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1. Stinging Nettle has been a trusted herbal remedy for its healing properties for millennia.
2. Aids in detoxification, relieve fatigue, regulate blood pressure, and support prostate health.
3. Nettle, rich in nutrients, aids skin health and treats conditions like eczema when consumed.
Family Name: Urticaceae
Latin Name: Urtica dioica, Stinging Nettle
Common Name: Nettle
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) has often been considered a bothersome weed. However, its long history of use tells a different story. Nettle use has been recorded as far back as the Bronze Age (3000 BCE – 1200 BCE) and is still used in herbalism today. (1)
Stinging nettle is a global plant with its seeds, leaves, and roots valued for medicinal and culinary purposes, particularly in regions like Europe, Asia, and North America. Historically, nettle has been a source of nutrition and a textile material. It has a texture akin to flax, which made it a household favorite in Scottish homes during the 16th and 17th centuries. During the World Wars, it even substituted cotton when shortages arose. The name “Stinging nettle” originates from its distinct hairs that release stinging chemicals upon contact. Interestingly, the nettle’s own leaf juice offers a remedy for this sting.
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It is considered a nutritional powerhouse because of its edible nutrients and medicinal properties. Nettle’s young leaves, from a culinary standpoint, are an excellent addition to herbal soups due to their abundant fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant compounds like polyphenols and carotenoids. In France, cheesemakers also discovered that a nettle leaf decoction would curdle milk and produce an excellent substitute for rennet. This is only the beginning of its myriad of uses in a culinary capacity. Nettle leaves are used in many recipes, from salads and soups to cordials and beers. (2) (3)
Traditionally, nettle leaf has been used to treat anemia, arthritis, eczema, alleviating allergy symptoms, rheumatism, gout, general pain, cough, tuberculosis, urinary tract disorders, hemorrhoids, and swollen prostate. Studies support the use of nettle as a diuretic and as a cleansing tonic for the liver, blood, and kidneys. Nettle promotes blood pH balance and safely assists in flushing waste from the body. (4) (5) (6)
It is also a common prescription for kidney disorders, aids in dissolving kidney stones, encourages blood clotting, blood cleansing, and respiratory conditions, is a natural diuretic, helps dilate the capillaries, and stimulates blood circulation. These clotting and circulation effects make it an excellent plant for treating bruises, cuts, and inflammation. (7) (8) (9)
The chemical compounds in stinging nettle also have a variety of health benefits for women, including relief of premenstrual symptoms, such as cramps, bloating, and reduction of blood flow during menstruation. It is known to ease the transition and act as a restorative for women going through menopause. Stinging nettle tea also provides relief for nursing mothers with suppressed milk flow, making breastfeeding more comfortable. (10)
In recent years, scientific interest in this ancient herb has strengthened the understanding of why it has been utilized for thousands of years for its medicinal benefits. Like many other dark leafy greens, nettle has one of the highest chlorophyll contents, boosting an array of additional nutrients, including:
Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Folate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Copper, Manganese & Zinc
Additional minerals in stinging nettle include iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. That’s not all; this potent plant also contains linolenic acid (Omega 3), linoleic acid (Omega 6), and oleic acid (Omega 9). All parts of the plant (leaves, stems, roots, and seeds) can be used depending on the condition being treated. (11)
The chart to the right contains nettle nutrient content compared to other leafy greens. Numbers indicate milligrams per 100 grams (about 1 cup). Compiled by Rose Barlow based on USDA research in “The Composition of Foods” and “Nutritional Herbology.” (12)
If you take any medication or over-the-counter drugs, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation before utilizing any herb.
There are no documented contraindications; however, stinging nettle is a diuretic and may remove potassium from the body. Therefore, you should eat potassium-rich foods if taking and/or drinking nettle tea for long periods. (13)
Consult with your trusted healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications: Blood thinners, blood pressure medications, lithium, diuretics (water pills), or drugs for diabetes. In rare cases, some people develop an allergic reaction after taking stinging nettle, such as a rash. (13)
There are many ways to enjoy the health benefits of nettle leaves and roots, but it’s important to remember that they should never be eaten raw.
From pesto sauces to warm soups and herbal teas to supplements in powdered form, tincture, or capsule, nettle leaves can be taken daily for an earthy flavor and a wealth of health advantages.
There’s no single “best way” to consume nettle leaves – what works for one person may not work for others. So, it’s best to find the method that works for you.
Tea – 4 g dried leaves steeped for 10 min hot water (14)
Supplement – up to 770 mg of dried extract
Cooking – Add to any salad or soup
For topical use, mix half and half with rosewater and apply freely to the troubled area (15)
This natural healing herb has stood the test of time due to its functionality and myriad of health benefits. As a potent medicine and its usefulness in culinary cuisine, it provides countless options for enriching your salad or soup with nutrients. It is impossible to learn of the seemingly endless uses for nettle and not subsequently wonder about the other plants we ignore because we deem them to be weeds.
The world of herbs inspires a journey into the wisdom of our ancestors and, from that, propels us to look at the wonderous natural remedies we have available to support a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.
A gentle reminder: when incorporating any herbal aid, do your homework, as manufacturers differ in the quality of their products.
To Your Good Heath!
M. Moriah Mor, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, is the owner of GreenSilk.com. The company is committed to helping individuals live a healthier lifestyle through education, nutrition, the research of life science, and the development of Professional High-Grade Premium health products.
Recognized for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the health and wellness industry for more than 18 years, Moriah is a graduate of the Energetic Health Institute and the University of Southern California. Her interest is focused on researching the latest scientific breakthroughs in the holistic health field. She is currently working toward her Doctorate in Natural Medicine.
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