Nettle

Urtica dioica

To many, nettle–also known as “stinging nettle”– might seem like a pesky weed with a needless sting. In reality, this small inconvenience yields big benefits. An herbalist favorite, nettle is used to support the kidneys and joints.*

HERBAL BENEFITS

Common Name Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle

Family Name Urticaceae

Parts Used Herb top, Leaf, Root

Herbal Actions Astringent, Diuretic, Tonic

Health Benefits Detox, Joint Health, Water Retention, Women's Cycle

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A feisty herb that’s worth the sting.

Underneath this fierce exterior is a nourishing tonic that works best when used consistently over time. In traditional herbal medicine, nettle leaf tea is often consumed during the spring when fresh stalks shoot up from the earth, just in time to support joints and fortify bodies as our limbs awaken from more sedentary winter months.* Herbalists also use the root and leafy top of nettle to help reduce difficulty in urination.*

Containing vitamins and minerals, namely vitamin C, K, the B group, calcium and magnesium, nettle is a robust herb found in many traditional recipes. The dark leafy greens can be used fresh in foods, juices or preserved in vinegar. As a medicinal herbal remedy, it is often prepared as a tea or tincture to support overall health throughout the year.* When touched fresh, its stinging needles may seem feisty, but fortunately the leaves lose their sting when dried, blanched, or cooked into foods and other herbal preparations.

Almost every part of the stinging nettle has tiny tubular hairs (trichomes) that contain biologically active substances that can irritate the skin. If pricked, the hollow hairs on live plants will release their contents into skin producing itching, burning or stinging sensations.

Like many of our well-loved “weeds,” nettle is now found all around the world – often attributed to human intervention and migration. Its native home is in Asia, Europe, and northern Africa. Stinging nettle tends to prefer a rich soil and is seen by some as an indicator of fertile land. You can usually find it in wetter environments growing as a hedge bank, in wastelands, or other disturbed areas. Nettle tends to thrive where more particular plants wouldn’t. The whole plant, including roots, leaves, and seeds, can be used in herbal medicine. We wild collect some of our favorite organic nettle leaves from Eastern Europe, where our partners have stewarded the land for generations.

Products that contain Nettle

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Additional Information

Important Precautions:

Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are diabetic or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In sensitive individuals, nettle leaf preparations may occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Legal Disclaimer:

The information and other content in this article are designed to provide a general overview of the botany, cultural history, and traditional uses of this herb. It is not intended and should not be construed as health advice. Every person is unique and you should consult with your health care provider before using any herbal product or supplement.

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More Nettle info

Products that contain Nettle

Nettle Leaf Tea

EveryDay Detox® Lemon Tea

Pregnancy® Tea

Additional Information

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