Everything You Need to Know About

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Botanical family: Urticaceae
Parts used: Roots, Leaves, Seeds
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
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Overview and Health Benefits

Our native adaptogen, the Stinging Nettle is a nutritious, multi-purpose superfood that offers healing properties from root to seed and has a long history of use in Spring tonics and for overall well-being.

Key Benefits

  • Immunity, respiratory support and allergies
  • Skin
  • Urinary tonic
  • All-round adaptogen and tonic

Nettle was traditionally included in the spring tonics as a way of clearing the toxins from the body following winter as part of the annual “detox”. This allows the immune system to work better and not over-react as it can in allergies. The flavonoids in nettle can stimulate the immune system and the leaf has antimicrobial actions against common pathogens. A tea can help clear catarrh and sinus congestion and be helpful in coughs and bronchitis, and the anti-histamine action can prevent allergic rhinitis, asthma and hay fever from taking hold.

A “depurative” or blood cleanser, nettle is often used in eczema and other congested or allergic skin conditions.

Nettle is a diuretic, increasing urinary flow and is supportive with other herbs in cystitis and urethritis. Nettle may soothe and expel gravel and stones form the kidneys and the seeds are helpful as a kidney tonic. Its diuretic action also encourages effective excretion of uric acid, which can positively impact gout and arthritis. The root has been investigated for use in benign prostatic hypertrophy and found to have beneficial effects.

The young leaves of nettle are very nutritious and helpful in rebuilding the blood and strength following illness. Nettle is stimulating to the liver and kidneys encouraging elimination of toxins. the seeds are considered an adrenal tonic and kidney trophoretorative (tissue re-builder) as well as being used to improve thyroid function thereby positively impacting the metabolism.

Safety profile

Nettle is generally safe if used correctly and in moderation. As a diuretic, caution is advised if cardiac or renal function is impaired and there is oedema as a result. If taking prescribed diuretics or hypotensives, then seek the advice of a qualified herbalist as with any other illness.

Key Body Systems Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) relates to

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Urinary system
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Musculoskeletal System
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Immune System

Energetics

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Warming
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Drying

Key actions

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Diuretic
  • Astringent
  • Nutritive
  • Immunomodulatory
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Key uses

  • Allergies
  • Joint pain
  • Urinary tract health
  • Nutritive tonic rich in minerals

Where to Find Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioica as a dioecious species has male and female plants. These are generally indistinguishable until the flowers and seeds arrive in summer, dripping profusely from the female, but only sticking out in a few spindles form the male. The plant barely needs an introduction as it is abundant across the UK and most people recognise it as something to avoid getting stung by. It is perennial and has creeping roots, a tall coarse hairy stem and deeply-toothed ovate leaves that are covered in stinging bristly hairs. The tiny clusters of green flowers can be in clusters of up to 10 cm long. The whole plant can get to over 1.5m in height and spreads as far as it can. If foraging then choose leaves that are young and do not pick once the flowers have started to appear as the concentration of oxalic acid is higher. They also become coarser as the seasons pass and as such are less palatable,