Spring is here and that means our plant-based allies are starting to make an appearance! The Herb of the Month for April is Urtica dioica, better known as nettle. You may also recognize other common names, such as Dwarf Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Scaddie or Herba Urticae.
The well-known name Nettle comes from the stinging hairs under the leaves. The hairs are actually tiny silica crystals that function like needles and inject micro amounts of formic acid into the skin when the fresh herb is touched. Early spring is the best time to harvest nettle leaves just before flowering, but make sure you have gloves on and identify this properly Urticaceae family herb. Once dried, most of the stinging properties disappear and working with the plant becomes much easier.
You have to wonder: why would we ever consider this herb for medicinal use? Well, the formic acid hurts when stung, but several studies have shown that its components can support a healthy inflammatory response, a healthy histamine response, healthy glandular support, and healthy sugar metabolism. Nettles are common Nutritious herb used in herbal medicine; which is a nice name for an herb that contains many vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, C and D, together with the minerals calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium and silica, are among the components or compounds of nettle.
Nettle has a historic list of uses ranging from topical application to lifestyle enhancement. Its astringent properties are popular in body care products such as hair wash products or clarifying agents in soaps. Traditionally, Native Americans used the stems for cordage, as the high fiber content makes a strong rope much like hemp. The fresh aerial parts played a crucial role in indigenous medicine, especially for skin conditions. Patting or applying a prepared compress to a sore limb with fresh plant material was common to relieve the pain, but the hives and extreme redness will appear first from those pesky hairs. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you have an experienced nettle coach to guide them.
Today we have started using nettle in tincture, hot infusions and a wide variety of delicious culinary recipes. I find it particularly interesting that nettle emerges in early spring and is harvested at a time when our bodies need the most nutrition after winter. Plants have a habit of appearing when they are most useful, and our ecological relationship continues throughout every season of our lives.
Spring also brings seasonal allergies and I can’t think of a better plant ally during this time than nettles. WishGarden’s handcrafted formulas are carefully formulated to support your ecological relationship with plants!
Kick-Ass Allergy is a seriously soothing solution for common seasonal complaints and can also be used now. Nettles pair well here with Yerba Santa and Echinacea to support a healthy histamine response to pollen, mold, animal dander and more! Nettle makes this formula body-friendly, non-stimulating and non-sedating.
Deep Cleanse Reset & Flourish is a tune-up tonic to remove winter gunk! Nettles works synergistically with Cleavers, Oregon Grape Root and Burdock to support natural cleansing and cellular health. It is a gentle nutrient and detox for healthy liver and kidney function. don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep the fluid flowing out.
WishGarden Herbs’ formulas with nettles:
Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha, Deep Cleanse, Reset and Bloom, Forti-FeED Nutritional Support with Liquid Iron, Attention Ally Focus Friend, Growing Pains Away for Kids, Kick-Ass Allergy and Sinus, Kick-Ass Allergy Seasonal Rescue, Daily Immune Builder, Kick- It Allergy Seasonal Rescue for Kids, Kick-Ass Allergy Seasonal Rescue for Pregnancy, Milky Supply Booster and Cycle Changes Peri/Menopause
Featured photo credit: Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the purchasing and sourcing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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