Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one versatile herb with Many Medicinal Properties

One nettle plant I let grow wild and free in the garden

Nettle or Urtica dioica is a versatile herb noted best for its ability to help relieve allergy symptoms. Urtica – “to burn.” Dioica translates roughly to “of two houses,” meaning that this magnificent plant can produce both male and female flowers. Its use has been traced back thousands of years, and in that time, Nettle has spread far and wide, reach to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. In North America – or at least in my yard Nettle spreads far and fast. I never once intentionally planted Nettle in my gardens, but it has shown up in almost every single one by now.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) Medicinal Uses

Nettle or Urtica dioica’s medicinal uses involve being an effective blood purifier, supporting the liver, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antiproliferative – i.e., suppressing cell growth. In addition, Nettle is a great tonic herb for pain relief in children experiencing growth spurts. Nettle has also shown promising support in cardiovascular diseases, but the list doesn’t stop here. All this while also being filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants properties.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of grabbing a Nettle plant with your bare hands, I’ll give you are spoiler alert – it stings. The stinging sensation is due to the uric acid that is secreted once the skin is brushed against the tiny hairs that can be found hanging around the whole plant. The larger the plant, the less easily visible these tiny hairs can be towards the top of the plant. This means you may realize a nettle plant a little too late if it’s hiding amongst many other plants.

However, Nettle has very distinguishable leaves, at least in my opinion, so once you know what to look for, you should easily pick it out and avoid it if need be.

Nettle can be prepared in almost any traditional way; Infusion (leaves), tincture (all parts), decoction (root), ointment (leaves), or a simple tea using the dried leaves.

Nettles Spiritual Properties

Now, for its spiritual properties, Nettle is a masculine plant falling under the planet Mars. A protective plant both for your energy field and your house. Nettle holds the element of fire and falls under the sign of Aries. Love the Norse God Thor? Well, then you’ll love Nettle, especially if you need to seal the deal in business.

Want to Learn More about Nettle?

There is much more to learn about Nettle, and I dive deeper into all aspects of this versatile plant in these other articles; Nettle – a nourishing plant, Nettle – how to identify, and Nettle’s history. There are also SO MANY great herbal books out there to help expand your knowledge on all things herbs. Nettle is a great plant to start with, especially if your budget is front of mind. Nettle should be readily available as long as you know where to look. As always, do your research, make sure you know what you’re harvesting, and pick the right herb for you!

Herbal Books I recommend

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use

Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary

Reference(s)

Bhusal, K. K., Magar, S. K., Thapa, R., Lamsal, A., Bhandari, S., Maharjan, R., Shrestha, S., & Shrestha, J. (2022). Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.): A review. Heliyon, 8(6), e09717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717

Wishing you love, light and inner peace babes ✌🌈✨💜