Nettle, Urtica dioica
Nettle
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a versatile herb with a rich history of medicinal, culinary, and magickal applications. With a cool, dry, and tonifying nature, it offers earthy, salty, and umami tastes. This blog post explores nettle's medicinal applications, ancient history, and magickal uses.
Medicinal Applications
Nettle is celebrated for its various health benefits, particularly its high mineral content and specific action on the kidneys. The leaves, roots, and seeds of nettle each play unique roles in supporting health. Nettle is an excellent remedy for chronic illness, acute problems, and as a long-term mineral supplement. Its diuretic action aids in waste expulsion while nourishing the kidneys, making it a valuable addition to any health regimen. Majority of people in the US are mineral deficient due to the standard diet, and nettle is an herb that everyone could benefit from due to its high mineral content!
Nettle Leaf:
Mineral-Rich Nutritive: Nettle leaf is a superb source of minerals, ideal for addressing deficiencies common in the modern diet. Nettle is deeply nourishing, the USDA states that it has the highest source of minerals among plant foods.
Kidney Support: Its diuretic properties help reduce blood pressure by increasing urine output and salt excretion, while replenishing lost minerals. The kidneys produce and regulate our hormones, therefore it is useful when there are dysregulated hormones or stagnancy. When you are working with endocrine issues - always begin with the kidneys. Great for bone, teeth, hair, and PMS.
Allergy Relief: Nettle preparations have mast-cell-stabilizing and antihistaminic activities that provide substantial relief from seasonal and environmental allergies. Use 1 month before allergy season - improves kidney and systemic function.
Iron Source: Nettle is beneficial for combating fatigue, anemia, and malnourishment, especially when mineral intake is insufficient.
Hair Loss Prevention: It helps with hair loss due to mineral deficiency, often seen in pregnancy and hypothyroid states.
Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain: can help alleviate symptoms typically in the case of the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Nettle Root:
Prostate Health: Effective in treating prostate complaints and pelvic stagnation, it aids in bladder emptying and alleviates the continuous urge to urinate. It slows further prostate gland cell growth without decreasing the prostate's size.
Hair Loss Prevention: The root also helps with hair loss related to testosterone levels and can be useful in managing PCOS.
Nettle Seeds:
Adaptogen: These seeds are particularly useful for overcoming burnout and exhaustion following chronic stress.
Urtication: This practice involves stinging oneself with nettles to relieve arthritic pains and restore sensation to numbed areas through a direct rubefacient effect.
Ancient History of Nettle
Nettle's history is vast and varied, with its uses documented across different cultures and eras.
Ancient Medicine: Nettle has been utilized in traditional medicine since ancient times. The Egyptians treated arthritis and lower back pain with nettle, while the Greeks and Romans used it to stimulate circulation and warm the body. Greek physician Dioscorides recommended nettle for ailments like coughs and wounds (Duke).
Textiles and Fabrics: Nettle fibers were used in textile production as early as the Bronze Age. Archaeological findings indicate their use in Denmark over 2,000 years ago. During World War I, nettle served as a substitute for cotton in German military uniforms (Bjerregaard).
Culinary Uses: Nettle has been a valuable food source, especially in Europe, where it was often included in soups and teas. Young leaves, when cooked, provide a rich source of vitamins and minerals and were traditionally considered a spring tonic (Grieve).
Agricultural Uses: In traditional farming, nettle was used as a natural fertilizer and pest repellent due to its high nitrogen content, which enriched the soil and promoted healthy plant growth.
Cultural Significance: In European folklore, nettle was believed to protect against evil spirits and lightning. It was often planted around homes and barns for protection. In Norse mythology, it was associated with the god Thor and believed to have protective qualities (Brown).
Today, nettle continues to be valued for its health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, making it a staple in herbal medicine for treating various conditions.
Magickal Applications of Nettle
Nettle's magickal properties are as potent as its medicinal benefits, making it a powerful ally in rituals and personal development.
Element Associations: Fire
Planetary Associations: Mars - In medical astrology, nettles are ruled by the planets Aries and Mars. Aries is associated with fire, impulsiveness, and vital force, and is said to be the perfect plant medicine in the spring when it's readily available. Mars is the red planet, and is associated with drive, willpower, energy, and action. However, Mars can also represent negative qualities like anger, violence, irritability, and frustration. Nettles are said to increase Mars in some ways, while also treating its excess
Astrological Associations: Aries
Chakra Associations: Root
Energy: Masculine/Expressive
Magical Properties: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust, Fertility
Healing Properties: Combats Fever, Blood-Cleansing, Stimulant, Treats Acne and Urinary Tract Infections
Boundaries and Consent: Nettle teaches us about boundaries and consent through its stinging hairs, which clearly communicate its presence and limits. This can inspire us to strengthen our communication about consent and respect in our relationships with others and the environment. Before harvesting plants, asking for permission and truly listening to their response is a practice of mindful interaction with nature.
Affirmation and Self-Knowledge: Nettle embodies firm self-knowledge and clear boundaries. Incorporating this energy into our lives can involve affirmations that reinforce our sense of self and our personal boundaries.
Rituals and Thresholds: Nettle is a wonderful companion for rituals involving transitions, such as moving from one season to another. It stands with us at thresholds, particularly when transitioning from Earth to Air—symbolizing a move from winter to spring, death to rebirth. Nettle aids us in deciding what to bring into being as we step into new phases of life.
Nettle's dual role as a healer and protector makes it a versatile and powerful herb, whether used in practical health applications or spiritual practices. Embrace nettle's wisdom and let it guide you in nurturing both body and spirit.
Works Cited
Bjerregaard, Lone. Nettle Textiles: Rediscovering 2,000 Years of Tradition. Aarhus University Press, 2010.
Brown, Nigel. Plants in Myth and Magic: A Guide to the Folklore and Symbolism of Plants. Cassell Illustrated, 2000.
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing. Rodale, 2000.
Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal: The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic, and Economic Properties, Cultivation, and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs, & Trees with All Their Modern Scientific Uses. Dover Publications, 1971.
Rite of Ritual. "Ritual Herbs: Nettle Leaf." Rite of Ritual, https://riteofritual.com/products/ritual-herbs-nettle-leaf. Accessed 22 May 2024.
