Nettle, that wild plant that we carefully avoid when out walking or gardening, is in fact a real ally for our health and our garden. Often seen as a weed, it in fact hides a treasure trove of medicinal, nutritional and practical virtues.
An ultra-nutritious plant
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the richest plants in plant proteins, vitamins (A, C, K, B) and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and silica. By weight, it contains more iron than spinach and a higher concentration of vitamin C than an orange.
Picked young, nettle can be eaten raw or cooked, as long as you neutralise its stinging hairs. A little blending, steaming or simple cooking is all it takes to make it as soft as lamb.
In the kitchen: from soup to herbal tea
Young nettle shoots are ideal for :
- Making a rich, creamy soup full of iron.
- Add to a pesto to replace basil.
- Add to quiches or omelettes.
- Making a remineralising herbal tea by drying the leaves before infusing.
With its spinach-like taste and intense herbal flavour, nettle is a welcome addition to the table, revitalising both the dish and the body!
An ancient remedy
Nettle has been used for centuries to :
- Combat anaemia (thanks to its high iron and vitamin C content).
- Relieve joint pain and rheumatism.
- Stimulate blood circulation.
- Encourage lactation in young mothers.
- Strengthen hair and combat hair loss.
Externally, it is also used in lotion or macerate form to tone the scalp or treat skin problems.
In the garden: a natural ally
Far from being a gardener's enemy, nettle is one of the most useful plants to grow:
- In purin (macerated leaves), it is a powerful fertiliser, a compost activator and a natural insect repellent.
- It attracts certain butterflies (such as the day peacock or the little tortoise), which lay their eggs in it.
- Its strong roots aerate the soil and help to balance the micro-ecosystem.
How do you pick it without stinging yourself?
To avoid any inconvenience, take thick gloves, scissors and a basket. Choose young nettles (20-30 cm), picked away from roads and polluted areas. Rinse the leaves well and treat them quickly to neutralise their stinging effect.
In Brief
Nettle is a medicinal, edible and environmentally-friendly plant that deserves our full attention. Rather than dreading it, it's time to tame it. It abounds in unsuspected resources, and its nutritional richness makes it a precious ally for a healthy, sustainable diet.
So the next time you see a clump of nettles... think twice before uprooting it!