Nettle

NETTLE | ORTIGA

Nettle that wild plant that probably stung your ankles on a hike once and made you swear you'd never trust anything green again. But here’s the twist… That sting wasn’t a punishment, it was a wake-up call. Because nettle is one of the oldest, most powerful, and most underestimated herbal allies on Earth. And its used throughout history- from prehistoric pottery to medieval monasteries to your modern-day detox tea.

Nettle’s story begins in prehistoric Europe and Asia, where early humans used it for everything- food, medicine, fabric, even fishing line. Archaeological digs have found nettle fiber woven into 2,000-year-old burial shrouds. Before flax, before cotton, people were wearing nettle. And they were eating it too. The tender young leaves were (and still are) one of the first spring greens to appear after winter- loaded with iron, calcium, magnesium, and protein, making nettle nutritional gold for post-winter recovery.

Medicinally, Urtica dioica shows up in nearly every ancient herbal tradition. The Romans used it to treat arthritis and sore joints by - brace yourself - whipping themselves with fresh nettles to stimulate circulation. Sounds extreme, but they were onto something: that sting is rich in formic acid, histamine, and serotonin, which dilate blood vessels and relieve pain. It’s basically nature’s micro-needling therapy, with a little kick.

In European folk medicine, nettle was a classic remedy for anemia, allergies, fatigue, eczema, and urinary issues. Monks and herbalists used it as a blood purifier, a kidney tonic, and a spring cleanse- both physical and spiritual. In medieval times, nettle was so valued that it was cultivated in monastic gardens alongside rosemary, sage, and lavender.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, while not native, nettle has been adopted and understood as cooling and tonifying, used to clear heat, enrich the blood, and calm inflammatory skin conditions. In Ayurveda, it’s recognized as vata- and kapha-reducing, helping with conditions like arthritis, poor circulation, and excess mucus.

Fast forward to the present, and modern science is only catching up to what traditional herbalists already knew. Nettle is packed with vitamins A, C, K, plus iron, calcium, magnesium, and even complete plant protein. It contains quercetin, a powerful natural antihistamine, which is why nettle tea is famous for relieving seasonal allergies. It’s also a mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, blood builder, and hormonal balancer- used for everything from PMS and prostate health to arthritis and eczema.

And let’s not forget its use as a biodynamic fertilizer, animal fodder, and even in beer and soup recipes. Nettle isn’t just healing humans- it’s nourishing ecosystems.

Energetically, nettle is about boundaries, resilience, and nourishment. It says, Protect what’s precious. Don’t be afraid to sting when you need space. But once trust is earned, oh the nourishment I can offer. Nettle is the plant that defends itself while feeding you, the one that hurts just enough to teach you something, and then gives more nutrients than most superfoods combined.

Medicinal Uses of Nettle (Urtica dioica)

• Nutrient-Rich Tonic
  Nettle is packed with iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex. It’s used as a rebuilding tonic for the blood, bones, skin, and nervous system, especially after illness, childbirth, or fatigue.

• Supports Iron Levels and Fights Anemia
  Its high iron and vitamin C content make nettle a go-to herb for low iron, fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin. It helps build red blood cells and restore vitality gently and effectively.

• Reduces Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever)
  Contains quercetin and natural antihistamines that help reduce histamine response in the body. Used to treat allergic rhinitis, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing without drowsiness.

• Anti-inflammatory for Joints and Muscles
  Used both internally and externally to relieve arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, and muscle pain. Fresh leaf stings (a traditional therapy called urtication) are even used topically on stiff joints.

• Supports Urinary Tract and Kidney Health
  Nettle is a mild diuretic, helping to flush out toxins, uric acid, and support bladder and kidney health. Often used in UTI blends, prostate formulas, and for general fluid retention.

• Balances Hormones and Supports the Endocrine System
  Rich in trace minerals that nourish the adrenal glands, thyroid, and reproductive organs. Helps with PMS, perimenopause, and fatigue due to stress or nutrient depletion.

• Promotes Hair and Skin Health
  Used to strengthen hair, reduce shedding, and treat dandruff. Topically and internally, nettle is also helpful for eczema, acne, and inflammatory skin conditions.

• Supports Prostate Health
  Particularly helpful for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), reducing urinary symptoms in men. Often combined with saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil in men’s herbal formulas.

• Boosts Breastmilk Supply
  Traditionally used as a galactagogue (milk-promoting herb) for breastfeeding mothers, thanks to its mineral richness and gentle support to the blood and kidneys.

• Supports Blood Sugar Balance
  May help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, especially when used regularly as a tea or food.