The stinging nettle is far more than a simple weed; it is a key organism for soil health and a versatile resource for self-sufficient systems. In our project in Cape Breton, we value it specifically as a biological indicator and a nutrient accumulator.
Name
German: Große Brennnessel
English: Stinging Nettle
Latin: Urtica dioica
Plant Group
Family: Urticaceae (Nettle family)
Subgroup: Urtica species
Distribution
Original Origin: Eurasia
Current Distribution: Worldwide today. In Cape Breton, it is rare in wild populations due to acidic soils; often requires active establishment.
Identification Features
Height: 30–150 cm, up to 200 cm in nutrient-rich locations.
Leaves: Heart-shaped, pointed, coarsely serrated, arranged oppositely; covered with stinging hairs.
Flowers: Inconspicuous, greenish panicles (June–September); dioecious.
Fruits: Small, solitary nut fruits.
Bark / Stem: Four-edged, upright, mostly unbranched, very fibrous and tough.
Usage
Traditional / Craft: The fibers of the stems are extremely tear-resistant. We use them for simple cordage or as a historical textile material (nettle cloth).
Medicinal (Folk Medicine):
Internal: As a tea for drainage and metabolic activation for rheumatism and gout.
Anti-inflammatory: Supporting urinary tract complaints.
External: As hair water to promote blood circulation in the scalp.
Culinary: The seeds serve as a “protein boost” for our herbal salt. Young leaves are a high-quality substitute for spinach, rich in iron and vitamin C.
Ecological / Decorative: As a nitrogen indicator, it points out nutrient-rich areas on our land. In organic gardening, it is the foundation for our liquid fertilizer (manure).
Toxicity
Toxicity: Non-toxic, but causes painful wheals on the skin due to stinging hairs.
Risk of Confusion: Before flowering, it can be mistaken for dead-nettles (Lamium), which, however, do not have stinging hairs and are also harmless.
Risk of Confusion
Similar Plants: Dead-nettles (Lamium species), Marsh hedge-nettle (Stachys palustris).
Differences: Dead-nettles have more conspicuous flowers and do not possess stinging hairs.
Additional Information
Maintenance: The nettle is considered easy to care for but requires a continuous supply of nitrogen and sufficient moisture for high active ingredient content. Regular pruning before seed formation promotes the new growth of young, vital leaves for culinary use.
Growth Conditions: The plant prefers semi-shaded to sunny locations with loose, humus-rich, and deep soils. It is a classic nitrogen indicator and thrives particularly well where organic substance is present in excess.
Special Notes: While it grows almost everywhere on its own in many parts of Europe, extreme locations like Cape Breton require active preparation through liming and targeted establishment due to the local soil ecology (acidic, boreal soils), as natural wild populations may be lacking.
Nettle Fertilizer (Liquid Manure)
Nettle Fertilizer (Liquid Manure)
Equipment
- Large 100-liter barrel (plastic or wood)
- Sturdy stirring stick
- Fine sieve or cloth for straining
- Watering can or sprayer
Ingredients
- 10 kg fresh nettle shoots before seed maturity
- 100 L rainwater
- Optional: 500 g rock meal (to bind odors)
Instructions
- Roughly chop the plant parts and fill loosely into the barrel.
- Fill with 100 liters of rainwater until the material is completely covered.
- Cover the barrel with a breathable material to keep insects out.
- Stir vigorously once a day to introduce oxygen.
- After approx. 10–14 days (once the liquid is dark and no longer foaming), strain through a sieve.
Notes
- Application:
- Dilute 1:10 with irrigation water.
- Use weekly for heavy feeders,
- every 2 weeks for light feeders.
- Calculation: Includes a 15% safety margin (target mass approx. 11.5 kg) to compensate for leaching during Atlantic heavy rain events.
- Safety: Strong inherent odor during fermentation; set up the barrel at a distance from living areas.
