Nettle
Nettle (Urtica dioica), also known as stinging nettle, is a perennial flowering plant found worldwide. Despite its painful sting when touched fresh, once dried or cooked, nettle becomes a nutritious food and potent medicine. It has been used for food, fiber, and medicine throughout human history.
Benefits
Relieves seasonal allergy symptoms
Reduces inflammation, particularly in joints
Provides abundant vitamins and minerals
Supports kidney and urinary health
May help lower blood pressure and blood sugar
The Science & Wisdom Behind Nettle
Scientific Evidence
Nettle contains compounds that inhibit multiple inflammatory pathways, including COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Studies show it blocks histamine receptors and reduces key inflammatory markers involved in allergic reactions. Its high mineral content, including iron, calcium, and magnesium, contributes to its nutritive properties.
Traditional Use
European traditional medicine used nettle for arthritis, with a practice called 'urtication' involving deliberately stinging painful joints. Nettle has been brewed as spring tonics worldwide to replenish minerals after winter and to 'cleanse the blood.'
Anecdotal Reports
Herbalists regularly report that consistent nettle tea consumption dramatically reduces seasonal allergies, with many clients reducing or eliminating antihistamine medications when drinking several cups daily during allergy season.
How to Use Nettle
General Usage
Nettle is used as food (cooked like spinach), tea, tincture, capsules, or in topical preparations. The aerial parts (leaves and stems) are harvested before flowering for medicinal use.
Common Uses For:
Recipe
Nettle Infusion: Fill a quart jar with dried nettle leaves, pour boiling water to fill, cover and steep for 4-8 hours. Strain and drink throughout the day (cold or reheated).
Shop Nettle Products
Find high-quality Nettle products from trusted sellers on Amazon.
We recommend carefully reviewing product details and customer reviews before purchasing any herbal or natural remedy.
Shop on Amazon