Nettle, also called stinging nettle, is a perennial herb with a
natural range that includes North America, Europe, Asia and North
Africa. Although the herb can easily become an invasive weed and has a
reputation for delivering a “sting” when brushed against, its chemical
composition makes it a wonderful companion plant and natural fertilizer
due to its nitrogen content.
The herb is also a nutritional ally for people. Nettle is abundant in
fiber, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins A and K. The herb
also contains soy isoflavones that, like the prescription medication
finasteride, inhibit 5 alpha-reductase type 2, an enzyme that
contributes to male pattern balding.
