Nettle Leaf
The herbalist's multivitamin. More minerals than any other herb, plus allergy relief, kidney support, and deep nourishment.
Quick Facts
Latin Name
Urtica dioica
Key Nutrients
Iron, calcium, magnesium, silica, chlorophyll
Primary Use
Mineral nutrition, allergies, kidney support
Form
Tea, tincture, capsule, freeze-dried, food
What It Is
Stinging nettle is one of the most nutrient-dense plants on earth. The stinging hairs contain histamine and formic acid, but cooking or drying neutralizes the sting, leaving an incredibly nutritious food-medicine.
Herbalist Susun Weed calls it the single most important herb for women's health. Men use the root for prostate support. Everyone can benefit from the leaf for minerals, allergies, and general nourishment.
How It Works
- →Mineral density: Contains more iron, calcium, and magnesium than most foods — highly bioavailable
- →Anti-histamine: Paradoxically, freeze-dried nettle relieves allergic symptoms — blocks histamine release
- →Kidney support: Gentle diuretic that helps flush the urinary tract without depleting minerals
- →Blood building: High chlorophyll and iron make it the go-to for anemia and blood loss
Traditional Use
In European folk medicine, nettle was a spring tonic — the first green food after winter. It "cleansed the blood" after months of preserved foods and restored vitality.
It was also used for arthritis (sometimes the fresh sting was intentionally applied to joints), urinary problems, hair loss, and as a general strengthening tonic. Every traditional medicine system that encountered nettle used it.
When to Use It
Allergies and hay fever
Freeze-dried nettle capsules taken regularly can reduce or eliminate symptoms
Iron-deficiency and anemia
High bioavailable iron plus absorption-enhancing factors
General mineral deficiency
When diet is poor or absorption is compromised — better than most supplements
Kidney and urinary support
Flushes kidneys and urinary tract, helpful for UTI prevention
Dosing Protocol
Nourishing Infusion (Susun Weed method)
1 oz (28g) dried leaf in quart jar, fill with boiling water, steep 4+ hours or overnight. Drink throughout day
Freeze-Dried (for allergies)
300-600mg, 2-3x daily — start before allergy season
Tincture
30-60 drops, 3x daily
The long infusion extracts more minerals than regular tea. Safe for long-term, daily use.
Contraindications
- • Blood thinners: Contains vitamin K — may interfere with warfarin
- • Kidney disease: Diuretic effect requires caution — consult practitioner
- • Pregnancy: May stimulate uterine contractions in high doses
- • Diabetes medications: May enhance blood sugar lowering effect
Best Products
Eclectic Institute Freeze-Dried Nettle
The gold standard for allergy relief — freeze-dried preserves activity
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