Scented nettle is rather unknown in our country as a medicinal plant, because it has its home in the so-called New World. Increasingly, it is also used in Europe in the kitchen as a spice. Likewise with digestive complaints, respiratory tract infections and menstrual disorders one uses meanwhile the sheets of different smell nettle kinds.
Occurrence and cultivation of scented nettle
The botanical name of the fragrant nettle is Agastache. It belongs to the labiates family. The botanical name of the fragrant nettle is Agastache. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is more commonly known to us by names such as anise hyssop, Korean mint or Mexican nettle. Scented nettle is a very perennial, herbaceous plant. It reaches a height of growth between 60 and 150 centimeters. On the underside of the leaves, a white to grayish coloration can be seen. In addition, the leaves are covered with a fine and very dense pubescence. The leaves themselves are round or heart-shaped. They remind – depending on the variety – of mint leaves. The petioles reach a length of 5 to 20 millimeters. The bracts of the scented nettle, on the other hand, are egg-shaped. From July to September it blooms purple, red or orange and white – depending on the variety. The flowers decorate the scented nettle in the form of elongated, spike-like flower panicles. Scented nettle species are rarely cultivated as ornamental plants. Mostly they are grown as annual plants. This is due to their exotic origin: most species are not sufficiently hardy in Central Europe. Thus, they have to be replanted every year. In order to obtain the highest possible content of effective essential oils, the leaves and flowers should be harvested during the warm summer months. Scented nettles have their home in North America and Asia. Therefore, they belong rather to the exotic medicinal plants. They love humus-rich soil and require abundant sunshine.
Effect and application
The leaves of the different Agastache varieties are excellent for making tea infusions. The flowers are also edible and embellish any salad due to their dominant color and flavor. In the European cultural sphere, the medicinal properties of aromatic nettle have not been scientifically confirmed. Also, no conclusions can be drawn from European cultural history. Only the experiences of indigenous peoples can provide information for its use. Native Americans used the Agastache species as medicinal as well as forage plants. When they were imported to Europe, they served primarily as forage plants here as well. Scented nettle was especially important for beekeeping. People quickly tried their hand at making liqueurs and poured hot water over the minty leaves to make tea. This can be drunk pure or add another flavor to black tea. For this purpose, the leaves are traditionally dried beforehand. But also the infusion with fresh leaves is possible. Due to the sweet taste, the leaves of the Agastache species are also often used to refine desserts. Agastache mexicana is also called lemonade plant. It brings a sweet and sour taste of lemon and mint to any liquid prepared with it. This species tastes very refreshing especially when drunk cool as an iced tea. Native Americans used tea made from scented nettle leaves primarily for cough complaints. Native Americans also used the flowers to beautify and flavor dishes: Fish, salads and desserts were and still are prepared with them. Crushed leaves of the scented nettle add a touch of southern French cuisine to food. Notes of anise, mint to licorice refine the dishes.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Due to the essential oils contained, there are numerous applications for the various types of scented nettle. Thus, an infusion of anise hyssop leaves has both an appetizing and mood-lifting effect. Comparable to the effect of fennel, this fragrant nettle species also has an excellent stomach-calming influence. Thus, this plant equally helps with nausea and vomiting. The essential oils soothe the stomach and intestinal tract. Native Americans already used tea infusions for cold symptoms. The essential oils contained warm the body and stimulate sweat production.Increasing the body temperature is very useful in overcoming bacterial and viral infections, as it helps the immune system to kill the pathogens. Children can also take the tea. Adults can also rub a tincture of Agastache extracts on themselves in case of a feverish infection to raise the body temperature. Steam baths are also recommended. In addition to the essential oils already named, Agastache species also have camphor, estragole, and limonene. Camphor is said to have a heart-strengthening and also cough-quenching effect. This active ingredient also promotes blood circulation and thus improves complaints of low blood pressure and poor circulation. It is also antiseptic and antispasmodic. This soothing effect is also very useful for upset stomach and intestines, as well as discomfort during the menstrual cycle. Irritating and/or flatulent food components can be removed more easily. Camphor also supports the effect of essential oils in respiratory infections. The bronchial tubes are dilated and so-called cold receptors in the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose are activated during inhalation. This creates a cooling effect, which is perceived as pleasant by the affected person. Estragole, which is also contained in fennel tea and plants, is said to have a similarly calming and antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract. Camphor and the essential oils contained unfold their health-promoting effect equally well as a bath additive or in the form of scented sachets hung up in the bedroom.
