Harvesting Stinging Nettles

One of my favorite herbs to harvest in the Spring and Summer is stinging nettle, botanically known as Urtica dioica. I collect the plants that have not gone to flower for my pesto, broths, and tea recipes. And if they have gone to flower I add them to a hair strengthening spray along with apple cider vinegar, fermented rice, and chamomile tea.

My relationship and reverence for nettle has always been strong but it has evolved over the years. In particular I heard recently that it is a kind of herbal insider initiation to harvest stinging nettles without gloves. I was intrigued with this idea and decided it was a wonderful way to get to know the herb better. And as it is with all plants, the best way to harvest them is to ask permission. I have been stung by nettle before and it can be so sharp it is bone chilling. This time I sat with the plant, I spoke to them. I let them know my gratitude for sharing their magic, nourishment, and healing with me and my clients. I was careful to look at each plant so see where I was invited to pinch off their tender tops. I thanked the plant. And I wasn’t stung. After an hour of harvesting and hiking and breathing in the forest wonders, I could feel a pleasant warmth in my hands. A meditative reminder of the power of the plant soon to be a welcome addition to my apothecary.

Despite its off putting sting, nettles have followed humans around the world. Growing stands where humans have created creak side paths and open meadows in forestlands. They tend to the earth as they tend to us. The leaves are full of green compounds. Their high mineral content feeds our bodies and our soils. With their high iron content, nettles support our blood formation, enhancing the circulatory system’s ability to bring oxygen to all of the cells of our body. They strengthen our skin, bones, and joints Their anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic actions help with rheumatism, gout, allergies, and asthma. And they remind us of the beautiful and lifelong dance we have with plant medicine. They ask us to be present, to pay attention, to ask permission, and to be reminded of our strength and fortitude that they graciously celebrate with us.