Description
Arthristis Prostate Energy
- It is used in the treatments of arthritis and gout.
- Nettle leaf is an herb that has a long tradition of use as an adjuvant remedy in the treatment of arthritis in Germany.
- The herb has been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally for treatment of disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, locomotor system, skin, cardio-vascular system, hemorrhage, flu, rheumatism and gout.
- Nettle is used in shampoo to control dandruff and is said to make hair glossier.
- Nettle root extracts have been widely researched in human clinical trials as a treatment for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Calcium, Ca 428 mg (42.80%)
Manganese, Mn 0.693 mg (30.13%)
Iron, Fe 1.46 mg (18.25%)
Total dietary Fiber 6.1 g (16.05%)
Vitamin A, RAE 90 µg (12.86%)
Magnesium, Mg 51 mg (12.14%)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.142 mg (10.92%)
Phosphorus, P 63 mg (9.00%)
Copper, Cu 0.068 mg (7.56%)
Nettle Leaf
BENEFITS
Prostate Health
Recent studies have found that Nettle is effective in reducing prostate size in men with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), which affects many men as they age. It not only shrinks the prostate, but it also relieves symptoms like frequent urination, painful urination, and incomplete bladder emptying.
The bioactive phytochemicals in nettle are thought to have a variety of complex effects on the prostate. These active ingredients can prevent androgenic steroid hormone from binding to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
SHBG is a glycoprotein that binds primarily to testosterone and oestrogen, but also to other sex hormones. It aids in the transport of these sex hormones through the plasma and their delivery to receptors in a variety of target organs, including the prostate.
When testosterone fails to bind to this glycoprotein, the prostate receives far less of the hormone. Furthermore, testosterone metabolites such as DHT (dihydrotestosterone, which has also been linked to prostate enlargement) cannot reach the prostate. As a result, excessive androgen stimulation of the prostate is avoided, and BPH symptoms are alleviated. This effect is thought to be caused by the bioactive lignans found in Nettle Root Extract.
Arthritis
A small, placebo-controlled British study investigated the efficacy of Nettle for osteoarthritis pain relief. Participants who applied stinging Nettle to painful joints for one week reported significantly lower pain levels than those who received a placebo.
Another study looked at the effects of a Nettle Leaf extract on dendritic cells. Dendritic cells play an important role in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Nettle Leaf extract inhibited the growth of dendritic cells without killing them. It also reduced the number of rheumatoid arthritis-associated protein genes. The most important finding in this study was that Nettle Leaf extract had a positive effect on genes associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Kidney and Gallbladder Health
Detoxifies Body
Stringing nettle contains a variety of beneficial nutrients, making it an excellent detoxifier for the body. It has also been shown to gently cleanse the body of toxins. Stinging nettle can also ensure that toxins neutralised in the body are quickly removed. Stinging nettle is known as an alternative because it can improve the gut’s nutrient uptake efficiency and ensure that the digestive processes run smoothly, preventing the accumulation of dangerous toxins. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which aids in the removal of toxins from the kidneys.
Osteoporosis and Bone Health
Boron, an essential mineral element, is found in stinging nettle. Boron has been scientifically linked to bone calcium content, which means that stinging nettle can help slow the onset of osteoporosis. When you combine that effect with the hormone-regulating effect of stinging nettle, which also helps to regulate and monitor bone health, it appears that this herb truly has it all.
Improves Heart Health
Stinging nettle has been shown to benefit the heart. According to studies, drinking stinging nettle tea on a regular basis can help lower systolic blood pressure and relieve tension and stress on the cardiovascular system.
Improves Feminine Health
Stinging nettle contains a number of active ingredients that have an impact on female health. Because of its astringent properties, stinging nettle can relieve painful premenstrual symptoms such as cramping and bloating while also reducing blood flow during menstruation. For women going through menopause, stinging nettle can help to smooth the transition and act as a restorative, making the hormonal shift less dramatic in the body.
