Search

Wishlist
Wishlist (0)
0
Home/Shop/Ornamental Plant/Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Sale

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Add your review

N$35.00

Stinging nettle, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, is a perennial plant that is native to Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. It is often considered a weed due to its ability to grow in a wide range of environments, including gardens and disturbed areas. Stinging nettle gets its name from the fine hairs on its leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals, including histamines and formic acid. When these hairs come into contact with the skin, they can cause a stinging or burning sensation, along with redness and itching.

Qty
Wishlist
Compare

196 in stock

Categories:,

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a distinctive and hardy perennial plant known for its characteristic features and the stinging sensation it can cause upon contact. Here’s a detailed description of stinging nettle:

  1. Appearance:
    • Growth Form: Stinging nettle typically grows as a bushy, upright plant, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters).
    • Leaves: The leaves of stinging nettle are opposite, lance-shaped, and serrated along the edges. They have a pointed tip and are typically 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters) long. The leaves are covered with tiny, hair-like structures that contain irritating chemicals, giving them a rough texture.
    • Stinging Hairs: The most distinctive feature of stinging nettle is the presence of stinging hairs on the leaves and stems. These hairs, called trichomes, release irritating substances when touched, causing a stinging or burning sensation on the skin.
  2. Stems:
    • Stinging nettle stems are typically covered in the same stinging hairs as the leaves.
    • They are typically green, four-sided, and may branch out as the plant matures.
  3. Flowers:
    • Stinging nettle produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow or greenish-white flowers in clusters on separate male and female plants.
    • The flowers are often arranged in elongated clusters called inflorescences and appear in late spring to early summer.
Show More
Best Planting Time

You may plant yellow dock any time of the year especially off the cold season.
Marturity

Leaves: You can start harvesting the leaves of stinging nettle plants for culinary use as soon as they are large enough. Typically, you can begin harvesting the leaves in the first year after planting. Harvest the leaves when they are still tender, before they become overly mature and tough. The leaves may also be used as a herbal medicine by making a herbal tea.
Size Of The Hole

The size of a hole for stinging nettle when planting should be 40cm (length) by 40cm (width) by 40cm (height).
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage before planting.
Spacing

The ideal spacing for stinging nettle is 0.5m between rows and 0.5m within the row, this is to ensure that you cater for good air circulation and leave room for growth of the plant. Note that Stinging nettle thrives in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Irrigation

Establish a Watering Schedule:
Water at least 3 times a week during all seasons.
Water deeply to saturate the root zone at least twice a week.

Deep Watering:
When irrigating, apply water slowly and deeply to encourage deep root growth. This helps the plants to access water stored deeper in the soil, making it more resilient to drought.

Mulching:
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw or compost, around the base of the plants to help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

Micro-jet irrigation is an excellent choice for the plants because they deliver water directly to the root zone.

Water atleast 3 times a week.

The best time to water is in the early morning hours before sunrise and in the evenings when the rate of evaporation is very low. You may choose either time for you to water your plants.
Fertilization

Apply comfrey liquid or animal manure such as goat or cow rotten manure.
Health Benefits

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine and offers several potential health benefits. While more research is needed to confirm some of these benefits, here are some of the reported health benefits of stinging nettle:

Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

Stinging nettle contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects. It has been used traditionally to relieve symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Allergy Relief:

Some people use stinging nettle supplements or tea to alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It's believed that stinging nettle may help reduce the release of histamines, which are involved in allergic reactions.
Urinary Tract Health:

Stinging nettle has diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production. This property may be helpful in managing urinary tract conditions, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, and supporting kidney health.
Antioxidant Effects:

Stinging nettle contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
Nutritional Content:

Stinging nettle leaves are a good source of various vitamins (including vitamin A, C, and K), minerals (such as iron, calcium, and magnesium), and protein. These nutrients can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Prostate Health:

Some studies have suggested that stinging nettle extracts may be beneficial for managing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It may help alleviate urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Wound Healing:

In some traditional practices, stinging nettle has been used topically as a poultice to promote wound healing.
Hair and Skin Health:

Stinging nettle is sometimes used in hair and skincare products due to its potential benefits for hair growth and skin health.
Support for Menstrual Health:

Stinging nettle has been used traditionally to alleviate menstrual discomfort and may help regulate menstrual cycles in some individuals.
Digestive Health:

Some people use stinging nettle as a digestive aid, although its effectiveness in this regard varies from person to person.
It's important to note that while stinging nettle offers potential health benefits, individual responses to herbal remedies can vary. Before using stinging nettle for medicinal purposes, especially in concentrated forms like supplements or extracts, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Additionally, always exercise caution when handling fresh stinging nettle leaves, as they have stinging hairs that can cause skin irritation.
Mode of use

Herbs can be used in different ways, the logic is to find a way to extract the nutrients, chemicals and minerals from the plant to your body.

Here are a few ways that can be achieved.

1. Making a tea from fresh or dried herbal leaves: Start by bringing the water to boiling point, add your leaves to the boiled water and allow it to cool down to a temperature you will be able gto bear then drink the tea while its still warm.

2. Add the herbs to your food it is a great idea of letting your medicine to be your food or else medicinal drugs will be part of your daily meals.

3. Just plant them around your garden and surroundings for the aesthetic natural beauty in the form of the natural aroma for aromatherapy. This will also attract colourful birds and butterflies which will be good for your viewing and will bring about a natural healing to your body.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to Top