Stinging Nettle & Tansy

Stinging Nettle

Genus: Urtica

Species Name: Urtica dioica

Common Name: Stinging Nettle

Physiological aspects:

Stinging Nettles can grow 3 to 7 feet in the summer and die down to the ground in winter. They have wide-spreading bright yellow roots in the ground. The leaves grow oppositely on the erect, green stem with lengths ranging from 1 to 6 inches. The leaves and stems are hairy with non-stinging hairs. Leaves have a strongly serrated margin, cordate base and an acuminate tip with a terminal leaf tooth longer than adjacent laterals. 

Related Plants:

European Stinging Nettle

Fen Nettle

American Stinging Nettle

Hoary Stinging Nettle

Preferred growing conditions

Stinging Nettles prefers rich soil with good moisture content and especially favors the edges or nutrient dense pastures. It will be better to find a spot a little away from other herbs. 

The region of origin:

Stinging Nettles are usually found in the countryside of Northern Europe and Asia. In North America regions, they can be found in Canada and all states of USA except for Hawaii. 

History of global migration or use

In Denmark, burial shrouds made o nettle fabrics have been discovered that date back to the Bronze Age(3000-2000 BC). In ancient Egypt, reports are found of the use of nettle infusion for the relief of arthritis and lumbago pains. Documentation or anecdotal reports of its use in this way have been found among the Ecuador Indians, ancient Romans, and Canadian and American native tribes. During World War I, the German Empire, plagued by textile shortages, used nettles as a substitute for cotton. 

Medicinal use

Stinging Nettles are widely used in medicines for some disease. It can be used to relieve coughs, tuberculosis, lung congestions, arthritis, loss of muscular power, hay fever, seasonal allergies, asthma, hives, neurological disorders, loss of hair, kidney stones, internal and external bleeding, eczema, acne, chicken pox, insect bites, and urinary tract infection. 

Culinary use

Native Americans harvest young plants as a cooked plant in spring when other foods plants are scarce. Soaking stinging nettles in water or cooking removes the stinging chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be handled and eaten without injury.  The leaves and flowers can also be dried to make a herbal tea. Stinging nettles can be used in a variety of recipes, such as polenta, pesto, and puree. Nettle soup is a common use of the plant, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe. Sometimes they are used in cheesemaking.

Flavor profile:

Stinging Nettle has a flavor similar to spinach mixed with the cucumber when cooked.

Other uses:

Stinging Nettles are also used in textiles as a fiber similar to linen. They may also be used as a dye, producing yellow color from the root and yellowish green from the leaves.

Symbolism:

Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust

Stinging Nettle found at Swale

Tansy

Genus: Tanacetum

Species Name: Tanacetum Vulgare

Common Name: Tansy

Physiological aspects:

Tansy is a flowering herbaceous plant with finely divided compound leaves and roundish, flat-topped, button-like yellow flowers. It has a stout, reddish and erect stem. Tansy can grow 20 to 60 inches tall and branches near the top. The leaves grow 3 to 6 inches in length and are divided into segments with saw-toothed edges, giving the leaf a fernlike appearance. 

Related Plants:

Camphor Tansy

Dune Tansy

Corymbflower Tansy

Rayed Tansy

Preferred growing conditions

Tansy prefer open areas with little other established vegetation and high amounts of flight. Its preference is for moist, but well-drained, fertile soil in full sun.

Region of origin

Tansy is native to Eurasia. It is found in almost all parts of mainland Europe as well as Britain and Ireland. The ancient Greeks may have been the first to cultivate it as a medicinal herb. 

History of global migration or use

Tansy has been introduced to other parts of the world including North America, and in some areas has become invasive. It was first recorded as being cultivated by the ancient Greeks for medicinal purposes. In the 8th century AD it was grown in the herb gardens by Benedictine monks of the Swiss monastery. During the Middle Ages and later, high doses were used to induce abortions. Contradictorily, tansy was also used to help women conceive and to prevent miscarriages. In the 19th century, Tansy was used as a face wash and was reported to lighten and purify the skin. Irish folklore suggested that bathing in a solution of tansy and salts would cure joint pain.

Medicinal use

In the past, A bitter tea made with Tansy flowers was used as an anthelmintic to treat parasitic worms infestations. Tansy was also used for abortion, migraine, neuralgia, rheumatism. 

Culinary use

Tansy was formerly used as a flavoring for puddings and omelets. During the Restoration, a “Tansy” was a sweet omelette flavored with tansy juice. In the 19th century, Tennessee Whiskey magnate Jack Daniel enjoyed drinking his own whiskey with sugar and crushed tansy leaf.

Flavor profile:

The scent is similar to that of camphor with hints of rosemary.

Other uses:

Some traditional dyers use tansy to produce a golden-yellow color. Today, Tansy is most commonly used as a natural insect repellent and a companion plant in vegetable gardens. Dried tansy is used by some bee-keepers as fuel in a bee smoker.

Symbolism:

Health, Longevity

Tansy found at Swale