The common or stinging nettle is found growing on waste ground and near hedges. They flower between early summer and early autumn and have small greenish flowers. The sting in the leaf is a chemical mixture of histamine and formic acid. In spring nettles were a favourite tonic here in Ireland, used to purify the blood and strengthen the constitution. They were commonly eaten in soups or like cabbage and were known as Bruden Neanntog or Nantog.
There is an old Irish seanfhocal which goes:
“Nantog a Dhoig me is cipog a Leighis”
“The nettle burnt me and the dock leaf cured me”
Dock leaves are often found growing close by to a nettle patch. Nettles can also be taken as a refreshing infusion. If you make a teapot full you could drink a cup and use the rest to wash the face or rinse the hair. The nettle is another great diuretic and is used as a blood purifier. They help to flush out impurities from the system and are said to be effective in cases or gout, rheumatism and gall bladder problems. They are also good for the circulation and for treating high blood pressure and eczema. Nettles have vitamin C and are also high in iron, so are effective in the treatment of anaemia. They are best from early spring to early summer and should be collected for drying before they flower.