# Nettle - Urtica dioica

When in doubt, start with nettle.

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### *When did you last meet Nettle and what did you notice?*


To many people, the first thoughts coming up will relate to the prickling and burning feelings Nettle causes when you brush against the grain of its hairs on the leaves and stems, but maybe that's not where your memories stop?

What aspects of Nettle's versatile powers are you familiar with?

Nettle has been all around me for most of my life, but I've come into close relation with it late in life. I remember the year 2016, when living in the prairies I had thought was absent from the environment, until I unexpectedly came upon a stand near the local river bottom. Then, I was walking home from work with my flatmade friend. We were out on one of the first Spring walks after a long winter and therefore relished every little green being shown up in the mostly barren mid-April coulees. We got really excited at the sight of this nettle stand. What deep green beauty, what tenacity, such promise of a delicious dinner meal! Little did I know then that I had met the mothers of my own home garden stand that would feed me many spring meals in the coming years.

With the Nettle offspring growing taller and bigger every year, my relationship with this plant is growing closer. It is a plant that heralds the return of spring, a tonic of vitamins and minerals; and also a plant redolent of otherworldly connection and spells, of love and loss and loyalty, of ancient powers skillfully knotted into the most traditional of women's arts: carding, spinning, knitting, and sewing.

Its name hints to it. The Name Indo-European root of the name ne to weave

It has been called by many other names, some indicating

These powers find their expressions in many of nettles other names, including these from my mothertongue in German:

Donnernessel, Donnernettel, Dudelkolbe, Estekraut, Feuerkraut, Gichtrute, Große Neddeln, Hanfnessel, Nessel, Saunessel, Senznessel, Tausendnessel, Teufelskraut, Tissel, Tittenkölbl, Zingel, …

hint at Germanic association with thunder
fire
gout

"According to the Anglo-Saxon "Nine Herbs Charm," recorded in the 10th century, stiðe (nettles) were used as a protection against "elf-shot" (mysterious pains in humans or livestock caused by the arrows of the elvin folk) and"flying venom" (believed at the time to be one of the four primary causes of illness). In Norse myth, nettles are associated with Thor, the god of Thunder; and with Loki, the trickster god, whose magical fishing net is made from them. In Celtic lore, thick stands of nettles indicate that there are fairy dwellings close by, and the sting of the nettle protects against fairy mischief, black magic, and other forms of sorcery."

Nettle patch
healing, environmental spring bed of life, spiritual, clothing, nourishing

Archaeological findings attest to the fact that Nettle has been used with thread making as long thirty thousand years. It's being mentioned and numerous texts: such as for folklore and fairytales as well as religious kinds.

Andersen - Die Wilden Schwaene

kidneys: kidney stones, nose bleeding, Geschwuere, joint pain, afflictions of the uterus, blood cleansing

Hildegard von Bingen emphasises the versatility of the plant because she sees that all of its parts can be used to much benefit: the threads to make fiber, believes and seeds for nourishment, teas, healing fasting, herbal formulations.

Spiritual powers to ward off demons and boese unholde
mediaeval ages: smoke cleansing in the house and barn on New Year's https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1OYik0bp.jpg

environmental benefits: enriches soil, feed butterflies



Nettle has entered my herb conscious life only in 2016, when I unexpectedly came upon a stand near the local river bottom while walking home from work with my flatmade friend. I hadn't yet encountered the plant anywhere else since I moved to the prairies, but here it was - growing deliciously spring green shoots from the ground, which stood out in the mostly barren mid-April coulees. My friend and I got excited at the sight because we knew of the tremendous nutritious value and fresh taste. Little did I know then that I had met the mothers of what should become my own garden stand in the coming years.

When I returned to that place in late summer that same year, they graciously offered me their seeds. I planted them in different areas in my garden, and over time the daughther settled in their preferred spaces. One patch in particular has grown into a beautiful, strikingly tall patch that never fails to strikes with its presence as me as which I can not only see from my kitchen window when cooking, but which I often visit or walk by when on my way to other areas.


# Nettle - Urtica dioica

## Botany
**Origin:** Native to Europe but now naturalised throughout North America. Other stinging nettle species are native to different parts of the world.
Nettle grows in colonies, usually in partial shade. It loves moist, rich soil.
Perennial, grows 2-5 feet tall, which dies back every year to its dense system of rhizomes.
Leaves are coarsely toothed, narrowly lanceolate to widely ovate, and can be several inches long. The younger leaves tend to be more ovate or cordate.
Tiny hairs (trichomes) on the leaf underside and stem provide a powerful sting (Jewelweed, Dock, Plantain are antidotes).
The tiny green flower inflorescences hang off stems like catkins.

Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9113

## Growing + Harvesting
Thrives as a hardy perennial in Alberta. Be careful though as it can spread through both seeds and rhizomes and take over your land. Cutting it back before it goes to seed will slow the process.

