Stinging Nettle: another plant you can find growing wild in Missouri. I am actually growing this in a bed.  It grows in Europe,Asia, North Africa and North America.

It is edible and has many medicinal properties. You can eat it raw, you just have to roll it up with the underside out. I have not done it but I have heard several people say they do. It can be used in curries, herb soups and sour soups. It tastes like a strong spinach but is actually higher in vitamins and minerals than spinach. The root has been used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate.

It's history as a medicinal plant goes back 2000 years but it wasn't until 2009 that anybody thought to research it's effectiveness. The plant is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It has proteins, carbohydrates, antioxidants, , pain reliever, anti-infectious, and it suppress cell growth of surrounding cells of malignant tissue. During the studies they also found that it helps with fish reproductive performance. That may come in handy if you have a pond or an aquaponic system.

The Nutritional Composition of Stinging Nettle:

Vitamins

Vitamin B1,B2, B3, B6

Vitamin A and K

and Choline

Minerals:

Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Copper, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, and Calcium

It also has 7 gms if Carbohydrates, 7gms of fiber and 2.4 grams of Protein.

It is the richest in Vitamin K, Calcium and Potassium.

Vitamin K is required for blood coagulation and for binding calcium in the bones and other tissues. It can be produced in your gut in small amount or by fermentation if the leaves.

Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in your body. It is an electrolyte that helps your body regulate fluids. It is also responsible for sending nerve signals to your muscles, telling them when to contract

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is directly effected by the amount of Vitamin K. It helps reduce calcification of blood vessels.

Stinging Nettle

Vitamin K is required for blood coagulation and for binding calcium in the bones and other tissues. Small amounts are produced in your gut,but fermented Stinging Nettle leaves will produce larger quantities.

Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body. It is an electrolyte that helps your body regulate fluids. It is also responsible for sending nerve signals to the muscles to tell them when to contract.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. It is directly effected by the amount of Vitamin K. Calcium combined with Vitamin K can help reduce calcification of the blood vessels.

Stinging Nettle would be a great addition to anyone's herbal medicine cabinet.

Stinging Nettle Uses:

Allergies- The leaves and stems blocks histamines from the receptors and stops the chemical reaction from causing an allergic reaction. It is also a great anti-inflammatory. A dose of tincture a day will help stop allergies. Nettle is also a great pain reliever when used as a tea.

Arthritis, Gout Pain, and Inflammation-

In Germany they use nettle to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis, it helps stop the chemical that signals the body to repair the effected tissue, this causing inflammation. Stinging Nettle suppresses inflammation,flushes toxins, and helps reduce pain. A compress soaked in Nettle tincture placed on the swollen joint will reduce swelling. If you are brave you can also "sting" your self with it. It will repair joint injuries and reestablish nerve communication. You can also use a nettle salve. However the tincture and stinging yourself seem to be more effective.

Eczema and skin inflammations- taking the tincture by mouth and using the infusion externally as a combination is the most effective for treating these conditions.

Burns, Insect Bites, and Wounds- Use a double strength infusion as a wash to treat burns, sunburns, insect bites, and wounds. Nettle is especially good for burns.

Menstrual Problems- Especially good for heavy cramps and bleeding.

Sprains, Cramps, Tendonitis, and Sciatica- These conditions will respond very good to an application of tincture applied to the effected area. Apply the tincture to a gauze or cloth ,then to the area. Tape or wrap in place if possible.

Stimulates blood flow- To stimulate blood flow to an area drink a nettle infusion or apply the infusion externally to the spot.

Stinging Nettle Uses:

Anemia, Cardiac Insufficiency, Swelling and Enlarged Spleen -

These serious conditions should be treated by using fresh leaves. Soak them in water for 5-10 minutes, then blend it all together and drink as a juice.

Hair Rinse- Use Nettle tea as a rinse for shine. You can add horsetail and rosemary for maximum benefits.

Nettle Infusion - 1Tablespoon dried and crushed leaves

1cup boiling water.

Pour the water over the leaves and let steep 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink or apply to sore joints.

If you want to use it for burns use 2 tablespoons of leaves. Apply to the burn and let air dry.

Nettle Tincture- Fresh is best, however you can used dried, crushed leaves. Alcohol that is at least 80 proof.

Clean jar.

Slice the nettle into thin strips, then bruise them. Add to the jar or crush your dried leaves into small pieces. Fill the jar and cover with the alcohol. Put lid on. Infuse for 4-6 weeks shaking every day. When done pour through a sieve to strain out all plant material. Store in a cool dark place for up to 5 years if sealed.

Take 1/2 - 1 tsp daily.

Nettle oil- fill a jar with dried crushed leaves. Pour your oil over it. Put the jar in a pot of water and heat through. Do not let the temperature get over 122 degrees as higher temps may cause loss of some of the properties.

Simmer for 20-30minutes. Strain and store in a cool dark place, or use to make salve.

To make salve use 7 parts oil to 1 part beeswax.

7 tablespoons oil

1tablespoon beeswax.

Warm the oil, add the wax. Stir to melt. Pour into a salve tin or any container you want.