A walk in the woods never fails to take me back to my childhood. There is nothing quite like the feeling of having nothing to do on a summer day, and being able to walk for hours with a friend; merrily chatting about anything and everything. Total freedom.

            The only burr in the saddle is those annoying stinging nettles that I seem to constantly bumble into. I asked my walking chum, Margaret, why she never seems to fall prey to these vicious, stinging plants, and she blithely stated, “I know what to look for.”

            Ouch!

            It was with great surprise that I again stumbled upon this venomous blight at the Silva Bay market. Only this time it was nicely packaged and being sold by a lovely, young girl named Olivia. She explained that tea made from the dried nettle she had prepared was considered a very useful tonic, especially for treating the symptoms of allergies. I found it interesting that this annoying plant had any redeeming qualities, so I bought a jar.

            The stinging nettle, probably one of the most prolific “weeds” found growing in Europe and North America, has long been popular in folk medicine. The distinction between the terminologies, “weed” and “herb” certainly apply to this plant. This plant is so good at self-propagation that any sane herbalist would not consider growing it in his own garden, but instead borrow it from nature.

            Tea made from the dried leaves and tinctures made from the juices have been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne, to reduce the symptoms of allergies, to reduce menstrual bleeding and topically to heal bruising and cuts. It has also been used as a blood tonic to stimulate circulation and to reduce blood pressure, and as a treatment for many rheumatoid conditions, particularly arthritis. Stinging nettles were also once used to treat snake bites, and it is said that when fed to poultry, it increases the output of eggs. It certainly seems to be a true wonder weed. Many of these traditions are carried on today in homeopathic medicine.

            Some of these benefits are purely anecdotal, but others have been proven scientifically, and today, in some European countries, where the tradition of herbal medicines has always been taken more seriously than in North America, the tea is still recommended as a diuretic, for the treatment of urinary infections and is useful in treatment of rheumatic symptoms. There is also strong evidence that nettle tea actually does reduce the symptoms of allergies, especially the runny nose and watery eyes of hay fever.

            The high content of Vitamin C and minerals, particularly potassium, found in nettle also makes it a nutritious substitute for spinach. Only the young shoots should be picked for eating, and don’t forget to wear gloves. They can be steamed and eaten like spinach, or pureed and added to a soup. They can also be used to stuff ravioli or phyllo triangles, and in Scotland, there is a beer made from nettles.

            So why is it that we can eat and drink the same plant that can cause such an acute burning reaction, in some people lasting as long as 24 hours? The chemical components, among these formic acid and histamine, contained in the sharp, hair-like needles which cover the plant become inactive when the leaves are either heated or dried.

             Nature has conveniently provided immediate remedies for that burning sting without having to run home. The juice of the dock plant, often found growing near nettle, can be rubbed on the sore spots and will take away the pain. Also, juice from the leaves of wild sorrel, commonly found on Gabriola, will do the trick. Along with these wild herbs, sage, rosemary or mint will also give relief. In fact, because nettle has known anti-histamine properties, the juice from the nettle itself will counteract its sting, but after having been stung once, you probably are in no mood to muck around with the offending plant again. Once home, a paste of baking soda will also reduce the sting, as it does for wasp and bee stings.

            I have to admit that I was somewhat leery about trying the nettle brew; I have had far too many bad experiences with concoctions made from Mother Nature’s pharmacy. But I was prepared to try anything once if I thought it would cure my drippy nose and puffy eyes, and was pleasantly surprised at how mellow and refreshing nettle tea is. It’s still too early to say whether it is helping the drip yet, but I am willing to give it a fair try.