Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioica
Family – Urticaceae, Nettle
Botanical Information:
Habit: herb
Life cycle: perennial
Size: 2-8 feet tall, commonly 3-4 feet
Arrangement: opposite
Leaves: simple leaves | shape – heart-shaped | margins – toothed
Flowers: color – greenish
Ecological Information:
Habitat (growth conditions): deep, rich soil, near moisture, shade
Range (geographical distribution): sea level to low mountains, most of North America
Origins (native where): northern Africa, North America, Asia, Europe
Medicinal Information:
Part(s) used for medicine: young leaves, root
Indications: arthritis, eczema, hypothyroid, fatigue, seasonal allergies, UTI’s, asthma, menstrual cramps, weak teeth/hair/bones, build blood, increase lactation
Actions: nutritive, adaptogen, diuretic, astringent, hemostatic, kidney/adrenal trophorestorative
CAUTIONS: stinging hairs along all parts of the plant, use gloves when harvesting and cook or boil for 2 minutes before use
Access and Use: access – forage (it’s all over campus, near the farm right now!) | harvest – top of growth any time during season, preferably before flowering | use internally as a tea or tincture, use in your favorite recipes or find new recipes
Food Information:
Part(s) eaten: leaves
Harvest timing: while plant is young, before it flowers
Recipe: Potato Leek Nettle Soup, Japanese Nettle Soup, Nettle Cream Soup
References Cited:
- Benoliel, Doug. Northwest Foraging. Skipstone, 2011.
- de la Foret, Rosalee. “Nettle Herb.” Web https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/nettle-herb.html