NETTLE
                                       ======

                                    CULTIVATION:
     Nettle  is  an  perennial with separate male  and  female plant. It has an
     erect stem which grows from a creeping underground rhizome. It can grow up
     to  4 feet in height. Nettle has dark green, heart shaped leaves, and male
     and  female flowers grow on separate plants. The hairs that give this herb
     a  downy  appearance  are  hollow needles  attached  to  sacs  filled with
     irritant chemicals. They sting when touched.

     Nettle  grows in any soil, any location.  It grows very easy from seeds or
     root  divisions  Sow  seeds in spring,  and  take root divisions in autumn
     after  leaves  have  died  back. Harvest  the  leaves  wearing  gloves and
     protective  clothing  before  the plant flowers  in  late  spring or early
     summer.

                                  CULINARY  USES:
     Young  nettles  are rich in vitamins A,  C,  D, and K, calcium, potassium,
     phosphorous,  iron and sulphur. Young leaves may be boiled or steamed like
     spinach and eaten as a vegetable. Boiling and drying eliminates the sting.
     The fresh tender shoots do not sting and may be used in salads.

     The  list of vitamins and minerals in  this herb includes nearly every one
     known  to  be  necessary  for  human  health  and  grows.  Nettles  have a
     reputation  for increasing the aromatic  oil content of angelica, majoram,
     oregano, peppermint, sage, valerian, and other fragrant herbs.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     Nettle  has some diuretic action. In Germany physician prescribe nettle in
     the  treatment of high blood pressure.  Nettle juice is well tolerated and
     safe.  High  blood pressureis a  serious  condition requiring professional
     care.  If you like to include nettle in your overall treatment plan, do so
     only  with the supervision of your physician. A recent study showed that a
     capsule  of  300  milligram  of  freeze-  dried  stinging  nettle  provide
     significant  relieve  from symptoms of hay  fever.  These capsules are not
     available  outside research facilities, but you  might try an infusion and
     see if it works for you.

     For  a  pleasantly warming infusion for  possible help in the treatment of
     high  blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and  hay fever, use 1 to 2
     teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water, Steep for 10 minutes and
     drink  up to 2 cups a day. Some research showed, Nettle juice and infusion
     may  help  relieve the pain of gout.  The effect is not very powerful, but
     long-term use may give definite clinical results. One other study suggests
     stinging  nettle  juice  might relive  symptoms  of  noncancerous prostate
     enlargement.  For  juice used to help treat  the pain of gout and possibly
     help with prostate enlargement, process fresh plant material in a juicer.


                                      WARNING:
     This  herb's  sting  is its major problem.  Large  doses of nettle tea may
     cause  stomach  irritation, burning skin,  and urinary suppression. Nettle
     stimulates   uterine  contraction,  pregnant  woman   should  not  use  it
     internally.

                                    OTHER  USES:
     Used  to make nettle beer. whole plant yield a greenish yellow dye. Nettle
     fiber spun into rope and made into cloth and paper.