Herbal Study: Stinging Nettle

Common Name: Nettle

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica

Parts used: leaf, root

Preparations: capsule, culinary, infusion, tincture

Stinging nettle is a prolific weed, infamous for its spiny needles that make it a danger to the unsuspecting gardner. However, it is an extremely nourishing herb with tons of health benefits. Nettle is also the plant that first introduced me to the world of herbalism, due to its reported allergy-fighting abilities.

Nettle leaves are extremely nutrient dense, a great source of many vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Because of its nutritional content, nettle is a great nourishing herb to add to your daily diet. You can steam some fresh nettle leaves, brew up a strong cup of nettle tea, or take capsules made from powdered nettle leaves.

My favorite preparation is a delicious, warming, yet refreshing tea made using 3 parts nettle leaf and 1 part peppermint leaf. The peppermint adds a cooling sweetness that helps to balance the earthy grassiness of the nettle. This is also delicious iced!

Nettle has received a lot of attention for a wide variety of health benefits:

• great for hair, bones, and teeth due to the high mineral content
• reduces allergy symptoms as an antihistamine
• reduces asthma symptoms by strengthening the lungs
• lowers blood pressure
• builds up the blood due to its iron content
• increases energy because of its nutrient density
• boosts the immune system
• improves metabolism by bolstering liver function
• prevents urinary tract infections as a diuretic
• prevents growth of kidney stones as a diuretic
• promotes prostate health (particularly the root, not so much the leaves)
• decreases menstrual cramping

One of the ancient uses of nettle is probably the most extreme - urtication. Supposedly, repeatedly hitting an inflamed area (arthritis in particular) with a fresh branch of stinging nettle helps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The formic acid released by the needles is reported to have healing properties in these situations. Urtication is still used today by some more extreme herbalists.

Where to get nettle

Try to find locally sourced nettle if possible. Or, if you are up to the challenge, try harvesting your own! Be sure to take necessary precautions (gloves, sleeves, long pants, etc) as the nettle's spines can leave painful welts if it comes into contact with your skin. These are only minor and do not typically require medical attention, but it can be very painful. After being harvested, the spines will quickly loose their kick and will soon be safe to handle.

If you don't have access to any local nettle, you can also buy some online. My favorite sources are Mountain Rose Herbs and the Bulk Herb Store for high quality, ethically sourced herbs.

Get dried leaves for tea or powdered leaves for capsules. Make your own capsules with the Capsule Machine, it's fun and easy to do! Just be sure to get the matching size capsules (I like these). Capsules are a much simpler way to get your daily dose of nettle when you're on the go, two capsules is roughly equivalent to a cup of tea.

Precautions

Because nettle is hypotensive and a diuretic, it may lower blood pressure. Consult a doctor before trying nettle if you are taking diuretics or blood pressure medication. However, nettle is generally deemed safe for daily consumption for most people.

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here are purely educational and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.