Although not all plants of this species sting, the Urtica Diocia, known as the great stinging nettle is originally native to Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa but can be found everywhere now in gardens, hedgerows, fields, woodlands, and many other habitats. During the Second World War, children were encouraged to collect them so that they could be used to produce a dark green dye for camouflage.

For centuries, stinging nettle has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people utilize it to address urinary issues related to the early stages of an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which is ironic due to it being seen as something that pains instead of heals.

– Nyx P., Summit Atlas School, GR 8