This Invasive Weed Causes a Sting Similar to a Jellyfish – Yet It Posesses Positive Qualities.

Jonathan Searle was filled with pride as he left The Bottle Inn, crowned the champion of the World Nettle Eating Championship in 2017.

Nettle eating? Really?

Indeed. July provides a fitting time to discuss this common weed in a positive light. I have vivid memories from my childhood of being stung by nettles (we practically lived outdoors during those summers...). The sting was excruciatingly painful, and there was no quick remedy. You just had to wait for it to subside.

So, the idea of consuming nettles may not sound appealing, but let's change your perspective...

The leaves and stems of nettles are covered with tiny hairs that contain histamine and other irritants. Similar to a jellyfish, contact with these hairs causes a painful, inflamed rash on the skin.

Nevertheless, the World Nettle Eating Championship is an annual event held in a 16th-century, thatched-roof pub in Marshwood, England. Participants are challenged to consume as many nettle leaves as possible within an hour.

Each brave contender is provided with a pile of two-foot-long stalks. At the end of the hour, the number of stripped stems determines the champion.

Last year, Mr. Searle devoured an impressive 70 feet of stinging nettles. He mentioned that his hands were stinging for 48 hours afterward. One can only hope that the winner receives a substantial prize.

The previous year's champion, Phil Thorne, pointed out another consequence: "It does leave you having to go to the toilet quite regularly."

Overview

No surprises there! Nettle is a potent diuretic, meaning it promotes urination. It is frequently recommended by naturopathic practitioners to prevent and treat various urinary tract infections.

In reality, despite its drawbacks, stinging nettle possesses numerous medicinal properties. Fortunately, there is a simple way to mitigate the sting. Just soak the leaves in water or cook them. I do not advise consuming nettle raw.

Once you discover the incredible benefits of this plant, you may find yourself preparing nettle soup or enjoying a daily cup of nettle tea.

Popular in Europe

Nettle soup is a beloved dish in certain European regions. Greeks use it as a filling for hortopita – a dish similar to spanakopita but made with wild greens instead of spinach. Compared to spinach, nettle is significantly richer in calcium – ten grams contain a remarkable 290 milligrams of calcium, whereas spinach only has ten milligrams.¹

Stinging nettle is also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with abundant iron, potassium, and manganese.

Studies exploring nettle have shown that its leaf extract effectively blocks the body's stress response at a cellular level.²

Despite causing skin irritation, nettle exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties when ingested. A recent study demonstrated that combining nettle extract with fish oil, vitamin E, and zinc reduces inflammation in osteoarthritis patients.³

Nettle serves as a robust detoxifier, promoting fluid movement between the kidneys and bladder. It also aids in preventing kidney stones by preventing mineral accumulation from crystallizing.⁴ Additionally, as nettle enhances kidney function, it can assist individuals with enlarged prostate – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Relief for Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

BPH is a prevalent condition among aging men, affecting approximately nine out of ten men over 60. It is a non-cancerous prostate condition that complicates urination. A recent double-blind study involving 100 men with BPH demonstrated the efficacy of nettle in alleviating their symptoms.

In this eight-week study, participants were divided into two groups. One group received two 300 mg nettle capsules twice daily, while the other group received a placebo. The results revealed a significant improvement in symptoms among those taking nettle.⁵

You can purchase dried nettle leaves for brewing tea, as well as nettle supplements, extracts, and creams.

If you decide to try stinging nettle, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Individuals with heart conditions, kidney issues, or diabetes should consult their healthcare provider first, as stinging nettle's potency may lead to complications for those with these conditions.

In the meantime, head to the nearest ditch or roadside to gather fresh nettles (just remember to wear gloves). Consuming one or two servings shouldn't cause any adverse effects. However, consuming 70 feet of nettle plants sounds ill-advised, regardless of the prize at stake.