Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Also Known as: Stinging Nettle

Uses: Tea, steamed vegetable, capsule

Parts Used: Leaves

Nettle is a vitamin powerhouse! It is high in iron, calcium, potassium, silicon, magnesium, manganese, zinc and chromium along with a host of other vitamins and minerals. It increases metabolic activity and strengthens and tones the entire system. It is useful for achy joints and arthritis, reproductive health, alleviating PMS and menopause symptoms. Nettle has compounds that reduce inflammation. It is strengthening to the genitourinary system, including kidneys. It also helps with liver problems or congestion, treats allergies and hay fever. Dr. Andrew Wiel M.D. author of Natural Health/ Natural Medicine says he knows of nothing more effective than nettle for allergy relief. And his statement is backed up by studies at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. This herb has a long history of use as a medicine, a food source and fiber. A daily infusion of this wonderful herb will help anyone maintain a healthy vibrant life. 

This perennial wild edible plant has sharp hairs that break easily and can irritate or sting when touched. Gloves are advised when picking. When Nettle has been dried or steamed there is no longer any irritation. You will find Nettle in Happy Bee Nettle Mint, Whimsical, Blissful, and Gotu Rosie blends.

Garden Tips:

Nettle grows around the world and thrieves in moist to sodden soil of the garden, forest or roadside, in sun to shade. Barely cover seeds with soil, tamp firmly and keep evenly moist until germination, which can take days but sometimes months. Thin or transplant to a foot apart. This plant spreads. Propagation by root division is best done in early spring. Wear gloves when working with seedlings or dividing plants.

Stinging Nettle possesses many useful properties and is used against pests and to stimulate growth of other plants. It makes a great tea for the garden!

The following recipes should be used to treat plants no more than 3 times. Further treatments can reduce their storage and germinating capacities.

For Pests: Cut 2 lbs of fresh nettle, they can have flowers but should not have formed seeds. Put them in a bucket and pour 2 1/2 gallons of water on them and let stand for 24 hours, strain. This extract helps against larval and caterpillar infestation and should be sprayed finely over plants. Apply 3 times within several hours.

As a manure tea: Place 2 lbs fresh nettle, they can have flowers but should not have formed seeds. Put them in a bucket and pour 2 1/2 gallons of water on them. Leave until the leaves have rotted, from 8 days to 4 weeks, the time depends on the external temperature. This is a powerful manure and needs to be diluted.

For spraying the soil: 1 part liquid manure to 9 parts water.

For watering: 1 part liquid manure to 40 parts water.

My roses love Nettle!!!!

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.