Plants We Used To Use 64. Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia)has leaves that can be cooked and eaten like spinach. They can also be incorporated into soups and pesto. Nettle leaf tea is also an important part of tradional medicines in several cultures. It's a diuretic and has been used to treat joint pain, anaemia and eczema. Avoid plants that have flowered. Seeds are, however, edible. There's an annual raw leaf eating competition in Dorset.