The common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the family Urticaceae. This nitrophilic species grows in lowlands as well as in mountain ranges, in moderate and tropical areas worldwide. It can be found around settlements, along hedges, along dykes, between bushes, along embankments, on uncultivated land, and in bright forests. The above ground section of the nettle is covered with stinging hairs containing compounds (serotonin, formic acid and acetylcholine) that cause local inflammation when in contact with the skin. In intensive farming, nettle is regarded as weeds as its exuberantly vegetative growth leads to rapid soil coverage. In some places it is grown as an agricultural plant that is attacked by certain diseases and pests. The damage to the leaves is caused by fungi, caterpillars, lice and mites. For protection against fungal diseases, it is recommended to use active substances such as bitertanol, thiophanate-methyl and sulfur. The common nettle has been used in folk medicine for many years because it is known to have a beneficial effect on inflammation, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, and it also relieves rheumatic problems. It is also often used as a diuretic. It is well known in the cosmetic and textile industries as well. In some places around the world ropes, fishing nets, fabrics, paper and, more recently, biocomposites are traditionally made from nettles. In addition, today it is most commonly used as a nutritional supplement, as it has a proven good nutritional value because it contains many minerals and bioactive substances. As it contains a lot of chlorophyll and carotenoids, it is often used as a pigment.
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