Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a common sight in backyards and gardens, although it’s often weeded out and thrown aside, sometimes even avoided because of its stinging properties. But remember that whenever you discard this weed, know that you’re also ignoring the health benefits that you can get from it.

The first documented use of this herb was when Roman soldiers battled the cold by rubbing the leaves on their arms to induce inflammation and irritation. It has now spread across the world and has been used by medical practitioners since the 19th century because of its abundance of chemicals and compounds that can help the body function optimally.

But even though the medicinal importance of nettle has been established through numerous studies, its image is still usually overshadowed by the fact that it’s still an unwelcome member of your garden.¹

Nettle plant can be differentiated from other plants through its leaves. The nettle leaf has an ovate shape with deeply serrated edges. These leaves also have long stinging hairs that inject chemicals into the skin when you accidentally touch or brush past them. These hairs often cause pain and inflammation in the affected area.²

Even though nettle is often avoided and deemed as a useless plant, it has been the subject of numerous studies that prove its worth. Continue reading to know more about the health benefits and uses of this common herb.

Nettle Benefits: What Can You Get From This Weed?

Nettle contains vitamins C and K, B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron, to name a few.³ It also has amino acids and antioxidants, which may help fight free radicals.⁴ Here are a few more health benefits you can get from this herb:

Animal studies also suggest that nettle may have a positive effect on the prostate and may aid in the prevention of benign prostate hyperplasia, which is the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It’s not yet firmly established how nettle affects this condition, but the findings show that this herb limits and regulates the amount of testosterone produced by the lab rats.¹¹

Here’s How You Can Use Nettle in Your Everyday Life

The good news is that there are numerous nettle products that are available in the market today that makes it easy for people to use this herb in various ways. Here are some examples of how you can use nettle:

Nettle plant fibers are also used in weaving strong garments and other fabrics. It was used as an alternative to cotton during World War I and World War II, but has now been replaced with cheaper materials. Some clothing industries, on the other hand, are now starting to consider nettle as a more environment-friendly alternative to other sources of fabric.¹⁶

Grow Your Own Nettle in Your Backyard

While some people would think it’s a bad idea to plant nettles, it can actually be a great idea if you’re familiar with all the benefits you receive from it. Some people actually voluntarily grow this plant to deter foraging animals from feeding on their greens and other garden produce.

Having your own source of nettle also gives you the freedom to harvest the leaves at any time, whenever the need arises. Follow this guide to know how to grow your own nettle and properly care for this herb:¹⁷

Try These Delicious and Healthy Nettle Recipes

Aside from using nettle leaves for medicinal purposes, nettle can also be used to add flavor to numerous dishes. People note that nettle tastes like spinach, but with a stronger flavor. However, nettle leaves should be cooked before eating to get rid of the “sting.”¹⁸

Nettle is often ingested in tea form, which has been observed to have potent effects on the body. This is probably because of the numerous flavonoids and minerals in the leaves. Some of the benefits of nettle tea include improving skin health, assisting in digestion, and boosting the immune system.¹⁹ Below is a nettle tea recipe from BBC Good Food that is packed with numerous health benefits:²⁰

Aside from nettle tea, nettle leaves can also be added to other dishes. Here are some recipes you can try to introduce nettle into your diet.

Nettle Oil May Also Be Beneficial for You

Aside from the tinctures and extracts available in the market, another product that you may benefit from is nettle oil. Due to the highly nutrient-dense leaves of the nettle plant, it comes as no surprise that some, if not most, of nettle’s components are passed onto its essential oil.

In a 2012 study, nettle oil was extracted from the aerial parts of the plant and subsequently hydrodistilled. The oil itself was found to contain almost 92 percent of the compounds found in the plant.²³

The presence of the compounds in nettle essential oil may explain its efficiency in alleviating certain conditions. In a 2011 animal study, nettle oil was found to be beneficial for colitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, more studies are needed to back up this claim.²⁴

If you’re planning on getting your own bottle of nettle oil, you’ll find that most of what is available are nettle-infused oils. These are usually produced by distilling nettle leaves in a carrier oil. You can find these in numerous health food stores and online stores. Just make sure that you’re getting your supply from trustworthy sources to ensure you’re getting only high-quality products.

A Few Reminders Before Using Nettle

Nettle offers impressive amounts of health benefits and helps the body function more optimally, but it should still be noted that there are contraindications on the use of this herb. Nettle, despite the variety of health benefits it offers, can still interfere with numerous medications and cause a variety of adverse health effects if taken without the supervision or recommendation of a healthcare professional.

Be sure to inquire if it is safe to use this herb and in what form it is advisable. According to the Natural Medicines Database, nettle is “likely unsafe” during pregnancy. However, it may help build a good milk supply for breastfeeding mothers. To ensure your and your child’s safety, consult your doctor before using nettle.²⁵