Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Each spring, I like to share my excitement about nettle, one of the great medicinal plants of the western herbal tradition.

There is nothing quite like nettle for energizing our bodies. High in protein, vitamins and minerals, nettle is one of the great nutritive tonics. You can drink nettle tea instead of coffee when experiencing a mid to late afternoon energy slump. I like to combine nettle with holy basil (tulsi) and licorice for a delicious, energizing tea.

If it were not so common and accessible, nettle would be marketed as one of the amazing super foods. Instead of buying expensive powdered greens, we would do well to gather some local nettle for teas, soups, and vegetable dishes. I like to make nettle soup early in the spring, when the green shoots have just emerged from the ground.

Of course, nettle helps with iron deficiency anemia.

Nettle is excellent for reducing allergic reactions.

Nettle helps address low thyroid function and low blood pressure. It also supports ad­renal health and is one of the few local adaptogenic herbs.

Because it helps remove uric acid, nettle is specific for gout.

Nettle helps address arthritis, muscle soreness and weakness.

To support bone density, drink nettle, oatstraw and horsetail tea.

For a safe, nourishing tea and iron tonic during pregnancy, combine nettle with red raspberry.

To diminish allergic symptoms and strengthen the kidneys, make an infusion of two parts nettle to one part goldenrod and a pinch of licorice. Drink two cups a day.

Nettle root is specific for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Finally, a nettle rinse helps to condition hair and promote hair growth.

Blessings,

Madelon Hope