Description

Botanical Name:  Urtica dioica

Components:  Native to Europe and Asia, nettle is now found in Canada and most of the United States as well. It has stiff stems, jagged-edged leaves, and is covered with small fuzzy hairs. The fuzzy hairs are what give the plant its common name, stinging nettle.

Overview:  Nettle is packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients including iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, boron, vitamins A, C, K, B vitamins, and beta-carotene. Nettle has the ability to decrease oxidative stress within the body, relieve pain due to its analgesic effects, and fight infection because of its many antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It may also lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Uses:  The dried leaf may be prepared as a tea, tincture, or powdered and encapsulated.