Stinging nettles are easily recognised and, unfortunately, often easily felt as the whole plant is covered in stinging hairs. This is an effective way to avoid being eaten and makes patches of stinging nettles an important haven for many caterpillars and other insects. Cooking destroys the venom, and produces a pretty tasty vegetable or nutritious soup. Nettles contain more iron than spinach and are a rich source of vitamin C. Nettle tea is a favourite herbal medicine used to treat conditions such as gout and rheumatism.

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