Nettle Leaf Powder (Urtica dioica)

Ground dried leaves of Urtica dioica, Stinging Nettle, the iconic mineral-rich Western herbal tonic. Fresh nettle famously "stings" - the leaves are covered with tiny hollow hairs that inject a cocktail of formic acid, histamine, and other compounds when touched. Drying or cooking instantly neutralizes the sting, transforming the plant into one of the most nutritious wild edible greens in the temperate world.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Urtica dioica

Family

Urticaceae

Distribution

Globally distributed temperate-climate herb

Nutritional content

Notable iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A/C/K, protein

Traditional uses

Spring tonic, mineral-rich nourishing herb, traditional allergy support

Note on sting

Drying or cooking neutralizes the sting completely

What is Nettle?

Stinging Nettle is one of the most universally distributed wild medicinal plants in temperate climates worldwide. The plant has been used as food, medicine, fiber (nettle textile was used in ancient Europe and Asia), and dye for thousands of years. The famous sting is delivered by hollow stinging hairs that inject formic acid and histamine when touched fresh, but drying or cooking completely neutralizes this - making nettle one of the most nutritious wild greens once processed.

How to Use Nettle Leaf Powder

Daily nourishing tea: 1-2 teaspoons per 8 oz hot water; steep 10 minutes (or long-steep overnight in cold water for maximum mineral extraction). Capsules: fill size 00 capsules; common use is 1-2 capsules daily. Smoothies: blend in 1-2 teaspoons. Soups: stir powder into broths and stews. Long-infusion (traditional approach): 1/4 cup of dried herb in a quart jar, fill with boiling water, steep 4-8 hours covered, strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dried nettle still sting?
No; drying completely neutralizes the sting.

What is nettle used for?
Most commonly as a daily mineral-rich nourishing tea and traditional spring tonic; also for traditional seasonal allergy support.

Why is nettle so nourishing?
The leaves contain substantial iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A/C/K, and protein in a bioavailable form.

What's a "long infusion"?
The traditional approach for mineral-rich herbs like nettle: long steep (4-8 hours) in covered water to maximize mineral extraction.

Is nettle safe daily?
Yes; one of the most well-tolerated daily nourishing herbs.

What does nettle taste like?
Mildly grassy and green, like a mineral-rich spinach.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.