EZ HERBS & the Austin School of Herbal Studies

Nettle, Urtica dioica, is a common plant which grows in waste ground and likes to grow near human habitations.  Nettle, also known as Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle or Small Nettle is different from our Texas grown Bull Nettle, which is also commonly found in waste areas.

Many Texans suffer from what we call “Cedar Fever” in January.  This ailment can be a severe set of respiratory symptoms including a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, headache and just feeling weak and miserable.  Due to Nettle’s anti-histamine effect on the body, a fresh Nettle Tincture has helped many over the years.  It has to be made from the FRESH plant, not dried, for the greatest benefit.  Drinking Nettle tea can also be helpful, but it is the fresh Nettles Tincture that will help most.  You can take the tincture frequently throughout the day as Nettle is a safe, tonic herb with no contra-indications.  Please see:   Fresh Nettles Tincture to purchase some tincture now.  You can also drink my Respiratory Tea:  to ease lung congestion and assist with the many symptoms associated with colds and allergies.

One of the identifying aspects of Nettle is the white, prickly fiber that grows along the stem.  Therefore I grow my Nettle in very large clay pot so I can keep it isolated and the visitors to my garden do not get stung.  I have noticed, however, that you can gently harvest the Nettle leaves, with bare hands, if you talk sweetly to the plant asking its permission for harvest and thanking it for all its many gifts.

So what are some of those gifts?  Nettle is actually my favorite herb that I use the most (be careful I might say that about several herbs).  Nettle is a tonic herb and it can be eaten as a food.  Like spinach, or any other green, it can be steamed or stir-fried with garlic (YUM). Nettle is known as a Potherb.  Nettle makes a delicious, earthy tea, which can be drunk anytime.  It is loaded with nutrients such as Vitamins C, K, A, Iron, Calcium and Chlorophyll.  This herb can benefit the entire body and is particularly good for anemia.  Nettle also has a natural antihistamine so it may be used for asthma, other lung congestive problems and even our Austin famous cedar fever, as I mentioned above.  Nettle also acts as an effective diuretic, helps to eliminate uric acid and reduces water retention.  Nettle is ideal to drink during menstruation, as it not only reduces water retention but it is also effective for profuse menstruation. Nettle is also an Alterative as it acts to nourish and purify the blood. When I drink Nettle tea I feel that I am drinking the blood of Mother Earth.

So those are just some of the medicinal benefits of Nettle.  It can also be used as a green dye and the tough fibers of the stalk can be made into cloth. If you do get a nettle sting, the juice of the plant itself, along with Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus, may be used as an antidote.

So never again think negatively of this incredible herb. 

With its stingers and all, (click  the photo to enlarge it.) Nettle is so helpful to so many systems of the body.  I like Nettle as a tea, but you can also use it as a tincture or even in capsules. 

Even better, plant your own!

What is an alterative?

Commonly referred to as Blood Purifiers. These are agents that gradually and favorably alter the condition of the blood. They aid the body in assimilating nutrients and eliminating metabolic waste products: Neutralizes acidic conditions in the body: Aids in protein assimilation. Generally extremely high in minerals and some vitamins.

Examples: Burdock Root, Dandelion Leaf and Root ,Echinacea, Red Clover Golden Seal,Oregon Grape Root, Nettles, and Yellow Dock Root

credit: Rosemary Gladstar