Stinging Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)

Dried leaf of Urtica dioica, Stinging Nettle, one of the most nutritionally dense herbs in Western herbalism. Despite its reputation for stinging the unwary forager, the dried leaf is entirely safe to handle and is used widely for tea, long infusions, and traditional preparations.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Urtica dioica

Family

Urticaceae

Common names

Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle, Burning Nettle

Native region

Europe, Asia, North Africa, parts of North America

Nutritional content

Notable mineral content including iron, calcium, magnesium, and silica; vitamins A, C, K

Traditional uses

Spring tonic, mineral-rich tea, hair rinse, soup ingredient

What is Nettle?

Nettle is a perennial herbaceous plant with serrated leaves and fine stinging hairs (trichomes) that inject histamine and formic acid when touched, producing the characteristic sting. Drying or cooking completely neutralizes the stinging compounds, making the dried leaf entirely safe to handle and consume. The plant has a long tradition of use as a spring tonic, a mineral-rich tea, and a culinary ingredient (similar in preparation to spinach when fresh-cooked).

How to Use Nettle Leaf

The traditional Western preparation is a long infusion: place 1 ounce (about 1 cup) of dried nettle in a quart jar, fill with boiling water, cover and steep overnight (8+ hours). Strain and drink throughout the day. This long-infusion method extracts the substantial mineral content more thoroughly than a short tea steeping. For everyday tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons per cup for 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does dried nettle still sting?
No; drying completely neutralizes the stinging compounds. Dried and cooked nettle is entirely safe to handle and consume.

What is a "long infusion" and why use it for nettle?
A long infusion is an 8+ hour steep of a generous amount of dried herb. Nettle's substantial mineral content extracts most efficiently with this longer steep; popularized by herbalist Susun Weed.

What minerals does nettle contain?
Notable amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, silica, plus vitamins A, C, and K. One of the most nutritionally dense herbs in Western herbalism.

Can I eat nettle?
Yes; cooked nettle is similar in preparation and use to spinach. Nettle soup is a traditional spring food across Europe.

Is nettle safe for daily use?
Generally yes; nettle is widely used as a daily nutritive tea. Some sources advise caution during pregnancy in the first trimester.

How long does dried nettle stay fresh?
Stored sealed and dry, dried nettle retains quality for 12-24 months.

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.