Nettle: Myths and Superstitions

There are many types of nettle to be found growing in the wild and also cultivated in herb gardens. On almost all of these varieties you will find stinging hairs on their leaves and stems. However, there are some myths and superstitions that have nothing to do with this feature and a fair few that do. So, here is some information that you may not have known about the herb known commonly as nettle.

The stinging hairs on the nettle plant probably account for their genus name. Urtica is from the Latin word uro, which translates into English as "I bite". Usually, these prickly plants are viewed as a weed and are eliminated as quickly as possible. However, they do have value and should be given a second thought before being destroyed. The most needed use, is pain relief for the stings of the needles. Nettle has this in the leaves of the plant. It can also be used as pain relief for other skin afflictions. It is not surprising, however, to know that the meaning of nettle in Victorian flower language was cruelty.

Nettle was used as a source of cloth in ancient times throughout Europe. There have been findings of thread made of nettle that predate both flax and hemp in late Bronze Age burial tracts. Roman soldiers in Britain used nettle to chafe their hands to warmth during the cold winters. In Scotland, it is said that nettle soup and pudding are delicious. You can also use nettle to brew beer. This tasty beverage is also a natural remedy for gout.

It has also been believed that nettle had the power to ward off a lightening strike. And, if you needed a boost to your courage, nettle was up to the job. If you have a fever, pull up nettle by the roots. While you are doing this, say the names of yourself and your parents and you will be instantly cured. If you believe in that sort of thing, that is.

In Lincolnshire, it was believed that nettle would only grow on ground where human urine had been spilled. And, if you are using nettle as a natural remedy for anything, the most effective plants will have grown where there is no sunlight that reaches the ground. A painful cure for a nosebleed is to stuff the nostrils with the leaves of the nettle plant.

Nettle is a source of many natural remedies used in modern times. But, it had a bad reputation many hundreds of years ago. Who can blame them though, no one likes to have that many small needles stuck into them at one time.