Use of Stinging Nettles

Names

Shishnu (Nepal); Urtica dioica subsp. gracilis (American); of family Urticaceae of order Rosales Urtica dioica subsp. dioica (European) of family Urticaceae of order Rosales

The Stinging Nettle is the only culinary member of the entire Urticaceae family. While this highly nutritious plant was important to the Native population of North America, it has fallen out of use in North America, except as an ingredient in some herbal teas and hair treatment formulas. It is still eaten frequently in Ireland, and also in parts of Northern and Eastern Europe, as well in Nepal and the neighboring Kumaon division of India. It also has medicinal uses, particularly in treatment of arthritis.