Nettle (Urtica dioica), also known as stinging nettle, is a powerhouse plant traditionally used to nourish the body, support seasonal balance, and promote overall vitality. Though it grows wild and has a sting when fresh, once dried, nettle becomes one of the gentlest and most mineral-rich herbs in the apothecary.
Deep green and grounding, nettle has earned a place in wellness routines for centuries.
Nettle has been traditionally used to:
Support healthy energy and vitality through gentle nourishment
Provide plant-based sources of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium
Promote seasonal comfort, especially during spring and pollen-heavy months
Support kidney and urinary tract function
Strengthen the body in times of depletion or transition
It’s often used as a daily tonic herb for long-term support.
Nettle has a long history in European, Native American, and Ayurvedic traditions. In folk herbalism, it was used as a “spring tonic” to awaken the body after winter and replenish depleted nutrient stores. It was commonly brewed as tea, cooked as a wild green, or infused in vinegars and broths.
In traditional herbal practice, nettle was valued for building strength, supporting blood and tissue health, and providing resilience to those feeling run down or chronically tired.
It’s also one of the most commonly used herbs for seasonal wellness, often paired with herbs like mullien or elderberry.
Nettle is a tall, leafy perennial with tiny stinging hairs on its stems and leaves when fresh. Once dried or cooked, the sting disappears, and the plant becomes very safe to handle.
The leaves are typically harvested in spring and early summer and then dried for teas, capsules, and tinctures. The seeds and root also have traditional uses, but the leaf is the most widely used part for general nourishment and support.
Nettle can be used in many nourishing ways:
Herbal teas and infusions – for daily mineral support
Broths or vinegars – to infuse soups or dressings with nutrition
Capsules or powders – as a gentle food-based supplement
Herbal hair rinses – to support a healthy scalp and strong hair
Combined with spring herbs – like dandelion, cleavers, or red clover
Its taste is deep and green, similar to spinach or alfalfa, and blends well with mint or lemon balm.
Nettle is generally very well tolerated. Because of its mineral content and potential to gently stimulate the kidneys, it’s best to drink plenty of water when using it regularly. As always, those who are pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition should consult a qualified practitioner before use.