NETTLES. Unlike many Bible plants, the nettle is common in both Europe and the Middle East and was therefore translated properly in most verses, e.g, Job 30:7, Proverbs 24:30-31, Hosea 9:6, and Zephaniah 2:9. The KJV is more faithful in this regard than some of the more modern translations.
What is the purpose of nettles?
General Uses
Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Why are they called nettles?
The name urticaria for hives comes from the Latin name of nettle (Urtica, from urere, to burn). The English word ‘nettled’, meaning irritated or angry, is derived from ‘nettle’. There is a common idea in Great Britain that the nettle was introduced by the Romans.
What is nettle called in English?
When you nettle someone, you act like a nettle; you annoy, bother, and generally tick off a person.
What did our ancestors do with nettles?
4. They were used to make cloth: before the introduction of flax, nettle cloth was quite common and was used at least until the 18th century in Scotland. The Scottish poet Thomas Campbell, for example, wrote about sleeping in nettle sheets and eating off a nettle table-cloth.
What do nettles look like?
Nettle stems are quite slender, square and grow 6 to 8 feet tall, with occasional thin branches. Leaves are thin, dark green, 2 to 4 inches long, with a tapered tip. The edges of the leaves are toothed and the leaf surface is distinctly veined and rather rough looking. The leaves are opposite along the stem.
What are the health benefits of nettle?
6 Evidence-Based Benefits of Stinging Nettle
- Contains Many Nutrients. Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including (1):
- May Reduce Inflammation.
- May Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms.
- May Treat Hay Fever.
- May Lower Blood Pressure.
- May Aid Blood Sugar Control.
Did Romans introduce nettles?
STINGING NETTLES
Nettles have a long history as a treatment for rheumatism and muscle pain like sciatica. The Romans are credited with bringing seeds of this plant with them into Britain; by flogging themselves with the plants, they apparently kept warm in the colder northern climate.
Where can I find nettles?
Nettles will begin popping up in early spring and can be found all across North America. Its proper habitat is in sunny places where there is rich, moist soil. You’ll find them growing along rivers, streams, lakes, ditches, fencerows, and on the edges of cultivated farm fields.
Where do nettles come from?
stinging nettle, (Urtica dioica), also called common nettle, weedy perennial plant of the nettle family (Urticaceae), known for its stinging leaves. Stinging nettle is distributed nearly worldwide but is especially common in Europe, North America, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Why is nettle tea good for you?
The Bottom Line. Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. Studies suggest that it may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.
How do you eat nettles?
Nettle-Picking Tips
- Nettles are best when very tender, so pick in the spring when the nettles are just coming up or later in the season.
- Use rubber gloves or pinch the leaves hard, so you don’t get stung.
- Like spinach, when cooked, nettles reduce to 1/4 the amount, so a supermarket bag full will be about 500g.
Are nettles poisonous?
While all parts of the nettle plant are edible, the leaves and stems can’t be eaten straight from the plant due to the barbs. Instead, you must thoroughly cook the plant before eating it to deactivate its stinging potential. When the plant is uncooked it is toxic.
Can I eat stinging nettles raw?
You might think that nettles would be difficult to eat raw, but actually they are fine. You can pop them into smoothies, juice them, or ferment them (I’m planning on making a lovely non-alcoholic water kefir nettle beer with my next batch). Nettles add a lovely mild flavour to any dish.
Do nettles sting if you eat them?
Nettle leaves sting because they are covered in tiny hollow filaments, the silica tips of which break off at the lightest touch to expose sharp points that deliver an instant shot of formic acid into the skin surface, followed by histamine, acetylcholine and serotonin.
When should I drink nettle tea?
Also consumed as a vegetable, nettles contain an impressive array of nutrients, phytochemicals, and other bioactives with a host of health-promoting properties. And in my opinion, it’s a perfect herbal tea to start your morning out right.
What is the difference between stinging nettle and nettle?
Nettle leaf tea is derived from the leaves of the common nettle plant, also known as the stinging nettle. The scientific name for this plant is Urtica dioica. The ‘stinging’ moniker is apt, as handling the plant with exposed skin is known to produce a burning sensation that persists after contact.
What happens if you touch nettles?
Nettles are plants with sharp hairs on their leaves. If you touch them, these hairs inject irritants into the skin, making it itchy, red and swollen.
What do nettles smell like?
The aroma of good quality nettles is faint and herbaceous with a slightly bitter, slightly salty, pleasant, herbaceous flavor. Nettle leaf that smells musty or has a strong, unpleasant musty or fishy flavor is of poor quality.
Who should not drink nettle tea?
Pregnant people
Interactions. Pregnant people should not take nettle or drink nettle tea. Due to a lack of research, children under the age of 12 years should also avoid nettle. It is important that people with existing conditions and those who take certain medications speak with a healthcare professional before trying nettle.
How do I make nettle tea?
Put the nettles in a large saucepan with 4 cups of water and add the sugar or honey. Put the pan on the hob and bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Taste the tea and add any more sugar if needed. Serve in mugs with a nettle for decoration.
