Nettle
BotanicalUrtica dioicaAlso calledStinging nettle, Nettle leaf
A deep green, mineral-rich leaf that tastes like a walk through a spring meadow, sipped as a nourishing daily tea.
Fresh nettle stings. Anyone who has brushed past it on a trail remembers. Once the leaf is dried or cooked, though, the sting is gone and what is left is one of the most nourishing greens in the Western herbal kitchen. Brewed strong, the tea is dark green and tastes earthy, a little like spinach broth.
Nettle is not part of classical Ayurveda, but modern Ayurvedic teachers describe it as astringent, slightly bitter and cooling. That makes it a friend to pitta and kapha, and a herb vata types enjoy best with something warm and moist alongside.
Ayurvedic Properties
Not described in classical Ayurveda; modern Ayurvedic writers describe it as astringent and bitter in taste and cooling, with a pungent post-digestive effect (Frawley and Lad, The Yoga of Herbs, and other modern Ayurvedic teachers).
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Cooling
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Pungent
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Neutral for agni
Little direct effect on digestion.
- GunaQualities
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: increases in excess
- Pitta: decreases
- Kapha: decreases
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Nettle's drying, astringent quality helps clear kapha's heaviness and its coolness settles pitta. Vata types can add a slice of fresh ginger or a spoonful of honey, and avoid very strong brews.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support steady energy as a nourishing, mineral-rich green.
- Traditionally used to support clear, comfortable skin.
- Traditionally used to support healthy hair and nails.
- Traditionally used to support the body's natural fluid balance.
How People Use It
- TeaSteep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaf in a cup of just-boiled water for 10 to 15 minutes. A longer steep gives a deeper, greener cup.
- FoodYoung spring nettles, picked with gloves and blanched, go into soups, dal and pesto just like spinach. Cooking removes the sting.
- WaterA cooled nettle infusion makes a traditional final rinse for the hair after washing.
Green Nettle and Mint Afternoon Tea
A grounding green cup for the 3 p.m. slump.
- 2 teaspoons dried nettle leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried peppermint
- 1 thin slice fresh ginger (for vata)
- 2 cups just-boiled water
- Squeeze of lemon or a little honey to taste
- Place the nettle, peppermint and ginger in a teapot or jar.
- Pour the water over and cover. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Strain into a mug. Once it has cooled a little, add lemon or honey.
- Sip slowly, ideally away from your desk for a few minutes.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- Safety research on nettle during pregnancy is limited. Do not use it in pregnancy unless your midwife or doctor approves.
- If you are breastfeeding, talk with your doctor first. Nettle can affect some hormones, and a rare case of unexpected breast discharge has been reported with nettle supplements.
- Nettle may affect fluid balance, blood sugar and blood pressure. Check with your doctor if you take water pills, blood pressure, blood sugar or blood-thinning medicines.
- Fresh nettle stings and can cause hives on the skin. Handle the fresh plant with gloves.
- Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using nettle regularly.
In Our Shop
Organic Nettle Leaf, from $4.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.
Shop Nettle →From the Journal
Sources and Further Reading
This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.