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Stinging Nettles Information
I want to thank you for your research into stinging nettles and the possible effects on blood pressure. The following site does not mention any problems with blood pressure. http://www.bastyr.edu/academic/botmed/herbs.asp?HerbId=5
I read Garden Formum and someone there said something about persons with high blood pressure should avoid stinging nettles, but did not give a reason. I have since wrote them to find their source. This is what was said:
"Nettles are widely spread as a weed and will grow in almost any conditions, though they need to be kept moist and prefer dappled shade. They self-seed readily. Presence of nettles usually signifies a fertile soil. If cultivating, sow seed in autumn. Refrigerate seeds for several weeks before sowing to encourage germination, which occurs in spring.
Harvesting: For culinary purposes, leaves are best collected when young, when plant is about 10-15cm tall. For medicinal purposes, leaves, flowers and shoots can be collected at any time, then dried in the shade to preserve the green colour. Discard leaves which turn brown while drying. The entire plant is covered in stinging hairs which inject formic acid causing painful welts. Use gloves while collecting. The 'sting' disappears after cooking. Wear gloves to prevent stinging. If affected, the juice inside the stems is an effective antidote, or rub with a dock leaf. Dock is frequently found growing near nettles.
Culinary Uses: Steam or boil leaves and shoots lightly as a vegetable, and drink the water in which they were cooked. Once cooked, the leaves no longer sting. Add to soups and stews. A strong decoction of the leaves can be used as a rennet to curdle milk or make junket puddings. Dried, the leaves make a good substitute for salt.
Medicinal Uses: Infusions of the plant should be well strained. Flowers, leaves and shoots are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C and several minerals. Excellent tonic for the entire system. Used to stop bleeding, especially nosebleeds and uterine bleeding. A specific for treating eczema, anaemia, hayfever and food or pollen allergies. Also used for colds, bronchitis, urinary problems, prostatitis and rheumatism, Mature leaves are mildly laxative. Helps to increase flow of milk in nursing mothers. Use as a gargle for sore throat and bleeding gums, or as a hair rinse to treat dandruff.
Other Uses: Above-ground parts of the plant yield a green-yellow dye with an alum mordant. Water of fermented leaves is used to control mildew and as a plant fertiliser. Cover leaves and stems with water and leave for 1-2 weeks. Use diluted. The solid matter can be used as mulch. Seeds provide an illuminating oil. The stems provide fibre for twine, cloth-making and papermaking. Major commercial source of chlorophyll for colouring fats, oils, soaps, and foodstuffs. Cut and dried nettle is a good fodder for livestock.
Warning: Do not use if suffering from high blood pressure."
I sent a message directly to the person posting this information, but have not had a response.
My husband has high blood presure and occasionally we eat dried nettles (thanks to dawl'in dawghter) in soup, etc and we certainly don't want to drive his blood pressure up. It would counteract the medicine he takes. Thanks to all for your help.
Kathleen