Nettles is rich with vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll and is best consumed as herbal teas, vinegars, and medicinal foods. Native to Eurasia, northern Africa, and North America, it is now cultivated and naturalized all over, including South America and Oceania. U. pilulifera is native to southern Europe and was transported north by Roman soldiers, who rubbed themselves with nettles (urtication from Latin urere, meaning "to burn") to warm up as the stinging increased blood circulation. Today some people do the same to relieve arthritic pain and inflammation. The painful stinging sensation is neutralized when the leaves are dried and cooked. As a tonic and blood cleanser/builder, it is great during fasting and cleansing routines; its iron-rich properties also help with anemia. The leaves and seeds are used as a kidney tonic and allergy relief. The fresh herb can also be made into beer, delivering all the salutary effects as an enjoyable drink.