Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioica

Harvest nettle stalk and leaves in the spring, just before it flowers. These aerial parts of the plant are gentle enough for a daily nourishing tonic. Stinging nettle actions are astringent (contracts organic tissue, reduces body secretions), diuretic (increases flow of urine, great for people with kidney problems and those who suffer from chronic urinary infections), tonic (restoring, nourishing and supportive for the entire body) styptic (stops bleeding) circulatory stimulant, promotes mils flow in new mothers, lowers blood sugar levels and prevents scurvy.

Stinging Nettle contain histamine, formic acid, serotonin, mucilage, ammonia, many minerals including silica, vitamins A,B and C and tannins.

Uro (Greek) means urine; di-oikos (Greek) means in two houses (male and female flowers are separate). Nettle fibers have been used like flax, for textiles in many parts of the world. During World War 1, Germany collected over two million kilograms which were used to make army uniforms.

Stinging Nettle References and Resources:

• Healing Wise, Susun Weed, Ash Tree Publishing 1989
• Herbs Partners in Life, Adele G. Dawson, Healing Arts Press, 1991
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, Penelope Ody, Key Porter Books Ltd., 1993

“If they would eat nettles in March, and drink mugwort in May, So many fine maidens would not go to the clay.” Funeral song of a scottish mermaid.

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