Nettles

Nettles, Urtica diocia, is a common plant which grows in waste ground and likes to grow near human habitations.  Nettles, also known as Stinging nettles, Common nettles or Small nettle is different from our Texas grown Bull nettle which is also commonly found in waste areas.

One of the identifying aspects of Nettles is the white, prickly fiber that grows along the stem.  Therefore I grow my Nettles in very large clay pot so I can keep it isolated and the visitors to my garden do not get stung.  I have noticed, however, that you can gently harvest the Nettle leaves, with bare hands, if you talk sweetly to the plant asking it’s permission for harvest and thanking it for all it’s many gifts.

So what are some of those gifts?  Nettles is actually my favorite herb that I use the most (be careful I might say that about several herbs).  Nettles is a tonic herb and it can be eaten as a food.  Like spinach, or any other green, it can be steamed or stir-fried with garlic (YUM). Nettles is known as a Potherb.  Nettles make a delicious, earthy tea, which can be drunk anytime.  It is loaded with nutrients such as Vitamins C, K, A, Iron, Calcium and Chlorophyll.  This herb can benefit the entire body and is particularly good for anemia.  Nettles also has natural histamine so it can be used for asthma, other lung congestive problems and even our Austin famous cedar fever.  Nettles also acts as an effective diuretic, helps to eliminate uric acid and reduces water retention.  Nettles is ideal to drink during menstruation, as it not only reduces water retention but it is also effective for profuse menstruation. Nettles is also an Alterative as it acts to nourish and purify the blood. When I drink Nettles tea I feel that I am drinking the blood of Mother Earth.

So those are just some of the medicinal benefits of Nettles.  It can also be used as a green dye and the tough fibers of the stalk can be made into cloth. And if you do get a nettle sting, the juice of the plant itself, along with Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus, can be used as an antidote.

So never again think negatively of this incredible herb.  With its stingers and all Nettles is so helpful to so many systems of the body.  I like Nettles as a tea, but you can also use it as a tincture or even in capsules.  Even better, plant your own.