Stinging Nettle: A Wild Herb Worth Knowing

When you first meet stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), you’ll never forget it. This tall, green beauty grows along stream banks, woodland edges, and sunny patches of rich soil — and yes, it really does sting when you brush against it. But here’s the secret: behind its prickly exterior, nettle is one of the most nourishing and versatile herbs I forage each spring.

I love gathering young nettle tops with a pair of gloves and scissors, filling my basket with their bright green leaves. Once harvested, the sting disappears after drying, steaming, or steeping — leaving you with a food and tea that’s packed with nutrition.

🌿 Why I Love Nettle

Nettle is one of my favorite herbs to share with new foragers because it’s both easy to identify and incredibly useful. Traditionally, nettle has been used to:

• Support healthy energy and vitality thanks to its natural mineral content
• Provide a gentle spring “tonic” for the body
• Nourish hair and skin — We even use it in most of our Wild’erb formulas!

🍵 My Favorite Ways to Use Nettle

Here are some of my go-to ways to enjoy this wild herb:

• Nettle Tea: Steep a spoonful of dried nettle leaves for 10 minutes. The flavor is earthy, rich, and deeply grounding.

• Spring Nettle Soup: Blanch fresh nettles and blend into a creamy potato soup for a vibrant green meal.

• Herbal Hair Rinse: Brew a strong infusion, let it cool, and use as a final rinse after shampooing for shiny, healthy hair.

🌱 A Forager’s Tip

Harvest nettle tops in early spring, when the leaves are young and tender. Wear gloves to avoid the sting and cut just the top few inches, leaving the rest of the plant to grow back. Nettle will often give you multiple harvests in one season if treated with care.