Nettles

The Nettle group, Urticaceae, is widely spread over the world and contains about 500 species, mainly tropical, though several, like the common Stinging Nettle, are found in temperate climates. Many of the species have stinging hairs on their stems and leaves, causing the burns for which they are mostly known. It might be less known that they also have medicinal properties and uses in cookery. Preparations of the herb have astringent properties and act also as a stimulating tonic.