The Nettle Membracea or also known as nettle or long nettle, it is considered by the vast majority as a plant belonging to weeds. However, some cultures and traditions have put it to many uses over time, and thanks to going there are enough reasons.
This is a large family that is composed of several species with similar characteristics to each other. Today we will be talking about this weed that you can have in your home or garden.
General data
While it is true that this plant belongs to the Urticaceae family and is considered a weed, It is widely used throughout the world as a medicinal plant. And although its origin lies in the Mediterranean area, It can be found almost everywhere in the world.
One of the main reasons why the plant is used for home and natural remedy preparations is that has certain minerals as well as vitamins. It also has flavonoids that are effective in treating diuretic problemsas well as depuratives.
Not to mention that can be very effective in dealing with stomach problems and disorders in the digestive process. It usually appears in great abundance in the Iberian Peninsula and it extends by itself along the entire coastline that it has next to it.
And just as they can be found in these places, are also seen in Galiciaas well as in 4 more provinces of the Spanish territory. On the other hand, the plant has annual characteristics and unlike the Stinging nettle which it is a perennial species.
As you will see and although they have very similar characteristics, there are always aspects that differentiate them from each other and along with it, the use that can be given to it and the properties they possess.
Features Nettle Membracea
The main thing to know is that the plant has a kind of stinging hairswhich are scattered with a pedicel, and which does not measure more than 1/3 in size.
Regarding the size of the plant, This can measure between 15cm and a meter and a half in height. It should be noted that the plant is highly invasive, unique characteristics of weeds.
But this one in particular has the ability to grow in a large number of habitats and soils with multiple substrates. In addition to the plant itself generates an excessive amount of seeds they do not have too much size and weight.
With a wind strong enough to move this plant, it is enough to spread its seeds.
Rarely does the plant branch out at its base. The normal thing is to do it at a height a little away from the base of the trunk. Similarly, the plant has leaves whose arrangement is opposite each other and measure between 2 and 12 cm in length.
The shape of its leaves can be either ovate or lanceolate. It can even develop leaves with a rounded appearance at its base, while in the furthest part it is shaped like a saw.
As for the petiole of the plant, it can be as long as a sheet. It has about 4 spitules which are welded in pairs.
Now, regarding the flowers of the Nettle MembraceaIt should be noted that it has an inflorescence in the foliar axils. Something like if it were a cluster but of the simple ones.
The most common is to see the flowers at the end of the last branches that have developed from the main stem.
Uses
While is true that this plant is excessively used by many culturesnot all the uses that it is given have been investigated.
What has been identified is that the plant is very effective in dealing with:
- Digestive problems and can be used as a natural cleanser.
- The preparation of tea or juice based on Nettle Membracea it can become a rich source of energy.
- Es effective for remineralizing purposes.
- It can deal with fatigue in the body as well as weakness in certain areas of the body.
