Stinging Nettle: A Great Spring Tonic

Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, is found all over the world. It has been used since ancient times as a medicinal herb and food.  It is a great spring tonic and helps with spring allergies. It grows wild in many places, including the Hudson Valley. I have recently been harvesting from my nettles patch in my yard.

You may have accidently brushed past this plant and felt as if you were stung by many tiny insects. Its name derives from the word needle in both Anglo-Saxon and Dutch. [1]This action increases circulation and was traditionally used for Rheumatism. Many folks harvest nettles with gloves to avoid its sting. Once it is cooked or dried it no longer has that effect.

In Ayurveda, Nettles are considered a Rasayana. A Rasayana is something that rejuvenates and nourishes our bodies. It is noted as particularly rejuvenative for the kidneys and adrenals. It increases our Ojas (our vitality and immunity).  It is also considered a blood cleanser so is used to support liver health. It detoxifies the body and clears Ama (toxins from the GI) by moving them down and out.

Ayurvedic Energetics

Taste/Rasa: Astringent
Energy/Virya: Cooling
Post Digestive Effect/Vipaka: Pungent
Dosha Effect: Lowers Pitta & Kapha, increases Vata (in high amounts)[2]

Benefits of Nettles

This herb is nutrient dense. It is high in anti-oxidants and minerals. (Vitamins: A, C, K and B. Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.) It contains all essential Amino Acids.

Nettles is known both in Western and Eastern medicine as an herb that reduces inflammation. This is why was used traditionally for arthritis and back pain in Ancient Egypt. Studies shows that Nettles:

·        Reduces seasonal allergies. (It is also used in Ayurveda for Bronchitis and cough.)

·        Reduces inflammation like enlarged prostate.

·        Helps protect your liver. [3]

Contraindications

Studies indicate that Nettles may lower BP and Blood Sugar. If you have blood pressure or blood sugar issues or are on medications treating these, you should consult your doctor before adding nettles to your diet. If you have high or excess Vata this herb can increase Vata.

How to Use Nettles

You can steam and sauté nettles and serves in soups, stews and stir-fries.  My favorite way to have nettles is to make a decoction tea along with Tulsi. I put a half handful of each herb and cover it in twice the amount of water and simmer until half the water is boiled off. Sip and enjoy!

[1] Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Books. (Originally published in 1931.)

[2] https://www.purushaayurveda.com/articles/2016/3/24/nettles-the-ayurvedic-perspective

[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stinging-nettle#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2