As per usual, lemme remind you that I’m not a doctor (not even close), and that you shouldn’t start a damn thing without talking to someone much smarter than me. K? K.

And now, Nettle.

What, exactly, is Stinging Nettle?

Stinging Nettle, AKA Urtica dioica is an herbacious perennial plant that grows all over the world at this point. It has a bunch of needles all over it, the official term for which is “trichomes,” and these babies will sting the shit out of your fingers if you’re not careful. Not that I know from experience or anything.

In witchcraft and folklore, nettle is a plant of protection and warding, often used to combat curses and hexes.

How best to use Nettle?

Nettle is used in teas and tinctures, and some even just stab themselves with it, to help treat arthritis and similar joint maladies. I haven’t done this, but some swear by it, so try it at your own risk.

What is Nettle used for?

Oh, baby, what isn’t it useful for?

Perhaps the two most popular uses are as a diuretic and as a nutritive.

As a diuretic, Nettle is helpful for getting rid of extra water, and for delivering nutrition to the kidneys and the prostate. For this reason though, if you’re going to use this, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

I, personally, work with nettle as a nutritive, because it’s packed with so many vitamins that it renders a multivitamin damned near useless. We’re talking vitamins A, K, and C; calcium, magnesium, all of the essential amino acids, and more. If you’re a picky eater or not the best at getting all of your needed vitamins and minerals, this is an amazing addition to your day.

Also, good ol’ Urtica can be super helpful when it comes to allergies, as early studies are showing that it can supply certain constituents that help to block histamine and the ensuing responses. As my dad would say: “You can’t beat that with a baseball bat.”

Ok, so how does Nettle feel?

So Katja, one of the teachers at Commonwealth, who I learn from, is a huge proponent of Nettle, and I used to roll my eyes at just how amazing she swore this plant is. She talked about how some people even come to her with chronic fatigue, and before she suggests anything else, she’ll suggest Nettle, and that’ll sometimes be all the person winds up needing.

Yeah, okay, lady.

But one day, as I was becoming more nutrition-focused, I realized that I did need some help in the vitamin and mineral department, so I bought a pound of it, just to test it. To get the most out of it, I went the cold infusion route, leaving it to sit for about 8-12 hours usually. Then, I’d drink 3 8 oz. cups of it a day, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Oh my God. The difference is incredible.

Within a few days, I noticeably went from feeling sleepy by 10 AM to being able to make it through my whole day without any struggle at all. I felt more focused, more motivated, more cheerful, and, most importantly, more energetic. I wasn’t jumping off the walls or running in circles, but I didn’t feel as if my body had no energy to spare for everyday life. It was the most unbelievable thing I think I’ve ever experienced, and so I owe Katja an apology. She was right: Nettle is amazing if your fatigue could possibly be due to malnutrition, or even just some deficiency.

Oh…and if you’re worried about the taste, I actually love it. Some say it tastes too “earthy” or “grassy,” but to me, it tastes like a nice green tea. Try throwing honey in it, though, if the taste doesn’t quite speak to you, or try adding red clover and goji berry,which sweeten it up.

Gonna try nettle? Already do? Tell me what you think!