Nettle timeline

1200 BC

Humans use nettle in the Bronze Age for various reasons.

45 BC

Troops of Julius Caesar use nettles to stay awake during battles.

16th and 17th Centuries

It is one of the most common household textiles in the UK

20th Century

Nettles are used as a substitute for cotton during the two World Wars.

Nettling the score - 10 facts

1 Butterflies can’t get enough of them. Nettles are butterfly food for least two at common British species - the Red Admiral and Painted Lady.

2 They’re medicinal. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate.

3 They are survivors. The sting on the underside of the nettle leaf is designed to protect it. Tiny hairs laced with formic acid sink into the skin leaving raised bumps.

4 They tend to come with their own first aid kit. Dock leaves are commonly believed to soothe the symptoms of a nettle sting, and they often grow close by.

5 Nettles are chic. The fibre inside the plants can be spun into string and used to make fabric for clothing, cushion covers, and even paper.

6 The German army used nettle fabric to make army uniforms during World War I.

7 It’s low maintenance. Nettles love wasteland. They will flourish wherever the soil is rich in phosphate and are common throughout Northern Europe. They can grow to be 4ft tall.

8 The plants are packed with magnesium, iron and calcium

9 They’re tasty too, although nettle nutrition is a dish best served hot. sting disappears The when the leaves are boiled which is probably why they are most commonly consumed in the form of tea. If that’s not your nettle cuppa, soup is also tasty.

10 And finally, they can raise your spirits... literally. Nettle wine is a traditional country wine that’s enjoying a bit of a resurgence.

How to celebrate

Cultivate nettles. Planting nettles in your garden or backyard is a great way to observe Be Nice to Nettles Week.

Try some nettle recipes to commemorate Be Nice to Nettles Week. Substitute spinach and other greens with nettle on this day. Try out the flavours and sensations to see if you prefer nettle more.

Try textile made of nettle and nettle fibre. You will be surprised to find how comfortable they are. They can also be dyed like cotton.