04/11/2026
A post in appreciation of stinging nettle!
The Latin name for nettle is Urtica Dioica. Every spring nettle is one of the first herb that I harvest! My drying rack is a content rotation, as I gather the leaves until they go into flower. Nettle thrives in our temperate climate in the Salish sea. Growing along the edge of waste sites, swampy forests, and stream beds.
It is a hardy plant that will pop up year after year, spreading via its root system. Nettle is what’s known as a springtime tonic, and here in the northern hemisphere it’s exactly what our bodies need coming into the growing season. Nettle is one of my most utilized herbs, it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids (the building blocks of proteins, as well as many other beneficial compounds. Primarily I use it for allergies, skin issues, joint inflammation, and to help those recovering from surgery or illness.
I also love using the leaves in cooking, they make an amazing addition to paneer curries and omelettes! Energetically nettle also reminds us to protect our boundaries, while still being able to give to our community.
The stinging leaves are both a deterrent, and a sought after medicine for those needing relief from arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. If you are feeling depleted, or in need of some healing support, I
highly recommend incorporating nettle into your life!
Photo credits November Wild
