Be Nice to Nettles Week is observed each year from May 14 to 25 in the United Kingdom. This week recognizes the humble weed’s critical role in preserving wildlife. Not only the wildlife, but they are also beneficial to humans. The nettle has been used as food for many centuries and was relished as a springtime treat, and is also added to porridge. Nettles are often substituted for spinach and can be used to make pesto, soups, stews, tea, and even beer! A dairy company has even come up with nettle cheese. Nettle contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins. Nettle is truly a superfood!
History of Be Nice to Nettles Week
Nettle use has been recorded as far back as the Bronze Age and it is still in use today. Aside from its use in herbal supplements, nettle has also been used as a textile. Nettle can be made into different textures, from silky to coarse. Nettle fabric can be dyed or bleached. It was a common household textile in the 16th and 17th centuries. During the First and Second World Wars, nettle fiber was used as a substitute for cotton yarns.
Nettle is an incredibly versatile herb that can also be consumed. Nettle has high nutritional content and low calories, making it popular in the kitchen. A cup of nettle contains 37 calories, two grams of protein, and six grams of dietary fiber. In addition, they also contain vitamin A, iron, and calcium. Nettle leaves taste a lot like spinach and are simple to steam. The leaves become bright green and lose their sting when cooked.
Nettle has a long history of medical use too. Greek doctors used nettle leaf in the first and second centuries to cure respiratory problems, as well as for its laxative and diuretic effects. Nettle was used as a gargle for throat and mouth infections and to heal wounds and skin diseases by 17th-century herbalists. The nettle plant’s root has also been used to promote good prostate function and regulate male hormones. Nettle can help maintain sinus health and treat upper respiratory conditions. What an incredible weed this is!
Be Nice to Nettles Week timeline
Humans use nettle in the Bronze Age for various reasons.
Troops of Julius Caesar use nettles to stay awake during battles.
It is one of the most common household textiles in the U.K.
Nettles are used as a substitute for cotton.
Be Nice to Nettles Week FAQs
What do nettles do for the body?
Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate.
Are nettles good to eat?
They are an excellent blood purifier, a mild laxative, and extremely high in vitamin C. They’re also delicious to eat and make a healthy, relaxing herb tea.
Is it healthy to get stung by a nettle?
And while its sting may be uncomfortable, it has a beneficial effect on inflammation in the body. By preventing the body from making inflammatory prostaglandins, the sting results in an overall less inflammatory reaction in the body.
Be Nice to Nettles Week Activities
Cultivate nettle
Because of its sting, nettles have a negative reputation. However, both humans and wildlife can benefit from these weeds. Planting nettles in your garden or backyard is a great way to observe Be Nice to Nettles Week.
Try nettle recipes
Try some nettle recipes to commemorate Be Nice to Nettles Week. Substitute spinach and other greens with nettle on this day. Try out the flavors and sensations to see if you prefer nettle more.
Buy nettle fibers
So you have never used nettle fibers. Try textile made of nettle and nettle fibers on Be Nice to Nettles Week. You will be surprised to find how comfortable they are. They can also be dyed like cotton.
5 Interesting Facts About Nettles
Butterflies love nettle
It is the primary source of food for the Red Admiral and Painted Lady.
The sting of the nettle leaf protects it
Tiny hairs laced with formic acid sink into the skin to protect the plant.
They are used to make textile
The German army used nettle to make army uniforms during World War I.
They are low-maintenance
They will flourish wherever the soil is rich in phosphate and can grow on wastelands.
Nettle is used to make alcohol
Nettle wine is a traditional country wine.
Why We Love Be Nice to Nettles Week
Nettles are nutritious
We celebrate Be Nice to Nettles Week because nettle is a superfood. It contains just the right amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin A. Nettles can also be used as a substitute for spinach.
Nettles have medical use
Nettles have long been valued for their therapeutic benefits. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism and joint pain, sinus, and respiratory issues, and more. It is also used to optimize male hormones.
Nettles are versatile
Be Nice to Nettles Week is a celebration of a weed that is so versatile. Humans use nettles for food, clothing, medicine, and other purposes. The events serve as a reminder that even the smallest creatures can be helpful.
Be Nice to Nettles Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 14 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 14 | Thursday |
| 2027 | May 14 | Friday |
| 2028 | May 14 | Sunday |
| 2029 | May 14 | Monday |
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