Nettle is an annual herb that is distantly related to the rose. The herb has a
long and varied history of use. For instance, it is one of the ingredients in
the old English formula for Nine Herbs Charm, the 10th century answer to
venomous snakebite.
It has also been a food crop for centuries, and is still
consumed as a steamed or puréed vegetable. Powdered dried nettle leaf adds a
spinach-like flavor to foods, such as stews, soups, and egg, cheese and rice
dishes.