Leaves are best harvested in spring/early summer, before the plant flowers. After flowering, the leaves contain crystalith crystals, which can irritate the kidneys and GI tract.

Roots/rhizomes are harvested in autumn.

Seeds are harvested in late Summer once fully developed. Harvesting the seeds is finicky work.

## Energetics and Actions
**Energetics: ** Cool to neutral, slightly dry (mitigated by adding Marshmallow or honey in water)

**Taste:** Mineral Salt

**Primary Actions:** antibacterial, possible adaptogen (seed), anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, alterative (anti-dyscratic), astringent (mild), diuretic (non-irritating), galactagogue, kidney trophorestorative, nutritive, prostate tonic (root), styptic

Helps people know where their mind is, be more asserive and become more brave in making decisions or demand change: I have a story of a friend to share who was feeling stuck in a less and less lovingly relationship. After drinking nettle for a while, she felt brave to demand changes from her partner as well (not ony herself trying to fix or offer)

## Primary uses
Foundation in many herbal programs to supply nourishment and strength

Nutrient rich blood and capillary tonic. Rich in easily assimilated vitamins and trace minerals. Regular consumption sustains energy levels and reduces fatigue. Effective for anemia, varicose veins, and papery skin that bruises easily.
Mineral content (especially silica) also makes it useful for osteoporosis, to heal bone fractures, and prevent tooth decay. Strengthens skin, hair, nails, bones, and teeth.
Kidney tonic and non-irritating diuretic. Benefits edema, has hypotensive effects. Enhances kidney elimination of uric acid and other metabolic wastes. Possibly prevents kidney stone formation. Also tonifies the whole urinary system, and can prevent relapsing urinary tract infections.
**Arthritis** - Aids in slowing progression of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, possibly due to a combination of effects.
**Allergies** - Combination of anti-inflammatory, decongestant, astringent effects combine to help treat allergies and food sensitivities. (Freeze dried nettles or fresh tincture, infusion too, but drink it whole season as prevention)
**Type 2 diabetes** - 2022 meta-analysis shows significantly improved multiple blood glucose markers vs. control group. Another study showed reduced inflammatory markers.
**Seed** - kidney trophorestorative, very useful for degenerative kidney disease. Reduces serum creatinine levels. Reports of helping patients get off dialysis. Some also consider the seed an energizing adaptogen.
**Root** - Reduces prostate enlargement in people with BPH and can prevent the need for surgery. Combine with Saw Palmetto and White Sage.
## Secondary uses:
Galactagogue - increases breast milk flow and nourishment.
Lung tonic - for weak lungs susceptible to infection.
Hair rinse (with rosemary and horsetail). Infusions internally also improve hair lustre.
Hemostatic - reduces passive hemorrhaging and nourishes individuals who have bled excessively.
Fresh nettle has a counter irritant effect, stimulating circulation into local tissues. This can benefit arthritis, stiff joints, and muscle pain.

## Key constituents
Amines (histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine) - likely responsible for sting.
Formic acid - also possibly responsible for sting.
Flavonoids and carotenoids - anti-inflammatory
Triterpenes - anti-inflammatory

**Vitamins and minerals** - calcium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc. Also contains protein, chlorophyll, beta carotene, vitamins C and K, and some B vitamins.
Phytosterols (roots) - prostate effects

## Safety considerations

Do not eat raw leaves as they can sting the throat, causing impaired breathing.
Prior to ingesting, nettle leaves should be steamed or cooked to eliminate the sting.
Some people develop a severe rash from contact with nettles.
In rare cases, it can cause gastro-intestinal upset.
Some people with a tendency to dryness, may find nettle too potent as diuretic and astringent.

## Preparation and Dosage
**Food**
One of the best ways to ingest nettle is to eat it! Use it in soups, stews, sauces, calzones, etc. just as you would spinach or kale. Fresh nettle must be cooked or steamed until the sting is no longer present.
Vinegar - Nettle makes an excellent mineral rich vinegar.

**Tea/Infusion**

**Nourishing Infusion:** Steep 20-30g (4-8tbsp) dried leaf, 1 L hot water, steep 4 hours or overnight. Drink 2-4 cups/day

Note that using dry plant matter makes stronger infusion (because cell walls break up)

**Tincture**

Tincture: Fresh leaf (1:2 60-95% alcohol). Dry leaves (1:5, 30-50% alcohol). 3-5ml 3x/day
Dried root (1:5, 30-50% alcohol) 2-3ml 3-4x/day.
Dried seed (1:5 45-50% alcohol), 1-2 ml 3-4x/day

## Botany
**Origin:** Native to Europe but now naturalised throughout North America. Other stinging nettle species are native to different parts of the world.

