You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!
Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.
Login
If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.
Nettles have also been used by humans around the world for centuries in a manner similar to flax. There is a strong, pliable fiber in the stems that can be accessed through various processes. If nettle had been more suitable for cultivation, we would be as familiar with nettle fabric as we are now with linen. The young greens are supposed to be perfectly edible when cooked, too, but I can't say I've been brave enough to try that!
In England nettles have been mentioned in many old manuscripts, and their medicinal uses noted!
They were believed to cure Gout; by the patient being stung with them on the infected area, although some people have tried it, I have not as I do not have Gout and cannot see it working.
As someone correctly stated they were used to make fiber making and the leaves and stems were boiled to make a dye for clothes.
The leaves are quite nice to eat if boiled, tasting like a strong Spinach!
My Nan taught me to add some Nutmeg to the pan, as it is believed that kills some of the acid in them and makes them taste better!
Beer is still made of nettles in England (in some parts), and is quite pleasant.
The raw nettle eating Championship is also held here; evidently the secret being if you eat them from the base upwards then they do not sting you, as the hairy stinging hairs are on the top of the leaves.
I have seen it done, but have never tried it!
leave them to the Butterflies, a bit of cooking and Beer making.
Regards from England.
