Urtica urens Annual nettle (Urticaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Urtica urens
Annual nettle
(1 Page of 5)

The Urtica urens plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Urticaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Annual nettle.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Urtica urens
Common Name:  Annual nettle
Family:  Urticaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The leaves of the plants have stinging hairs, causing irritation to the skin[21, 200]. This action is neutralized by heat so the cooked leaves are perfectly safe and nutritious[200]. However, only young leaves should be used because older leaves develop gritty particles called cystoliths which act as an irritant to the kidneys[172].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  A weed of cultivated land and waste places, preferring light soils[17].

Medicinal Information: Nettles have a long history of use in the home as a herbal remedy. A tea made from the leaves has traditionally been used as a tonic and blood purifier. The whole plant is antiasthmatic, antidandruff, astringent, depurative, diuretic, galactogogue, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic and a stimulating tonic[4, 9, 21, 36, 165, 238]. An infusion of the plant is very valuable in stemming internal bleeding[4], it is aso used to treat anaemia, excessive menstruation, haemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints, especially eczema[238]. Externally, the plant is used to treat arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, haemorrhoids, hair problems etc[238]. For medicinal purposes, the plant is best harvested in May or June as it is coming into flower and dried for later use[4, 238]. This species merits further study for possible uses against kidney and urinary system ailments[222]. The juice of the nettle can be used as an antidote to stings from the leaves and an infusion of the fresh leaves is healing and soothing as a lotion for burns[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh plant, gathered when in flower[232]. A useful first-aid remedy, it is used in the treatment of ailments such as bites and stings, burns, hives and breastfeeding problems[232].

For further Urtica urens gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future