Jess

Herbal Monograph

August 11, 2024

have yet to encounter Stinging Nettle in the wild. Not by lack of wanting to, however, I would not know what to do with the excitement of finally seeing one. My impulsive self would wish to harvest some right there bare-handedly. Would it be worth the skin rash? …Maybe? Probably.

The first Nourishing Infusion that I ever had was a Nettle Infusion (and still one I have every day, now!). I had just started my journey into herbalism and was suffering from migraines monthly. I found out that one of my triggers was that my magnesium levels would drop. Kale, Spinach, and Nettle soon became a staple in my daily life.

So let’s hike the trail of Nettles, making sure to avoid their tiny dagger-like hairs, and learn how Nettles bring a little magic to everyday life.

Nettle, with its prickly exterior and hidden depths, has long captivated the imagination of witches and herbalists alike. Beyond its medicinal virtues, nettle holds a special place in the realm of magic and folklore.

While nettle is often associated with the Earth element due to its grounding properties, its fiery nature, represented by the stinging hairs, can also connect it to Fire.
Nettle’s fiery essence is evident in its transformative nature. Associated with the element of Fire, this resilient plant embodies qualities of strength, growth, and motivation. Its ability to induce change mirrors the dynamic energy of fire, while its invigorating properties evoke the element’s stimulating qualities.

Mars, the planet of action, energy, and courage, finds a potent ally in the nettle plant. Known for its invigorating properties and protective qualities, nettle embodies the fiery spirit of Mars. Its support for physical vitality aligns seamlessly with the planet’s dominion over the body. Moreover, Mars is often associated with protection, a quality mirrored in the nettle’s defensive nature.

Harness nettle’s protective energy by visualizing a lush shield of stinging nettle warding off negativity. Incorporate this potent herb into rituals to cleanse your space and spirit of unwanted influences. Ground yourself with Nettle’s earthy connection, finding stability amidst life’s challenges.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a herbaceous perennial plant, that can grow to a height of 6.5 feet! Supported by a square stem, Nettles can have up to 20 bundles, and oval leaves that grow opposite, are jagged and dark green. Both stem and leaves are covered by tiny needle-like projections.

Between May and September, flower clusters will start to bloom. These branching clusters come as either Male or Female. Female flowers tend to be more green and hairy while their male counterparts typically range in color (green to yellow to purple).

Harvesting Nettles requires some mindfulness and technique. Remember those tiny needle-like projections? Or how I debated if harvesting Nettle bare-handed would be worth it? The reasons for these inquiries are quite simple. Those tiny daggers release a formic acid when touched (even if you brush it on accident! They do not care) which then causes a mild skin reaction. Hence the name, Stinging Nettle. I, for one, have sensitive skin and would rather not risk touching it without proper protection.

Harvesting Nettles need not be daunting. The following are simple ways and recommendations for harvesting Nettle:

Just like many food-like herbs, Nettle’s uses are vast. Nourishing Infusions are one of my favorite preparations for this herb. You can find a recipe here: Nettle Infusions: A Natural Way to Nourish Your Body and Mind

As I discussed earlier, Nettle is highly nutritive. With high amounts of vitamins (A, C, D, E, and K) and minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium), incorporating this herb into our diets can help balance and nourish our bodies! After blanching the fresh leaves in boiling water, they can be used however you would use spinach or any dark leafy green. Stir-fries, smoothies, soups, you name it! The possibilities are endless.

Tinctures, balms, and teas, oh my! Nettle can be prepared using many different preparations. It can be used as a tea, freeze-dried to be used as a powder (or for capsules), used as an extract (alcohol or vinegar) or even a topical balms to help with skin issues like eczema. Different preparations can be used for different more specific ailments. For example, powders or tinctures have better luck at addressing allergies, while drinking a daily infusion has proven to fight off fatigue.

On the other side of herbal preparations, we have the side of magic. The process of using Nettle for spells and rituals has been in folk traditions for ages. Using Nettles for protective amulets, Nettle Infusions for cleansing baths, dried Nettle for smoke cleansing, anointment oils, and even as part of a grounding tea ritual. I love pairing these preparations with the herbal preparations, as it just makes everything a little more magical!

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) boasts an exceptional safety profile, according to The Botanical Safety Handbook, which reviewed data from 15 clinical studies encompassing over 16,000 participants! Even though Nettle has this exceptional rating, we should still review some precautions.

Some people experience headaches when they drink strong nettle tea and I, for one, am one of those people. This is most likely caused by the plant’s diuretic properties which can cause dehydration. However, in my experience and many others, with consistent use, our bodies adjust and the headaches disappear.

Due to its stinging nature, it is most recommended to use gloves while harvesting the plant. We know that there are benefits to being stung however, for some, the stings can be quite harsh. Another thing to be considerate of is that you should not pick a nettle once it flowers. This is when the plant will start producing something called cystoliths which once absorbed into the body will start to interfere with kidney functions.