urticaria dioica

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica
Family: Urticaceae (Nettle family)

What We're Growing:
We grow stinging nettle for its deep green leaves, mineral-rich stems, and powerful regenerative properties. Though prickly to the touch, this plant is one of the most nourishing herbs in the garden.

How We Use It:
Young nettle leaves are blanched and used in soups, pestos, broths, and teas. Dried nettle is steeped into mineral-rich infusions and added to herbal blends for energy, allergy support, and skin health. We also use it topically in oils, rinses, and compresses.

Why It’s Good for You:
Nettle is one of the most nutrient-dense herbs on Earth — rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, chlorophyll, and vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex. It’s known as a tonic herb that deeply supports the kidneys, adrenals, skin, bones, and blood.

Traditionally used to ease seasonal allergies, reduce joint pain, and restore energy during times of depletion, nettle is a “building” herb — one that replenishes the body from the ground up.

In the Garden:
Nettle prefers rich, moist soil and part shade. It spreads by rhizome and seed, making it best suited to a contained or wild area. Despite its sting, it’s a powerful companion plant — improving soil health and attracting beneficial insects.

Fun Fact:
In folk herbalism, nettle was used as a blood builder, allergy reliever, and postpartum recovery herb — and was so revered that it was once woven into fabric and carried for protection and strength.