Wood Nettle vs Stinging Nettle: Which One Should You Choose?

As you might have guessed from the title of this article nettles come in multiple forms. The plants scientifically called Urtica have more than forty subspecies. Of course, we will not talk about each of them, but only about the two most interesting and well-known types. So wood nettle vs stinging nettle how do they differ, what are their properties and how can they be useful to us? Let's find out.

What is Wood Nettle?

Wood nettle belongs to the family Urticaceae and is an herbaceous perennial. This family practically contains a number of other nettle species and grows commonly in the moist shady forests of North America, along stream banks. Usually, the plant grows about 2 to 4 feet high, characterized by its broad-leaved ovate leaves with serrated edges. The hairs on the stems and leaves of wood nettle are capable of causing mild irritation if touched.

Wood nettle blooms from June to August, yielding a small greenish-white flower. Wood nettles come to the prime of their lifespan in conditions where there is rich, moist soil. They also thrive in the mixed hardwood forests thereby giving food to many of the insects and animals in the local biome.

Health Benefits of Wood Nettle

Wood nettle is not only a weed but also a highly nutritional and herbal medicinal plant. The leaves are an exceptionally good source of vitamins A and C, and the minerals iron, calcium, and magnesium. Nutrients in wood nettle make this plant a useful addition to diets, especially in spring when the shoots are young tender, and full of flavor. Wood nettle has long been used by indigenous peoples for a number of medicinal purposes, from reducing inflammation to supporting respiratory health.

This herb is also a natural diuretic and may turn out to be quite useful in clearing extra water from the body, something that is needed in conditions such as edema. In addition to that, wood nettle has been used in calming conditions that are connected with joint problems and general pains in joints due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

What is Stinging Nettle?

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a very common plant. It grows almost everywhere in the temperate regions of the world: Europe, Asia, and North America. The herb in question belongs to the perennial herbs category and reaches a maximum height of 5 feet. It has heart-shaped leaves, with serrated edges and pointed tips. The herb has stinging hairs or trichomes, those covering its stems and the underside of its leaves. The hairs on this plant contain histamine and other chemicals that, as one might imagine from the name "stinging nettle," will sting upon contact.

Stinging nettle has small, greenish flowers existing in long, drooping clusters that bloom from late spring into early fall. These flowers are wind-pollinated. The plant favors rich soils and is frequently found along riverbanks, roadsides, and meadows, where there may have been disturbance to the soil.

Health Benefits of Stinging Nettle

The stinging nettle is highly popular in herbal medicine because it is associated with multi-health benefits. The plant is rich in vitamins A, C, K, different B vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium—all the minerals that support overall health, bone strength, and immune functions.

It is often used to combat allergic conditions. Anti-inflammatory properties will help to reduce such symptoms as sneezing and itching. Stinging nettle, as well as wood nettle, is famously used in the reduction of joint pain. It is also used for men with enlarged prostate glands, for urinary health; by reducing symptoms, this also increases urinary flow.

Stinging nettle is nature's diuretic that also helps regulate blood pressure through the elimination of fluid retention in the body. Nettle is also rich in iron, which helps for hair-growth stimulation, and for skin health. You can't even believe that such a common plant has so many beneficial properties, can you? Read more research to see for yourself.

Differences Between Wood Nettle and Stinging Nettle

Although both wood nettle and stinging nettle belong to the same botanical family, they are vastly different plants with some interesting differences.

Physical Description: The wood nettle has broader, more ovate leaves than the stinging nettle, whose leaves are long and heart-shaped. The latter also has fewer and softer stinging hairs compared to the dense, sharp trichomes on the former.

Habitat: Wood nettle usually prefers shaded, moist forests, often along streams, while stinging nettle is more adaptable and grows well in a wide variety of habitats, including meadows, along roadsides, and in disturbed soils.

Usage: Both plants are used for health reasons, especially due to their anti-inflammatory and nutrient value. Nevertheless, stinging nettle finds a wider application in herbal medicine because of the diversity of its usage, from allergies to prostate health.

Stinging Mechanism: Although both are irritating plants, the hairs of stinging nettle are far more potent and able to give a far greater sting that can last much longer than that of wood nettle, which is generally much milder.

In sum, while wood nettle and stinging nettle are somewhat similar in some ways, they are otherwise two different plants with various characteristics and uses. Knowing these differences will help in identifying and using such plants effectively for culinary purposes and in medicine.

Wood Nettle vs Stinging Nettle: Herb Era’s Choice

For our tinctures, Herb Era specialists use stinging nettle because it has a large number of positive effects on the human body. Our herbalists have created two products, namely: Stinging Nettle Leaf Tincture and Stinging Nettle Root Tincture.

The roots and leaves have different beneficial properties, which you can familiarize yourself with by clicking on the links to these products. If you have any questions, you can contact us by phone or online, HerbEra experts will answer all your questions.

Conclusion

Here we are, learning a little more about the types of nettles. This truly amazing herb can and does help many people around the world solve or prevent some health problems. Wood nettle vs stinging nettle what choice do you make?