Nettle grows in colonies, usually in partial shade. It loves moist, rich soil.
Perennial, grows 2-5 feet tall, which dies back every year to its dense system of rhizomes.
Leaves are coarsely toothed, narrowly lanceolate to widely ovate, and can be several inches long. The younger leaves tend to be more ovate or cordate.
Tiny hairs (trichomes) on the leaf underside and stem provide a powerful sting (Jewelweed, Dock, Plantain are antidotes).
The tiny green flower inflorescences hang off stems like catkins.

Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9113

## Growing + Harvesting
Thrives as a hardy perennial in Alberta. Be careful though as it can spread through both seeds and rhizomes and take over your land. Cutting it back before it goes to seed will slow the process.

Leaves are best harvested in spring/early summer, before the plant flowers. After flowering, the leaves contain crystalith crystals, which can irritate the kidneys and GI tract.

Roots/rhizomes are harvested in autumn.

Seeds are harvested in late Summer once fully developed. Harvesting the seeds is finicky work.

## Energetics and Actions
**Energetics:** Cool to neutral, dry due to diuretic properties

**Taste:** Mineral Salt

**Primary Actions:** antibacterial, possible adaptogen (seed), anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, alterative (anti-dyscratic), astringent (mild), diuretic (non-irritating), galactagogue (promote breast milk flow, kidney trophorestorative, nutritive, prostate tonic (root), styptic (especially internal bleeding)

## Primary uses
Nutrient rich blood and capillary tonic. Rich in easily assimilated vitamins and trace minerals. Regular consumption sustains energy levels and reduces fatigue. Effective for anemia, varicose veins, and papery skin that bruises easily.

Mineral content (especially silica) also makes it useful for osteoporosis, to heal bone fractures, and prevent tooth decay. Strengthens skin, hair, nails, bones, and teeth.
Kidney tonic and non-irritating diuretic (especially seeds). Benefits edema, has hypotensive effects. Enhances kidney elimination of uric acid and other metabolic wastes. Possibly prevents kidney stone formation. Also tonifies the whole urinary system, and can prevent relapsing urinary tract infections.
**Arthritis** - Aids in slowing progression of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, possibly due to a combination of effects.
**Allergies** - Combination of anti-inflammatory, decongestant, astringent effects combine to help treat allergies and food sensitivities. (Freeze dried nettles or fresh tincture, infusion too, but drink it whole season as prevention)
**Type 2 diabetes** - 2022 meta-analysis shows significantly improved multiple blood glucose markers vs. control group. Another study showed reduced inflammatory markers.
**Seed** - kidney trophorestorative, very useful for degenerative kidney disease. Reduces serum creatinine levels. Reports of helping patients get off dialysis. Some also consider the seed an energizing adaptogen.
**Root** - Reduces prostate enlargement in people with BPH and can prevent the need for surgery. Combine with Saw Palmetto and White Sage.
## Secondary uses:
Galactagogue - increases breast milk flow and nourishment.
Lung tonic - for weak lungs susceptible to infection.
Hair rinse (with rosemary and horsetail). Infusions internally also improve hair lustre.
Hemostatic - reduces passive hemorrhaging and nourishes individuals who have bled excessively.
Fresh nettle has a counter irritant effect, stimulating circulation into local tissues. This can benefit arthritis, stiff joints, and muscle pain.

## Key constituents
Amines (histamine, serotonin, acetylcholine) - likely responsible for sting.
Formic acid - also possibly responsible for sting.
Flavonoids and carotenoids - anti-inflammatory
Triterpenes - anti-inflammatory

**Vitamins and minerals** - calcium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, silicon, sodium, sulfur, and zinc. Also contains protein, chlorophyll, beta carotene, vitamins C and K, and some B vitamins.
Phytosterols (roots) - prostate effects
Intensely high in protein

## Safety considerations

Do not eat raw leaves as they can sting the throat, causing impaired breathing.
Prior to ingesting, nettle leaves should be steamed or cooked to eliminate the sting.
Some people develop a severe rash from contact with nettles.
In rare cases, it can cause gastro-intestinal upset.
Some people with a tendency to dryness, may find nettle too potent as diuretic and astringent.
Dont use leaves after flowering due to crystal of crystal being hard on kidney

## Preparation and Dosage
**Food**
One of the best ways to ingest nettle is to eat it! Use it in soups, stews, sauces, calzones, etc. just as you would spinach or kale. Fresh nettle must be cooked or steamed until the sting is no longer present.
Vinegar - Nettle makes an excellent mineral rich vinegar.

**Tea/Infusion**

**Nourishing Infusion:** Steep 20-30g (4-8tbsp) dried leaf, 1 L hot water, steep 4 hours or overnight. Drink 2-4 cups/day

**Tincture**

Tincture: Fresh leaf (1:2 60-95% alcohol). Dry leaves (1:5, 30-50% alcohol). 3-5ml 3x/day
Dried root (1:5, 30-50% alcohol) 2-3ml 3-4x/day.
Dried seed (1:5 45-50% alcohol), 1-2 ml 3-4x/day