Nettle may be a plant you want to avoid on a woodland hiking trail, but when it comes to herbal, nettle has a value all its own. A thriving plant in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, this herb has been cultivated for millennia. Historically, nettle fibers were fashioned into fabric and cord for fishing nets, and its leaves created a natural dye. The herb is also made safe for consumption by cooking the leaves or soaking them in water, which removes its stinging chemicals. Nettle is a key ingredient in many traditional recipes, including pesto, puree, soup and even some cheeses. It also has a long tradition of making nettle tea herbal infusions.