Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Traditional use

Urtication (self-flagellation) for arthritic conditions. The high mineral and iron content indicates that nettles have traditionally been used in tonics for treating anaemia. The leaf is typically tinctured in wine with iron-rich additions such as dock root, apricots, and molasses.

Clinical discussion

Nettles serve as both a medicine and a medicinal food. The leaves are rich in protein (20-25%), iron, silicon, and calcium, making them beneficial for anaemia, low mineral levels, repairing damaged tissues and bones, osteoporosis, and vegans facing protein intake challenges. As a diuretic, nettles help support the urinary system and alleviate kidney gravel. Their diuretic properties assist with inflammatory urinary disorders and enhance the elimination of metabolic wastes (especially urates) associated with joint inflammation, such as arthritis and gout.

Nettle seed ointment also alleviates joint pain.

A primary application of nettle is for its anti-allergy properties, including hay fever, and it exhibits similar effects to over-the-counter antihistamines. The chemical mechanism explaining why nettle produces this effect remains unclear, and it appears contradictory that a plant rich in histamines would diminish the body’s histamine response in cases of hay fever.

Herbalist discussions have proposed theoretical suggestions that nettle histamines may function as a hormone or competitive compound that modulates the inflammatory response—urtication (self-flagellation) for arthritic conditions.

The high mineral and iron content means nettles have traditionally been used in tonics for treating anaemia. The leaf is usually tinctured in wine with iron-rich additions such as dock root, apricots, and molasses.

Cultivation/harvesting

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a hardy perennial that thrives in moist, rich soil and partial to full sun. It grows readily in gardens, hedgerows, and disturbed ground, spreading both by rhizomes and seed. Once established, it forms dense, productive patches—excellent for long-term harvesting.

Though often seen as a weed, nettle is a deep-rooting, mineral-accumulating plant that enriches the soil and offers exceptional nutrition and medicine.

• Leaf Harvest:
  Gather the young, tender top leaves in spring, before the plant flowers. After cutting back, a second flush of growth often appears in late summer; this regrowth is ideal for a second harvest. Leaves are best collected on a dry day, wearing gloves to avoid stings. Dry in thin layers in a shaded, ventilated space, or use fresh in teas, tinctures, or soups.

• Seed Harvest:
  Nettle produces male and female plants, but only female plants produce seeds. Harvest the green, sticky seeds as they ripen, usually from late summer to early autumn. The seeds can be used fresh or dried, and are prized for adrenal and kidney support.

• Root Harvest:
  Roots can be dug in autumn or early spring and are often used for urinary or prostate health. Wash thoroughly and dry for tincturing or decoctions.

Nettle is best grown in a contained bed or corner of the garden, as it spreads aggressively. Regular cutting encourages fresh, tender growth and can keep the patch productive for years.