropes and clothing.
Nettle "tea" - Is a nutrient-rich liquid that can be diluted in water and given to plants.
Nettles for the compost heap - Chop nettles up (no roots) and add to your compost heap or bin to help decomposition.
Grow nettles and say goodbye to aphid issues - Aphids love nettles, so you can plant nettles to keep them away from your other plants. Nettles also attract ladybirds, which like to lay their eggs on the nettle plant, and will keep the aphids in check.
Good for carbon sequesteration - Whilst I have read no official data on this, because nettles grow fast I would imagine they would sequester a lot of carbon dioxide.
Good for insects - Nettles support over 40 insect species in the UK, and they are a larval food plant for butterflies such as commas, red admirals, and painted ladies. In a world where insects are declining, nettles are a helping hand for their recovery.
How do you cure a nettle sting?
Dock leaves are a myth, they do not cure nettle stings. The nettle sting is made up of a cocktail of toxins that cause irritation, so it is probably impossible to entirely cure it. There are two plants, though, that are pretty good. Number one is a wildflower known as plantain. Number two is the nettle itself! Crush nettle leaves to remove the sting, and they have some healing properties.
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