Roman Nettle and Siberian Hemp-Nettle

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Siberian hemp nettle (Urtica cannabina) is part of traditional Uyghur medicine. According to the photos, it is a nettle with a pleasantly exotic appearance, it is said to be not as stinging as the common nettle (U. dioica). "In the past, hemp nettle was cultivated for its fiber, the extract, similar to that of St. Nettle, has a diuretic and hematopoietic effect, stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and facilitates digestion. Hemp nettle is also good for beauty. Drinking an infusion of fresh leaves is recommended as a remedy against hair loss hair and dandruff."

Roman nettle (U. pilulifera) was also traditionally used. "This type of nettle was formerly cultivated for its shiny, black, oily seeds for pressing oil. Nettle fibers were used much like flax fibers to make clothing, ropes, and fine paper."

They have identical ecological requirements and have a competitive relationship with the common nettle. They all seem to have more or less the same uses and health effects. Could be an interesting addition to our herb garden.

 

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And good for our chickens: mashed stinging nettles (urtica dioica) make a cheap and nutritious poultry feed, according to Harford Edible and medicinal wild plants of Britain and Ireland 2019:118-121, who gives examples from Europe and America of all the above uses and more for the common nettle. He says it is packed with vitamins A and C and some B vitamins. Fresh nettles contain 670mg potassium, 590mg calcium, 18mcg chromium, 270mcg copper, 86mg magnesium and 4.4mg iron (p. 120).