Treats Respiratory Issues
Stinging nettle is used to treat a number of respiratory conditions, including hay fever, asthma, and seasonal allergies. Certain stinging nettle extract combinations have been shown in studies to significantly reduce allergic reactions in patients. For generations, regular consumption of stinging nettle tea has been used to treat asthma in Australia.
Aids in Pregnancy
Stinging nettle tea is frequently recommended for women experiencing excruciatingly painful labour, and it can also help protect against excessive bleeding by acting as a coagulant. Furthermore, stinging nettle will aid in milk production and make lactation easier for the newborn.
Gastrointestinal Health
Supplements of stinging nettle extract have been recommended for reducing nausea and diarrhoea, and, as with the menstrual and menopausal effects, stinging nettle can also calm ulcers and haemorrhoids.
Skin Health
When applied to the skin, stinging nettle extracts have been shown to reduce the severity of acne and even prevent bacterial infections of various types. It can also speed healing, reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes, and promote anti-aging to reduce wrinkles and age spots due to its antioxidant properties.
Improves Blood Circulation
Stinging nettle has a high vitamin C and iron content, making it ideal for stimulating red blood cell production. Iron uptake in the gut is enhanced by vitamin C, and iron is an essential component of haemoglobin. Increased RBC count in the body improves circulation, speeds wound healing, and provides essential oxygenation to the body’s extremities to boost energy levels. Stinging nettle is also commonly used to treat fatigue or anaemia, which is characterised by general muscle weakness, exhaustion, cognitive difficulties, and headaches.
Anti-inflammatory Activity
Stinging nettle is a stimulant and rubefacient, making it useful for treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and chronic muscle pain. Stinging nettle tea or herbal supplementation has been shown in studies to effectively treat gout, soothe muscle pain, and reduce arthritis symptoms.
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
How-To’s
- Nettle Leaf Tea
- Nettle Leaf Decoction
- Nettle Leaf Tinture
- Nettle Leaf Cream
- Nettle leaf Oil
- Herb Oil Overview
Nettle Leaf Tea
Equipment
- 1 Strainer
Method
- Bring 500ml of fresh spring water to a boil in a pot or kettle
- Pour boiling water on 1-2 Tablespoons of Dry Nettle leave cut and sifted or 1 cup of fresh Nettle leaves
- Let steep for 9 Minutes
- You may steep longer for a stronger potency
Nettle Leaf Decoction
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp Nettle Leaf
- Spring Water
Equipment
- pot
Method
- Place 1-3 tablespoons of dried herbs into a small sauce pan.
- Cover the herbs with a quart of cold water.
- Bring the water to a simmer.
- Cover Pot and allow to gently simmer for 20 to 45 minutes.
- Strain into a quart jar or cup.
Nettle Leaf Tincture
Ingredients
- 6 oz Overproof Alcohol (Organic Cane 190 proof Alcohol) 5 oz for dried leaves
- 9 oz Fresh Nettle leaves or 6 oz if using dried nettle leaves
- 3 oz Distilled Water 5 oz of Distilled Water if using dried nettle leaves
Equipment
- pot
- 12 once mason jar
- cheese cloth
- Dropper Bottle
Method
- Mix Alcohol and Distilled water in a glass container6 oz Overproof Alcohol (Organic Cane 190 proof Alcohol), 3 oz Distilled Water
- If using fresh nettle leaves rinse and slightly macerate9 oz Fresh Nettle leaves
- Add Nettle leaves to mason jar
- Pour in the diluted organic Alcohol mixture to the top of the mason jar
- Close mason jar tight and shake
- Place mason jar in a cool dry place for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Shake jar every few days
- Once completed strain out the nettle leaves with cheesecloth
- Pour remaining tincture into droppler bottle. Store, Label and Date
Nettle Leaf Salve (Cream/Balm)
Equipment
- Double Boiler
- Glass Jar
- Salve Container (Glass,Tin, Balm Tubes etc.)
