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The Magical Powers of Nettle
- cetiley
- Apr 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Oh the poor, much maligned nettle, known for its invasive, rampant growth and unwelcome, aggressive sting. Avoided, trampled down or mown over, they are very rarely welcomed in our gardens or admired on country walks. However, beneath the prickly exterior, nettle is more useful that you might expect; it’s been used for centuries for its medicinal and nutritional properties and is a haven for insects and butterflies.
In this post, we’ll explore how nettle can benefit your health and its rich history in traditional medicine and British folklore.
Magical Medicinal Properties
Nettle has been revered for centuries for its remarkable healing properties. Rich in vitamins and minerals, nettle is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, use as a diuretic and cleanser and as a natural allergy reliever. Here's a look in more detail at some of the ways nettle can benefit your health:
Anti-inflammatory Properties. Nettle is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, making it useful for people suffering from conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, or even general aches and pains. The plant contains compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help reduce the swelling and pain associated with inflammatory conditions.
Supporting Urinary Health. Nettle has a long-standing reputation as a diuretic, meaning it can help promote urine production and support the health of the urinary tract.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals. Nettle is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are vital for maintaining strong bones, supporting immune function, and promoting overall health.
Natural Allergy Relief. Nettle has natural antihistamine properties, making it a popular remedy for hay fever and seasonal allergies. The plant’s compounds can help reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Detoxification. Nettle is often used in detoxification protocols due to its ability to support kidney and liver function. Nettle helps the body eliminate toxins through its diuretic and cleansing effects.
A symbol of strength. ‘In medieval times, nettle was associated with strength and resilience. It was often said that warriors would wear nettle garments for protection in battle, as the plant was thought to provide courage and stamina.’
Nourishing Nettle
Packed with antioxidants, protein, iron and calcium, nettle is a nutritional powerhouse and well worth adding to your diet. It's tasty too - not unlike spinach, it can be added to soups, pesto, omelettes and stir fries with minimal fuss. You can safely consume nettle after it’s been cooked, dried, or brewed. Here are a few ideas:
Nettle Tea. Steep fresh or dried nettle leaves in hot water for a soothing and health-boosting tea; fresh mint is a great addition too.
Nettle Soup or Pesto. Add nettles to soups (see recipe below) or blend them with garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese to make a unique pesto.
Nettle omelette. You can add fresh nettle leaves to your omelettes for an extra boost of nutrients; try with mushrooms and cheese.
Nettle seeds. Nettle seeds have a delicious nutty flavour. You can dry out the seeds throughout late Summer/Autumn and use them as a replacement for poppy or sesame seeds in sweet baking.
Nettle in British Folklore
Nettle’s presence goes far beyond its medicinal and nutritional uses – it’s also deeply embedded in British folklore and traditions. Here are some fascinating bits of history:
The Protective Power of Nettles. Believed to have protective qualities, nettles were often used in rituals to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Some believed that carrying a small bundle of nettle leaves could protect them from harm.
Nettles for hair growth. In the medieval era, people believed that you could improve the growth of your hair with nettles. It was said that to speed up the growth of your hair, you needed to squeeze juice from nettle leaves and dip your comb’s teeth into the juice each morning. The comb was then used to comb your hair the wrong way.
Nettle as a Symbol of Strength. In medieval times, nettle was associated with strength and resilience. It was often said that warriors would wear nettle garments for protection in battle, as the plant was thought to provide courage and stamina.
Attracting Money and Love. In Scotland, carrying nettle in the pocket was believed to attract money and good fortune, while in some parts of Europe, women believed that carrying nettle would attract a lover.
How to Forage for Nettles
Nettles grow abundantly throughout the UK, and are easily recognisable – just don’t forget to use thick gloves! Nettles thrive in areas with a good amount of rainfall and in moist soil, commonly found in the countryside, on the edges of woodlands, verges and at the bottom of the garden.
Young leaves appear as early as late February/early March, and will continue to grow until the end of Autumn. When using the leaves, always be sure to pick from young plants that haven’t yet flowered. At the first sign of nettles flowering and going to seed, you should stop picking the leaves – the plant starts to produce microscopic rods of calcium carbonate, which when absorbed into the body can interfere with kidney function. Older leaves will also be more bitter and less palatable due to being a little tough/stringy.
You’ll find new growth appearing all throughout the year, especially if plants have been cut back.
Nettle seeds will be ready to harvest from August to mid-Autumn.
Nettle Soup: Ingredients
3 x large handfuls of fresh nettles
1 leek
1 small onion
1 stick celery
2 x medium-sized potatoes, diced
1.5 litres good quality chicken (or veg) stock
Salt and pepper
Tip: Good quality stock makes this soup extra special; either use freshly made bone broth or make your own veggie stock from the odds and ends of veg from your fridge (add a bay leaf, fresh herbs, and peppercorns for extra flavour)
Nettle Soup: Method
Carefully wash your foraged nettles (use gloves!) - making sure to get rid of any loose dirt or bugs.
Steam your nettles (this will take away the sting). It's important to steam and not cook in water as you want to preserve as much of the colour, flavour and nutrients as possible. Once they have wilted in the steam, take off the heat and leave to one side to cool.
Chop up the leek, onion and celery. In a large saucepan, sauté the vegetables gently in a little butter until soft (around 10 mins).
Add the diced potatoes and cook with the vegetables for a further 5 minutes (stir occasionally so the vegetables don't stick).
Pour in the stock. If you don't have fresh stock, just use what stock you have to hand and top up with water. Simmer until the potatoes are soft (around 15 mins).
Now, back to the nettles! Squeeze out any remaining liquid and remove any tough stems so you have mainly leaves (a few stems are fine). Add to the soup.
Use a hand blender to whizz it all up until nice and smooth. Season to taste with plenty of good quality salt and black pepper. A squeeze of lemon at the end is quite nice and/or a swirl of crème fraiche if you're feeling fancy!
SHELF LIFE: Keep in the fridge for up to two days.
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