Greater Stinging Nettle

Greater Stinging Nettle

N.O Urticaceae

Urtica sp.

Name comes from Uro – meaning to burn.  Touching the plant causes a strong local reaction, burning, stinging, itching, urticaria.   Homeopathically the remedy is used for sunburns.  Herbally it will increase milk production in nursing mothers, has a reputation as a blood purifier and builds up the blood, is boiled and eaten like spinach in the early spring  (it is delicious),  the stems were used for ropes, cloth and could be made into a fine linen.