Why do plants matter?

Plants are incredible organisms. Aside from being an essential part of our ecosystem and providing the earth with oxygen through photosynthesis, plants have long been used to provide food, medicine, materials for clothes, buildings and heating as well as dyes and cosmetic products. In agriculture they can play an important rôle as bio-indicators allowing us to judge the state of the soil.

Collectively plants offer us an opportunity to improve our overall well-being. Numerous studies demonstrate the positive impact of spending time in nature on mental and emotional well-being. Two examples of this are the success of the Japanese practice of forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) in reducing stress and anxiety[1] and research into the beneficial effects of time spent in a park on children with ADHD[2]. The multi-sensory experience of being nature allows us to reconnect with ourselves and rejuvenate.

Individually, a plant can have a multitude of uses. Let’s take the example of one of my favourite plants, the stinging nettle (Urtica dioïca). This common plant is highly nutritious containg a variety of B vitamins, a wide range of minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc and selenium, antioxydants and protein[3]. It is possible to prepare nettle soup and pesto and even use ground nettles in flour. In the garden, it can be used as a compost activator and fertilizer. During the first world war, the German army used nettles to make fabric for uniforms when the British controlled the transport of cotton. Later, during the second world war, green dye from this chlorophyll rich plant was extracted to camouflage British army uniforms. In certain regions it is transformed into sewing thread, rope and twine[4]. Straight stalks are harvested at the end of the summer and stripped of their leaves and separated from the woody inner part. The outer fibres are then dried and twisted into cordage. Furthermore, studies reveal that nettles have a wide range of medicinal proprieties including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, anti-viral and analgesic actions[5]. As with other botanicals, nettles can be used in synergy with other plants in a variety of forms. This is a simple non-exhaustive list of the uses of a singe plant. Do you know of any other uses of nettles? If so, let me know in the comments section.

Plants offer a wealth of resources. This blog aims to help you identify, understand and use plants in your everyday life. Come and explore this fascinating world with me!

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[1] Effects of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) and Nature Therapy on Mental Health: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11469-020-00363-4

[2] Taylor AF, Kuo FE. Children with attention deficits concentrate better after walk in the park. J Atten Disord. 2009 Mar;12(5):402-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18725656/

[3] Stinging Nettle ( Urtica dioica L.): Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Food Functional Properties https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36014458/

[4] Srivastava N & Rastogi D, Nettle fiber : Himalayan wonder with extraordinary textile properties, International Journal of Home Science 2018; 4(1): 281-285, ISSN: 2395-7476 https://www.homesciencejournal.com/archives/2018/vol4issue1/PartE/4-1-57-662.pdf

[5] Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9253158/