I remembered while going to farm back then as a young boy and my laps will mistakenly touch parts of this leaf, when on short trousers, the flaring up in stinging is often undescribable. Smile.

No wonder the Yoruba Elders say “Ewe Esinsin ki jo omo lemeji” (The Stinging leave doesn’t sting a child twice, because he or she will be looking for it not to repeat its action)

Beyond inflicting pain, there are surprising scientific researches backed up by facts that stinging nettle possesses an anti stinging or itching properties and as such it is an effective treatment for rashes, serious body itching, hives, redness on body, arthritis, swelling, cramps, allergic reactions and many more.

Biologically called Urtica Dioca , – there are more than 50 species of nettle worldwide, and many are harvested for food or medicine. This medicinal plant is often overlooked and mistaken for a weed.

Young shoots are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Use blanched in salads, in tea and boiled as a vegetable. Good source of iron.

History

Beneficial uses for stinging nettle date to
ancient times. Before its medicinal use, extracts of the plant were used for fabric weaving as early as the Bronze Age.

Nettle fibers were used to make paper.
Similarly, this plant has long been consumed as food. Leaves, especially young ones, may be cooked (never eaten raw to avoid irritation) and eaten as a fresh leaf, a soup additive or in tea, beer and wine.

Nettle is a source of iron and other minerals, vitamin C, carotenoids and essential amino and fatty acids.

Nettle leaves and stems are covered with sharp spines that sting when touched. Individuals wishing to handle nettle plants for cooking must take care to avoid direct skin contact by wearing protective gloves and long sleeves.


The sting is caused by histamine, small amounts of formic acid and other compounds. These are deactivated when the plant is dried or cooked. So, it is advised to only eat or take dried or cooked one.

Here are beneficial ways that Nettles can help take care of your health in a natural way.


The anti-inflammatory compounds within nettle has shown promise for helping with osteoarthritis, gout, and, forms of body itching, joint pain caused by inflammation.

Many studies showed that applying a stinging nettle cream to an area of the body affected by osteoarthritis was significantly more effective than the placebo.


Nettle also can also work fine against inflammation and pain when taken internally.

A supplement containing nettle, fish oil, and vitamin E significantly reduced arthritis pain, and participants felt like they could reduce their dosages of pain relievers.

Usage

Making a nettle tea is simple. Collect the fresh leaves as many as you want, sun dry and dried to powder.

You can brew one tablespoon of this dry leaf to one cup of steaming water for at least twenty minutes. The tea can be sweetened as you wish.

Prepared Nettles can also be added to pap. It works so fine.

Note: Never take it fresh and don’t use with OTC – Over the counter drugs especially antihistamine drugs, like piritin etc.

A pregnancy woman should also avoid this.

You can also watch this video on how to prepare your nettles and read more here

https://naijalocals.com.ng/ewe-esinsin-stinging-nettles-the-powerful-anti-itch-herb/

Amazing plant with unbelievable health benefit. Thanks for sharing.