Nettle leaf is a perennial, flowering plant that is valued worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Nettle leaves are covered with fine hairs that, if touched, cause a stinging pain, redness and irritation. Heat or dehydration neutralizes this chemical effect. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, stinging nettle has been prescribed to treat urinary infections, enlarged prostate, osteoarthritis and benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. Nettle leaves are safe for consumption and can be dried, steamed and frozen for later use. Stinging nettle is also available in capsule, extract and tincture form. Only certified organic nettle leaf should be used for medicinal purposes.
Step 1
Place dried nettle leaves in a tea-ball strainer. Place the ball in a cup of cold, purified water and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Refrigerate any unconsumed tea.
Step 2
Crush dried nettle leaves in a blender or with a mortar and pestle. Store in an airtight container and use to season soups, stews or add to other cooked greens.
Step 3
Purchase a stinging nettle cream from your local health food store and keep on hand to treat joint pain, tendonitis and sprains. Apply a small amount of nettle cream to relieve the sting and itching from insect bites.
Step 4
Place one cup of dried nettle leaves into a glass quart jar. Fill the jar with purified, boiling water and cover with a lid. Steep the infusion for several hours or overnight, strain and drink within 36 hours.
Step 5
Consult with a health care professional or herbalist and ask if the antihistamine properties of nettle leaf may be an appropriate treatment for hay fever. Try freeze-dried nettle leaf before the beginning of allergy season to reduce sneezing and itching.
Tips and Warnings
- Nettle leaves can be successfully frozen. Chop and lightly steam the leaves, cover in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for later use.
- Although stinging nettle is considered safe for consumption, it may lower blood pressure or interfere with blood-thinning drugs. Consult your pharmacist or physician if you are taking any other medications.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh or dried stinging nettle leaves
- Nettle cream
- Tea-ball strainer
- Mortar and pestle or blender
- Glass quart jar
