Stinging Nettle

Believe it or not, this pesky plant can be eaten, despite its toxic sting. Pick the plant with gloves and boil the leaves for ten minutes. The leaves are useful in tea, stew or salads. The plant can be identified by its tall, stalk like appearance with pointed prickly leaves emerging from the center.

Surprisingly, this has several health benefits to men especially. Health practitioners use it commonly for its potency against harmful organisms, redness, and swelling; as well as its immune modulating action. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. It has also been used to support balanced blood sugar and normal cholesterol levels. For men, in particular, stinging nettle provides support for the prostate and lower urinary tract.

This prickly plant is native to Ohio and may be around your land. Isn't it strange to think that it has so many benefits but it's painful at the same time?