Nettle leaf has been a food crop for centuries, and is still consumed as a steamed or puréed vegetable. Powdered dried nettle leaf adds a spinach-like flavor to foods, such as stews, soups, and egg, cheese and rice dishes.
The herb is also a nutritional ally for people. Nettle is abundant in fiber, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins A and K.
The herb also contains soy isoflavones that, like the prescription medication finasteride, inhibit 5 alpha-reductase type 2, an enzyme that contributes to male pattern balding.
