Wild Nettle Seeds: A Lesser-Known Part of the Stinging Nettle Plant
Stinging nettle is one of the best-known wild plants in the world, remembered mostly for its sting. Far fewer people know its seeds, the tiny grains that hang in drooping clusters at the end of summer.
Where the seeds come from
Urtica dioica is usually dioecious, which is what the species name means: "of two houses", with male and female flowers on separate plants. (One subspecies carries both on the same plant.) The flowers are small and greenish, hanging in drooping clusters at the stem nodes. Plants flower in late spring or early summer, and the seeds form by late August or early September. Each seed is a tiny, hard-coated fruit called an achene. Seeds are collected from the female flower clusters, by hand-stripping or by cutting the tops.
Leaf, root and seed are three different materials.
Seeds versus leaves
The parts of the plant are different materials:
- Leaves: Young leaves are edible and taste similar to spinach when cooked. Nettle soup is common in northern and eastern Europe, and young nettles can be brewed into nettle beer.
- Seeds: They are far richer in oil. A botanical reference lists about 15% saponifiable oil in the seeds, compared with about 2% in mature leaves, and seeds contain much more fatty acid than leaves.
- Roots: Sold separately as a different product.
The sting
Nettle's stinging hairs are hollow and act like tiny hypodermic needles. They break off on contact and inject histamine, serotonin and acetylcholine. The Latin name Urtica comes from a word meaning "sting", and the medical term for hives, urticaria, takes its name from the plant. Drying or cooking removes the sting, but anyone collecting or handling fresh nettles should wear gloves.
A plant with deep roots in human history
Nettle has been used for cloth for a very long time: Bronze Age nettle textiles have been found in Denmark, and nettle clothing goes back almost 3,000 years. A popular belief that German First World War uniforms were largely made of nettle is widespread, but there is little evidence for it. Today a few companies in Austria, Germany and Italy make nettle textiles again.
About nettle seeds
Seeds are much less documented than the leaves, and we do not claim particular benefits for them. Nettle seeds are sold as a dried botanical in their natural form.
How to use
- Amount: 1 teaspoon, lightly crushed
- Water: 250 ml boiling water
- Steep: 10 minutes
Lightly crush the seeds, pour over freshly boiled water, cover, steep and strain.
Did you know?
Nettle seeds contain about 15% oil, compared with about 2% in mature leaves.
Sources
The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Herbal products are not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.