Note//This post is the beginning of a new series of Naturopathic focused posts. I will group them together on a separate page called Naturopathic Resources for ease of reference, but they will still appear in the blog feed as well. I hope you enjoy it.
I wanted to start this series with an exceptionally all round amazing herb. It is relatively cheap, it is filled to the brim with nutrients and it also has some remarkable qualities, there are just so many reasons to love Nettle or Urtica dioica.
And it’s so much more than a weed!
The word ‘urtica’ comes from the latin meaning ‘to sting or burn’. I find this interesting as Nettle is often prescribed for the skin condition of Hives which in medical terms is called ‘Urticaria’. So the sting and burning of Hives is alleviated by a plant that has a sting and a burn to it. Pretty cool!
Nettle leaf is considered a nutritive herb given it is packed full of minerals, some of which include calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper and lastly a good source of iron 3. For this reason it is great for a mothers tonic 1, or anyone suffering with depletion and/or exhaustion. Nettles therefore are strengthening in more ways than one 4.
In a snapshot the actions and indications of Nettle leaf are;
Actions include; anti-allergy, nutritive and tonic, hypotensive and astringent.
Indications; hay-fever, urticaria2, general vitality, blood building in low iron states3.
The root of Nettle can also be used; the actions and indications include;
Nettle Root; used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it is highly specific for the prostate.
But for this conversation I will mostly stick to the wonderful actions of the leaf.
Nettle leaf can be eaten as a food; a soup is a common way, making sure to cook them to get the stinging parts out.
Overall it is the ideal herb for remineralizing, blood building, calming allergies and lifting low blood pressure 3.
When the dried nettle leaves are made into a tea and left to brew for a few minutes, a deep green colour emerges, this gives the feeling that you are in fact consuming something highly nutritive.
I’ve actually been drinking a lot of nettle tea lately, it feels so nourishing and soothing, the taste isn’t bitter, it’s mildly grassy but quite smooth as well, and the more you drink the tea, the more it grows on you.
Other ways to consume Nettle leaf include;
In herbal tincture form
In a capsule form
Or made into a syrup with other blood building herbs, is also a great option.
Here’s a simple herbal tea recipe with Nettle and a couple of other yummy ingredients, but also feel free to just use plain Nettle leaf.
Nettle Herbal Tea
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Dried Nettle leaf
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds (optional)
- 2 slices Fresh ginger root (optional)
Instructions
- Add the dried Nettle, Fennel seeds and fresh ginger to a large teapot or french press
- Pour in boiling water and brew for 3-5 minutes, strain and pour into favourite teacup or mugAdd sweetener if desiredEnjoy!
Disclaimer; The information provided in this blog post and website is for education purposes only. It does not intend to treat, diagnose or prescribe or advise on any medical conditions. Please refer to your practitioner for individual and specific advice.
References;
- Cole. B, ‘The Garden Apothecary, transform flowers, weeds and plants into healing remedies’ p163, Hardie Grant 2022.
- Bone, K, ‘The Ultimate Herbal Compendium, a desktop guide for herbal prescribers’, p50, 2007
- Maier, K, ‘Energetic Herbalism, A guide to sacred plant traditions, integrating elements of vitalism, ayurveda and chinese medicine’, pp284-288, Chelsea Green, 2021.
- Hoffmann, D, ‘The New Holistic Herbal’, Element, 1990, p218.