Method
- Wrap an old towel around the beeswax bar. On a sturdy surface use a hammer to break the beeswax into small chunks.
- Using a double boiler, gently warm the beeswax over low heat until it melts.
- Stir in the herbal oils over low heat until well-mixed.
- Remove the oil from heat and add the essential oil(s).
- Quickly pour the warm mixture into the prepared tins, glass jars, or lip balm tubes and set aside to cool fully.
- Store in a cool location for 1 to 3 years.
Nettle Leaf Oil
Ingredients
- Nettle Leaf In most circumstances It is best to use dry herbs when making infused oil. The moisture from fresh herbs can spoil the oil.
- Carrier Oil ( Avocado Oil,Walnut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil etc.) Olive Oil is the most coming used oil but research the best oil for you or your product.
Equipment
- Glass Jar see notes at bottom
- Cheesecloth see notes at bottom
- Mesh Strainer see notes at bottom
- Gloves
- Mesh Strainer
Method
3 Oil Infusing Methods
"Folk-Method"
1. First Make sure your quart jar is clean and dry jar. 2. Put dry herbs in a clean glass quart jar. Leave a minimum of 1 to 3 inches of space above your herbs so that oil can be applied. 3. With the remaining space in the jar, add your preferred oil, making sure to completely cover the herbs (at least 1 inch). Pour more oil on top to ensure the herbs stay covered if at any point during the infusion the herbs start to rise above the oil's surface. 4. Cap the jar tightly and shake well. 5. Place jar in a sunny, warm windowsill and shake once or more per day. 6. Strain the herbs from the oil after 2 to 3 weeks using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Make sure to extract as much precious oil as possible. 7. Pour into clean glass bottles 8. Label your jars with the date, type of oil, and herbs used. 9. Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. To extend the shelf life of topically applied oils, vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may be added."Heat-Infused-Method"
1. Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (preferably between 100° and 140° F) for 1 to 5 hours, until the oil takes on the color and scent of the herb. Some sources advise heating the oil for 48 to 72 hours at a controlled temperature of 100° F. 2. Turn off heat and allow to cool. 3.Once oil is cooled, strain using cheesecloth and or mesh strainer 4. Pour oil into sterilized. glass bottles then seal. 5. Before storing your bottles, mark them with the date and contents. 6. Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. To extend the shelf life of topically applied oils, vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may be added."OVEN-HEATED-METHOD"
1. Put fresh or dried herbs in a glass quart jar and cover with your preferred oil. Make sure to completely cover the herbs (at least 1 inch)2. Screw lid on glass jar tight3. Place the glass jar in a pan add water to cover the jar halfway.4. Place the pan with the jar in the oven and bake for 4 to 5 hours on the lowest setting.5. Check on your oil periodically to ensure it isn’t burning or scorching (i.e., smoking)6. Turn off heat and allow to cool.7. Once oil is cooled, strain using cheesecloth and or mesh strainer.8. Pour oil into sterilized glass bottles then seal.9. Before storing your bottles, mark them with the date and contents.10. Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. To extend the shelf life of topically applied oils, vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may be added."Alcohol
1. Weigh out approximately 1 oz. dried organic herb(s). 2. Using a blender, coffee grinder, or bullet grinder, grind into coarse powder (don’t grind too fine, or it will be difficult to strain later). 3. Transfer ground herbs into clean jar with tight fitting lid. 4. Measure out ½ oz. whole grain alcohol (like Everclear) or vodka. 5. Pour alcohol into jar with ground herbs. 6. Use a fork to work together, or put lid on and shake to disperse the alcohol through herb material—it should be the consistency of nice soil or damp beach sand. 7. Set aside for at least 24 hours to allow the herbs to macerate in alcohol. 8. Put damp herb material into a standing blender. 9. Add approximately 8 oz. of carrier oil, measured by volume or weight. Add more as necessary to cover well and ensure herbs are moving around in blender. 10. Blend until blender jar is warm to the touch, about 5 minutes. 11. Place a good-sized mesh strainer over heat-safe glass bowl. Line strainer with cheesecloth or fine muslin. 12. Pour herb-infused oil through lined strainer and use the cheesecloth or muslin to squeeze out as much of the oil as possible from herbs. 13. Oil should keep a year or more when stored in cool, dark, dry place.
