Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is easily the biggest powerhouse we have at White Oaks. With a diverse number of applications, from delicious ancestral soups to medicinal concoctions, she is by far one of our best plant allies. Prolifically existing around the world, nettle has been woven into the very fabric (literally and figuratively) of human evolution and continues to support us as we propel forward into this new era.

I once had a teacher say, “when in doubt, turn to nettle. Nine out of ten times you’ll be right, and that one time you’re wrong she will still help.” Even the biting sting has medicinal qualities--bringing dormant energies into action--and remains the only known caution (though, some will say be cautious of the high silica content) to working with this herb. This sting comes from what looks to be little hairs covering the entire plant but are actually delicate crystals of formic acid. The ancient Greeks and Romans, cultivating more nettle than any other crop, are from where we get our lasting information on urtication—the practice of hitting yourself (or whoever) with fresh nettle. This was most widely used to treat arthritic/swollen joints. One of my classmates would even use this method to ease his asthmatic episodes. I personally find the “hitting” part to be quite excessive; she tends to bite with even the gentlest touch. Some other ailments that the sting is traditionally used for are:

·       Paralysis/palsy

·       Chronic headaches

·       Sciatica

·       Tight muscles

·       Gout

·       Congestions

·       Cold feet

·       Rheumatism

Though be mindful, the sting doesn’t last forever after getting cut. Which is also a helpful hack in processing it without torturing yourself. Set the cuttings aside for quite a while before processing (some say all it takes is 15 minutes, but that has definitely not been the experience here). Following the rule that it is best to harvest herbs after the morning dew has evaporated but before the sun is at its highest point, I personally leave it for hours out of the sun and process it when the deep need for a shade break arises.

“Nettle not only changes energy with her stings, she gives an herbal treatment to the entire energetic system: nerves, neurons, chakras, and subtle bodies.” -Susun Weed

Moving beyond the sting, every other part of this herb is also treasured for its traditional uses. The roots (which are technically rhizomes) are a famed topical hair tonic to promote growth and nourish a dandruffy scalp if you don’t mind the wash’s tendency to lighten your hair. Internally, this decoction has been used as a tonic for the urinary, lymphatic, and immune systems.

The stems share many similar healing qualities with the rest of the plant, but that’s rarely what it was traditionally used for. Growing roughly 6ft tall, the fibers from the stems can be processed into a high-quality cloth that was once even more prized than linen and cotton and is almost as strong as silk. And this was not just a practice in the ancient northern and southern European cultures. Records going as far back as 8,000 years have shown nettle being cultivated in Mexico for the purposes of both cloth and paper. Shades of green and yellow dyes were also made from the plant to color the cloths.

The seeds, on the other hand, have had a different journey in the old world. Just like the stems, they share many of the same healing qualities as the rest of the plant, but with a twist that would earn them scorn. In the 16th century, John Gerarde published in his soon-to-be famous herbal that “the seed of nettle stirreth up lust”—likely because of its rejuvenative, hypnotic properties and extreme benefit to prostate health. It’s hard to say though since not much information on herbalism for men’s health survived the witch burnings. To this day, I still find sources of individuals warning against using the seeds. They are a remedy that has also been used as an antiparasitic and antidote to poison.

That leaves us with just the leaves, my absolute favorite part of the nettle plant. One of the first foods to return to our part of the world in the spring, nettle soup has become a staple in our kitchen. Clearing out the stagnation of winter, connecting the family with our Native American and Nordic ancestors, and reinvigorating us for the seasons of productivity ahead,

its first couple months of growth are reserved for eating—and freezing for future eating. Later in the season, when it starts to get rough from the summer’s heat, is when the drying process begins. We use the dried leaves for tea and as a culinary herb, sprinkled into the food much as you would do with parsley. They can also be used to make tinctures if you feel so called.

The following lists of nettle’s constituents, actions, and uses are by no means comprehensive.

Stinging Nettle Constituents:

Calcium	Iron	Chromium	Magnesium	Zinc	Protein	Potassium
Beta-carotene	Acetylcholine	Formic acid	Flavonoids	Phosphorus	B vitamin complex	Vitamins A, C, D, & K
Sulfer	Silica	Selenium	Cobalt	Copper	Tin	Niacin

Stinging Nettle Actions:

Antihistamine	Nervine	Nutritive	Alterative	Hemostatic	Astringent
Anti-inflammatory	Diuretic	Galactagogue	Expectorant	Lithotriptic	Anti-anaemic
Chi strengthener	Antidiabetic	Antiasthmatic	Antirheumatic	Epispastic	Depurative

Stinging Nettle Medicinal Uses:

Hay fever/allergies	Exhaustion	Colds	Kidney/gravel stones	Kidney pain/stress	UTIs	Lymphatic swelling	High blood pressure
Gout	Menstrual & prostate issues	Exsessive mucous	Arthritis/joint pain	Low blood sugar	Suppressed lactation	Asthma, COPD, etc.	Stem internal & external bleeding
Rheumatism	Anemia	Digestive issues	Premature hair loss	Chronic inflammation	Headaches	Skin problems	Diabetic water retention

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.