Urtica dioica is well-known for its sting when its hollow hairs (tricomes) come in contact with skin, hence the name “stinging nettle”. Nettle has been foraged for centuries for its nourishing properties as a springtime food. Our organic nettle leaf powder is ground from our European nettle leaf. Nettle leaves are harvested in the spring, once the plant has had time to mature but before it goes into flower. It can be added directly into culinary dishes including soups, stews, rice, and smoothies. Nettle powder can also be infused as a nutritive nettle tea, blended into herbal vinegars, or macerated as nettle leaf extract.
Nettle has been used worldwide for centuries in a variety of countries and cultures. It has been eaten as a wild food plant, applied topically to the skin, and drunk as an herbal tea. It was used extensively for its fibers and was woven into cloth. Nettle fibers were considered to be high quality and comparable to flax or hemp in Northern Europe.
Nettle supports healthy urinary function and has mild diuretic action and helps to maintain upper respiratory health.*
Our European nettle leaf is collected from long standing organic populations. When steeped as tea, it has a lovely amber hue and a rich vegetal flavor. If you prefer a lighter flavored nettle leaf, our organic North American nettle will be the perfect fit.
Nettle is a dioecious, herbaceous, perennial plant. The soft, green leaves are borne oppositely on an erect, wiry, green stem and have a strongly serrated margin. The leaves and stems are very hairy with nonstinging hairs, and, in most subspecies, also bear many stinging hairs (trichomes), whose tips come off when touched, causing paresthesia. Urtica dioica belongs to the Urticaceae family.
Precautions
No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
