Throughout European history, nettles have been a signature symbol of springtime. The Scots once used nettles to make ale, and as a substitute for rennet to make cheese. More romantically, they used nettles to break evil spells, and placed them between the sheets of a loved ones bed to secure affection. Today's uses are more prosaic, but no less practical.
Stinging nettle is a weed native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Their stinging properties disappear once they've been dried or cooked. Yet, ironically, nettles are potentially useful in combating hay fever allergies, whose symptoms are caused by release of histamine from immune cells.