Nettles

Urtica dioica   Family: Urticaceae

 

Overview

Nettles is a powerhouse of nourishment and vitality, offering deep, mineral-rich support to nearly every system of the body. Traditionally used to ease allergies, balance hormones, and support prostate health, it is beloved as a nutritive tonic. With its high calcium, iron, and vitamin content, nettles rebuild and restore from the inside out. Spiritually, this resilient plant offers strength and renewal, connecting us to the earth’s enduring power. Though it stings when fresh, once dried or cooked, nettles reveals a soft and healing soul.

Traditional Uses:

• Allergies and hayfever
• Menstrual difficulties, fertility issues, menopausal issues
• Prostate issues
• Nutritive, high in calcium

Caution:

Use gloves when harvesting as the needles can cause rash

Fun Fact:

Romans practiced urtication. The stalks of the nettle were cut and tied together and used to flog arthritic joints. The rash that resulted increased blood flow to the joint and helped relieve the pain.

Applications:

1-2 tsp herb infused in 1 Cup boiling water  or 1oz dried herb for 1 pint of water, drink 1-3 Cups daily; 15-30 drops tincture taken 1-3 times daily

Personal Experience:

I take an infusion as a nutritive tonic once or twice a week to assist with energy.

Parts Used:

Leaves, root, seeds

Habitat & Growing Conditions:

Native to Europe and Asia, grows at all elevations in zones 4-10. Likes rich, moist soil, full sun to partial shade

Traditional Chinese Medicine Flavors:

Bland, bitter, cool

Properties:

• Diuretic
• Astringent
• Tonic
• Hemostatic
• Galactagogue
• Expectorant
• Nutritive

Key Constituents:

• Calcium
• Iron
• Protein
• Potassium
• Formic acid
• Acetylcholine
• Sulfur
• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin K
• Flavonoids

Try the following products that include this wonderful herb: 

• Sacred Self Herbal Tea Blend
• Detox Herbal Tea Blend
• Womans Tonic

Sources:

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra p166

Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary Gladstar, p175

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. If you are under the care of a health care provider and/or taking prescription medication, check with your health care provider before taking any herbal supplement.