ndmeghanbauer Nettle (Urtica spp.) – An Ordinary Plant with Extraordinary Properties
Nettle is likely the number one plant I prescribe. I love it. It’s affordable, readily available, easy to prepare, pleasant to drink and most importantly helpful for an endless list of health concerns and optimization.
Nettle has helped me and patients alike with optimizing nutrients, alkalinizing, decreasing inflammation, reducing allergies, balancing hormones, clearing skin rashes and acne, strengthening bones, and cleansing our urinary tracts. It’s highly concentrated in minerals and vitamins including very absorbable iron, calcium, and magnesium. It has antimicrobial and antihistamine properties as well as immune supportive and inflammation reducing abilities. I think of nettles in the following situations[1]:
- Low energy, vitality
- After prolonged periods of stress
- Restless sleep
- Throughout pregnancy and post-partum
- Allergies; seasonal, environmental, histamine intolerance
- Skin conditions; eczema, acne, dermatitis, hives
- Urinary and prostate conditions; chronic urinary infections, bph
- Hormonal balancing; reducing high androgens, optimizing thyroid
- Strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis
- Anemia and deficient vitamins and minerals
Here’s an excerpt from an experienced herbalist, Susan Weed:
“Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a common weed throughout much of the world. The dried herb makes a nourishing herbal infusion that packs more energy per cup than any stimulant, and without the downside of caffeine or stimulating herbs like cayenne and ginger. Tired teenagers, sleep-deprived new moms, stressed executives, wakeful menopausal gals, and wise women of all ages depend on stinging nettle to restore mood, replenish energy, and guarantee sound sleep.
Nettle is amazingly rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially the critical trace minerals: anti-cancer selenium, immune-enhancing sulphur, memory-enhancing zinc, diabetes-chasing chromium, and bone-building boron. A quart of nettle infusion contains more than 1000 milligrams of calcium, 15000 IU of vitamin A, 760 milligrams of vitamin K, 10% protein, and lavish amounts of most B vitamins.”[2]
As I write this post, I’m reminded that we must consume a lot of nettles to take advantage of its many properties! Here’s how I like to drink it and typically prescribe it.
Nettle Infusion:
Add 2 tbsp of dried nettle to a large mason jar, or similar. Cover with boiling water and let sit until cooled. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight. Drink 1-2 cups/day, best cold or at room temperature.
Please note that while nettle is very safe it is best to check with your health care provider before starting it. It has a slight diuretic action and can increase urination frequency. As well, the fresh plant can cause a local rash on contact.
Enjoy and as always, please get in touch with any questions or concerns!
Cheers,
Dr. Bauer
[1] Kregiel, D. Pawlikowska, E, Antolak, H. (2018). Urtica spp: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules. Jul; 23(7): 1664. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6100552/
[2] Weed, S. (2008). Energize and Enjoy with Nettle. Wise Woman Herbal Ezine with Susan Weed. http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/October08/healingwise.htm