The Humble Nettle: One of Nature's Greatest Gifts

Most people don't have very kind things to say about stinging nettles. After all, they've brushed against them on a hike, pulled them from the garden with bare hands, or spent an afternoon regretting the encounter.

I understand. My first memories of nettles weren't exactly affectionate either.

But somewhere along the way, that changed.

As I learned more about wild plants, I stopped seeing nettles as something to avoid and started seeing them for what they really are—one of the most healing plants growing around us.

Did you know that in ancient Rome, stinging nettles were used to relieve rheumatic pains?

A Plant That Gives More Than It Takes

In Newfoundland, nettles appear in abundance along trails, around old gardens and in places where few people think to look for food.

Their sting is their defence mechanism. Tiny hollow hairs inject compounds into the skin that create that familiar burning sensation. However, once the leaves are dried or cooked, the sting disappears completely. What you're left with is one of the most mineral-rich herbs available to us.

For centuries, people throughout Europe and North America have dried nettle leaves for tea. Herbalists have traditionally valued them as a deeply nourishing tonic because they're naturally rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica and chlorophyll.

A simple cup of nettle tea has long been used to support:

• healthy joints and connective tissue

• seasonal allergy relief

• urinary tract and kidney health

• healthy skin and hair

• overall nourishment during times of stress or fatigue

The flavour is surprisingly gentle—fresh, green and almost spinach-like. The fresh leaves make a great soup. I made a wonderful pesto from fresh leaves last year at The Keeper's Kitchen.

The Part Most People Overlook

As remarkable as the leaves are, they're only part of the story.

Come mid-late summer, something equally exciting begins to appear: the seeds, which are often considered to be the true treasure of this plant.

Tiny though they are, they're remarkably nutrient dense and have been traditionally used to support energy, resilience and recovery after periods of physical or emotional exhaustion.

Many herbalists also use nettle seeds to support:

• healthy adrenal function

• kidney health

• mental clarity and focus

• stamina and vitality

• healthy hair, skin and nails

• overall mineral replenishment

Some people sprinkle the fresh seeds over salads, stir into yogurt or mix into overnight oats. Others dry them for winter or infuse them into honey.

This is my first year harvesting the seeds, so I'm really looking forward to experimenting with different ways to work them into our diet.

How to Tell the Difference When Harvesting

When it comes to the seeds, one thing to be aware of is that it's the female plant that carries the most benefits. Therefore, it's important to learn the difference between male and female plants.

The male plants produce long, airy flower clusters that release pollen. They look light and delicate, and once their pollen has been released, their work is done.

Male plant on the left / Female plant on the right

The seed clusters of female plants become fuller, heavier and eventually begin to droop beneath their own weight as the seeds mature. Those hanging clusters are what foragers look for.

The best harvest comes when the seeds are fully formed and still green. Wait too long and they'll begin drying on the plant and falling to the ground.

Like so much in foraging, timing matters.

A Tale of Two Summers

One of the unexpected joys of living between Norway and Newfoundland is discovering how differently the seasons unfold.

Norway is usually about four to five weeks ahead of Newfoundland when it comes to the growing season. That means that this year I get to harvest nettle seeds twice! Last week I gathered them here in Norway and let them dry out while we took a trip up north. Next week when I'm back in Newfoundland, I'll be keeping an eye out for the seed development on the needles below our house. I'm guessing they'll be starting soon.

It's one of those small gifts that comes from living between two places I love.

Two landscapes. Two growing seasons. One remarkable plant.

I found that the easiest way to separate the dried seeds from the stems was to sift in a colander. I'm delighted with this amount of seeds and look forward to adding them to smoothies, greek yogurt, baked goods, etc. The dried leaves I'll save for tea in the fall and winter.

Learning to Notice

One of the things I love most about foraging isn't simply bringing food or herbs home. It's what happens to your attention.

Once you learn a plant, you begin seeing it everywhere. Places you walked past a hundred times suddenly reveal something entirely new.

That's one of the greatest gifts foraging has given me. Not simply a pantry filled with wild foods, but a deeper relationship with the landscape itself.

The next time you pass a patch of nettles, perhaps you'll pause for a moment before reaching for the lawn mower or pulling them from the garden. They'd make a great addition to your wellness routine.

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A gentle note: If you decide to harvest nettles yourself, always be certain of your identification and harvest only from areas free of roadside pollution, pesticides and other contaminants. As with any herb, nettles may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly if you have certain medical conditions or take medications. If you're unsure, consult a qualified healthcare professional before using them medicinally.