Botanical Dye: Nettle (Gray-Green)
Botanical Dye: Nettle (Gray-Green)
Equipment
- Large stainless steel pot (do not use for food)
- Scale and measuring cup
- Fine sieve or muslin cloth
- Gloves
Ingredients
- 1 kg fresh nettle leaves
- 75 g Alum Potassium aluminum sulfate as a mordant (corresponds to 15% of the fiber weight)
- 500 g Wool or silk pre-washed
- Optional: 1 tsp Iron II sulfate (for darker olive tones)
Instructions
- Mordanting: Dissolve alum in warm water, add damp wool, and heat gently at 80 °C (176 °F) for 60 minutes. Let it cool down in the pot.
- Dye Bath: Chop the nettles, cover with water, and simmer for 60 minutes. Then strain the liquid.
- Dyeing: Place the pre-mordanted wool into the dye bath and let it steep for 60 minutes at 80–90 °C (176–194 °F).
- Rinsing: Remove the wool, rinse with lukewarm water, and dry in the shade.
Notes
Metabolism Cure (Rheuma & Gout Tea)
Metabolism Cure (Rheuma & Gout Tea)
Equipment
- Large teapot (approx. 1 liter capacity)
- Fine tea strainer
- Tea cozy or lid
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp dried nettle leaves or 8 tbsp freshly chopped
- 1 liter sparkling boiling water soft/filtered
- Optional: 1 tbsp birch leaves to enhance drainage/detoxification
Instructions
- Place the herbs directly into the pot or a large strainer.
- Pour the boiling water over them, ensuring all leaves are fully submerged.
- Cover the pot immediately to preserve volatile active ingredients.
- Let it steep for exactly 12 to 15 minutes. The longer steeping time is crucial for releasing the silica.
- Strain and drink in small sips throughout the day.
Notes
- Application: Drink as a cure for 4 to a maximum of 6 weeks. Consume 1 liter of the tea daily.
- Metabolism: Helps to dissolve and flush out uric acid crystals.
- Hydration: At least 1.5 liters of still water must be consumed daily in addition to the tea.
- Safety: Do not use in cases of water retention (edema) caused by heart or kidney insufficiency.
Wild Herb Pesto
Wild Herb Pesto
Equipment
- Mortar and pestle or blender
- Kitchen towel
- Sterile screw-top jars
Ingredients
- 2 handfuls of young nettle tips
- 50 g walnuts or sunflower seeds
- 50 g hard cheese or nutritional yeast
- 150 ml plant oil rapeseed or olive
- Garlic
- salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roll the nettles in a kitchen towel (to break the stinging hairs) and chop them roughly.
- Process with the nuts and garlic using a mortar and pestle or a blender.
- Stir in the cheese and oil, then season to taste.
- Store in a cool place, ensuring the surface is covered with a layer of oil.
Notes
- Application: Serve with pasta, potatoes, or as a spread on bread.
- Notes: Harvest only the top tips to encourage further plant growth.
Strengthening Hair Tonic (Root Extract)
Strengthening Hair Tonic (Root Extract)
Equipment
- Dark screw-top jar
- Fine cloth or coffee filter
- Dark storage bottle
Ingredients
- 2 handfuls of nettle roots
- 250 ml apple cider vinegar or 40% alcohol e.g., vodka
Instructions
- Brush the roots clean and cut them into fine pieces.
- Place them in the jar and cover completely with the vinegar or alcohol.
- Let it infuse in a dark, warm place for 21 days; shake daily.
- Filter the liquid and transfer it into the dark storage bottle.
Notes
- Application: Massage into the scalp after washing; do not rinse out.
- Notes: Regulates sebum production and strengthens the hair roots.
Protein Boost (Nettle Seed Salt)
Protein Boost (Nettle Seed Salt)
Equipment
- Mortar and pestle
- Airtight jar
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp dried nettle seeds
- 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Rub the dried seeds to separate them from the stems.
- Place seeds and salt in the mortar and crush them briefly and vigorously.
- Seal in an airtight jar.
Notes
- Application: Sprinkle over salads, soups, or buttered bread.
- Notes: Use only the brown, drooping seed clusters from female plants.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
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