Nettle, Urtica dioica, are a nourishing herbal food, rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, protein, and other nutrients. Nettles help to build healthy blood, bones, joints, and skin. Nettles are an excellent remedy for anemia, low blood pressure, and general weakness. They increase the excretion of uric acid and help with rheumatism and gout. Nettles have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties, making them useful for respiratory allergies, asthma, and eruptive skin diseases. A blend of nettles, red raspberry, and alfalfa makes a great tonic tea for pregnancy. Nettle seeds can slow, halt, or even partially reverse progressive renal failure. Studies have shown the root to improve benign prostatic hypertrophy (BHP) symptoms in 81% of men taking the herb (compared with 16% improvement in the placebo group).
Nettle is extremely safe. The live plant can cause skin irritation (hence the name stinging), but the dried plant does not produce this effect.
This can be used as an infusion, tincture, or glycerite.