Nettles: The Springtime Powerhouse for Healing, Nourishment & Energetic Recalibration

Welcome to the very first herb feature on "Learn Herbs with Lauren"! I couldn’t think of a more perfect herb to kick off our journey than Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica).

As Spring unfolds, Nettles emerge from the earth, bursting with life, offering us deep nourishment, detoxification, and energetic recalibration. It’s no coincidence that this vibrant green plant is one of the first to appear after winter—Nettle wakes up the body and spirit, much like nature itself is waking up after months of hibernation.

So Today, we’re going deep into the history, traditional uses, folklore, medicinal benefits, and spiritual energy of Nettles. We’ll also talk about how to make the most potent nettle infusion and why I invite YOU to join me in a month-long Nettle Tea Journey this April!

A Brief Introduction to Stinging Nettles

Stinging Nettle is a perennial herb known for its tiny, hair-like structures that can cause a tingling or stinging sensation when touched. But behind that prickly exterior is an herbal powerhouse that has been revered by healers, shamans, and herbalists for centuries.

Found in meadows, riverbanks, and forest edges, nettles grow abundantly and can be foraged throughout spring and early summer before they start flowering.

Traditional & Historical Uses of Nettle

Nettles in Ancient Medicine

• Ancient Egypt: Used to treat arthritis and lower back pain.
• Roman Soldiers: Rubbed nettle on their skin to increase circulation and stay warm in cold climates.
• Anglo-Saxon England: Included in the Nine Herbs Charm, an ancient incantation for healing.
• Native American Tribes: Consumed fresh nettles or a nettle tonic in the spring to purify the blood and liver.

***Nettle has always been used as a Spring tonic to replenish and revitalize the body after winter’s stagnation.***

Folklore & Spiritual Energy of Nettles

Nettle as a Plant of Power & Protection

For centuries, Nettles have been respected as a plant of boundaries and transformation.

🔮 In European folklore, nettles were hung above doorways to ward off evil spirits.
🔮 In Norse mythology, Thor’s hammer was associated with Nettle, linking it to strength and Divine power.
🔮 In magical traditions, Nettle was burned as incense to drive out negative energy.

Spiritually, Nettle teaches us:

💚 The Power of Boundaries – It protects itself with its sting, reminding us to do the same in life.
💚 Strength Through Adversity – It grows aggressively, thriving in disturbed areas, a true survivor.
💚 Recalibration & Awakening – It stimulates energy flow, helping us shed old energy and step into our power.

Medicinal Benefits of Nettle

Modern herbalists praise Nettles for their deeply nourishing and medicinal properties.

Nutrient Profile

Rosemary Gladstar calls Nettle “one of the most nourishing plants we have.” It’s packed with:

🌿 Vitamins: A, C, D, K, and B-complex
🌿 Minerals: Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc
🌿 Chlorophyll: A blood-building, oxygenating compound

Blood Builder & Detoxifier

Matthew Wood emphasizes nettle’s ability to purify and build the blood.

✨ It stimulates the liver & kidneys, clearing out toxins.
✨ Supports the lymphatic system, aiding in waste removal.
✨ Strengthens red blood cell production, helping with anemia and fatigue.

Anti-Inflammatory & Allergy Support

Christopher Hobbs points out that Nettles have a natural antihistamine effect, reducing inflammation and allergies.

✔️ Helps with seasonal allergies & hay fever
✔️ Reduces inflammation in arthritis, joint pain, and skin conditions
✔️ Supports respiratory health

Adrenal & Nervous System Support

Paul Bergner highlights Nettle’s ability to nourish the adrenal glands—critical for those dealing with stress and burnout.

✨ Helps with fatigue & exhaustion
✨ Strengthens the nervous system
✨ Supports recovery from chronic stress & trauma

Energetic & Spiritual Herbalism Perspective

Michael Moore’s energetic system describes Nettles as stimulating, drying, and cooling.

🌿 Stimulating → Gets things moving, wakes up the body.
🌿 Drying → Clears out congestion, excess mucus, stagnation.
🌿 Cooling → Reduces inflammation and excess heat.

Stephen Harrod Buhner describes Nettles as "awakening the vital force within."

✨ It clears stagnant energy, revitalizing the body
✨ Aligns with root chakra energy, grounding and strengthening
✨ Promotes emotional resilience & clarity

How to Make Nettle Tea for Maximum Benefits

Nettle Infusion (Dried Nettle):

For the most potent extraction, use the overnight infusion method:

1️⃣ 1 oz (about 1 cup) of dried nettle leaves
2️⃣ Place in a quart jar, pour boiling water over
3️⃣ Cover and let steep for 4-8 hours (or overnight)
4️⃣ Strain and drink throughout the day

🔥 This method extracts the highest amount of minerals & nutrients!

Fresh Nettle Tea (Spring Harvest):

1️⃣ Wear gloves and harvest young, tender Nettle tops
2️⃣ Rinse thoroughly
3️⃣ Add a handful to a pot with 4 cups of water
4️⃣ Simmer for 10-15 minutes
5️⃣ Strain & enjoy!

✅ Boiling neutralizes the sting, making it safe to drink.

Join Me in a Month-Long Nettle Tea Journey!

I’m inviting YOU to join me for April’s Nettle Challenge!

Use #NettleWithLauren and tag me—I’d love to see how Nettles work for you!

Nettle is here to guide us into spring—let’s welcome its medicine together. 🌿💚

Don’t miss my YouTube Premier on this first herb -NETTLES-  showcased on my channel, “Learn Herbs With Lauren!” WITH Parts 1 and 2 in April- Coming (very) soon! 

Disclaimer: The information shared in this post and throughout the April Nettles Tea Challenge is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal practice—especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or have a medical condition.****

With GREEN Gratitude, 

Lauren @ Brahmaloka Healing Arts LLC

XOXO