Hardly any plant is fought as persistently – and used for as long – as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). It grows where the soil is rich in nitrogen: along forest edges, on fallow land, behind barns. Botanically, that makes it an indicator plant: where it grows, the soil is well supplied.
How the sting works
The stinging hairs are tiny tubes of silica with a predetermined breaking point at the tip. When touched, the tip snaps off and the remaining tube acts like a hypodermic needle, injecting the cell contents – including formic acid, histamine and serotonin. That is why it helps to grab the leaf firmly rather than cautiously: the hairs then break off sideways instead of piercing the skin. Drying, blanching or rolling removes the effect completely – dried nettle no longer stings.
What the leaf contains
Nettle leaves naturally contain iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C, as well as carotenoids and flavonoids. The protein content is remarkable: proportionally, dried nettle leaf is higher than most leafy vegetables. In the kitchen it is treated like spinach – briefly blanched, in soups, spätzle or pesto. Root and seeds are separate raw materials with a different composition and different traditional uses.
More than food
Until the 20th century, the stem fibres were woven into nettle cloth; during the First World War, uniforms were made from it for lack of cotton. In the garden, nettle tea fertiliser has been a standard for generations. And for a number of butterfly caterpillars – including the peacock butterfly and the small tortoiseshell – it is the only food plant.
Our nettle
Our organic nettle capsules contain ground leaf powder from certified organic cultivation in plant-based capsules, without fillers. You will find them under Botanicals. If you want a targeted source of iron, Iron + Vitamin C is a dosed supplement.
Note
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. Do not exceed the stated daily dose. If you have kidney disease, a heart condition with fluid restriction, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, seek medical advice before use.
