There’s one wild herb I can never harvest enough of when it’s in season: stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Yes, it stings—literally! But this unassuming green is a powerhouse for homesteaders or anyone practicing natural homemade-living routines. I often use it in sourdough loaves, stews, herbal teas, and natural remedies for everything from joint pain to boosting iron. Let me show you the science behind why this plant is so beneficial… and how I weave it into real mom‑life moments.
The Science Behind the Benefits
Stinging nettle isn’t just folklore—modern research supports many of its traditional uses: A 2022 review outlines that nettle has anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti‑infectious, hypotensive, and even anti‑ulcer properties. It’s rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins (like C and K), iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc and more.
Small clinical trials show nettle may ease osteoarthritis symptoms, reducing pain and stiffness when used topically or internally. Nettle root extract has shown promise in reducing urinary symptoms tied to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men in controlled studies .
Some research indicates nettle may help lower fasting blood sugar, improve HDL cholesterol, and reduce inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes. Traditional and pilot studies have also found nettle may alleviate hay fever symptoms, reduce allergic inflammation, and act as a gentle diuretic, helping with UTIs and bloating.
It’s been used as a galactagogue—helping to support milk supply postpartum and restore energy, thanks to its iron and mineral content.
⚠️ Please Note: Nettle can interact with medications (e.g. blood pressure meds, blood thinners, diabetes drugs). It may reduce blood sugar or act as a diuretic, so consult a healthcare provider if you’re on treatment. Pregnant women should avoid using it without medical guidance.
My Momlife Uses & Real‑World Tips
Here’s how I incorporate nettle into everyday mom‑life:
- 1. Nettle Tea or Infusion — I brew fresh or dried leaves into herbal tea enjoy it hot or cold. It’s rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and K—especially helpful when juggling mom‑preneurs duties, homeschool chaos, and homestead life.
- 2. In Soups & Greens — I wilt nettle into homemade meals like sourdough soups or pesto, much like wild spinach—sneaking in nutrition and flavor.
- 3. Topical Use — I infuse nettles in oils for joint relief or itchy skin/hormonal eczema and acne and even small ouchies.
- 4. Tincture & Capsules — I prepare tinctures or powdered capsules for immune support, detox, and hormonal ease.
Coming Soon from Boho Soul 🌼
I’m excited to say that Boho Soul will soon launch a collection of nettles‑infused products, including a handcrafted soothing balms for the everyday mom‑life support. If you’d like early access or a behind‑the‑scenes peek, stay tuned!
And we have a winner!
Stinging nettle is truly a homestead hero—with science-backed benefits, nutrition-packed leaves, and versatility across natural remedies, homeschool crafting, natural skincare, and mompreneur routines.
Want a step‑by‑step recipe on making your own nettles tincture? Comment below or drop me a 🌿 emoji, and I’ll craft a follow‑up to show you what I do!
Until then, happy foraging, mama 🌱
Xoxo
References:
Comprehensive Review: Therapeutic Potential of Urtica dioica L. (Stinging Nettle)📚 NCBI – PMC9253158
Covers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-ulcer properties. Highlights use in treating diabetes, arthritis, and more.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Lipophilic Stinging Nettle Extracts📚 NCBI – PMC3529973
Evaluates different extraction methods of nettle, finding strong anti-inflammatory effects from non-polar extracts.
3. Nettle (Urtica dioica) for Osteoarthritis📚 Healthline – Nettle for Joint Pain
Discusses potential benefits for reducing osteoarthritis symptoms including pain and stiffness.
4. Medical News Today: Nettle for Health Uses📚 Medical News Today
Overview of medicinal uses, possible risks, and safety information for nettle consumption.
5. PeaceHealth: Herbal Support for Lactation (Including Nettle)📚 PeaceHealth Lactation Support
Lists nettle as a traditional galactagogue, used to support breast milk production.
6. Stinging Nettle and Seasonal Allergies📚 Real Simple – Nettle Tea Benefits
Explains how nettle tea may relieve hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms.
7. Nettle Root for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)📚 Health.com – Nettle Benefits
Reviews studies on nettle’s use for urinary health and inflammation related to BPH.
8. Nettle and Blood Sugar Support📚 MedicineNet
Outlines potential benefits of nettle for managing blood sugar and supporting kidney health.