Herbalism is a fascinating and vast world. . . and, at times, intimidating! Making tinctures using the percolation method or making your own mead can seem daunting to those new to the botanical arts. That’s why, when we’re trying to help a friend get started in herbs without overwhelming them, one of our favourite herbalism projects for beginners is making herb-infused oils.
Simply infusing a carrier oil with herbs makes it a versatile ingredient. There are several methods for infusing oils, but our favourite is the “folk” or “simplers” method, which relies on the sun to naturally infuse oil with herbal properties.
Many different organic carrier oils can be used, but fractionated (MCT) coconut oil and olive oil are popular and wise choices due to their long shelf lives and suitability for a wide range of applications. Herbal oils can be used to make marinades, massage oils, salves, lip balms, facial serums, hair treatments, body creams, soaps, and a variety of other products.
- While most herbs can be infused either dried or fresh (with proper preparation), some are better suited to one than the other. St. John’s wort, for example, is widely thought to require fresh material to produce an effective herbal oil.
- Herbal oils can go rancid or mouldy if the carrier oil isn’t very shelf stable (like rosehip seed oil) or if fresh herbs are used. To ensure safety, infused oils that change colour, scent, clarity, or taste should be discarded. Using the alcohol intermediary infusion method or adding a preservative such as vitamin E can help keep oils stable for longer, but it also renders them unfit for consumption.
- Herbs containing natural dyes can be infused in oil and used to colour soaps and other body care formulations.
- Wear gloves when straining a finished herbal oil through a cheesecloth-lined strainer and squeezing out any remaining oil in the herbs. While you can work with oils with your bare hands, it is a messy process, and certain herbs, such as turmeric, may temporarily stain your hands and jewellery.
- Often, the oil will not wash out of cheesecloth or muslin, so strain with something you won’t reuse.
- Fine herb sediment can make oil a little gritty even after straining; if this bothers you, strain again through a coffee filter. This is a slow-drip process that may necessitate the use of more than one coffee filter to strain all of the oil.
Herbs can be combined to make synergistic infusions. For example, hops flowers, lavender flowers, and chamomile flowers infused in jojoba oil make a wonderful relaxing massage blend. Mix and match to meet your specific requirements!
USES
Acne
Once a day, drink tea made from stinging nettle leaves.
Allergies
Have tincture of stinging Nettle three times a day.
Anemia
Make a tea with stinging nettle leaf. Drink at least twice a day. OR Make use of stinging nettle capsules.
Aphrodisiac
Female problems can be alleviated by drinking tea made from stinging nettle leaves. In one cup of water, make a tea with stinging nettle leaves. Drink it after straining.
Arthritis
Make tea from stinging nettle leaves Drink it twice a day. OR Fill a bathtub with warm water and add fresh or dried stinging nettle leaves. Soak your aching joints in water. It provides gentle relief from joint aches.
Asthma
Make an infusion of stinging nettle. Take two times a day.
Baldness
Boil stinging nettle leaves in olive oil for 1 hour. Strain it off. To induce hair growth, massage this mixture into your scalp.
Blood Impurity
Combine equal parts Alfalfa, Mint, Stinging Nettle, and Dandelion leaves. Boil one tbsp of herbs in a cup of water to make a tea. Drink this nourishing blood purification tea
Blood Circulation
Take equal parts Reishi mushroom, Hawthorn berries, stinging nettle root, and dried ginger root. In a non-reactive pan, combine all of the ingredients and 4 cups of cold water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. To improve blood circulation, drink it as a morning tea on a regular basis.
Bleeding External
To stop external bleeding, boil some leaves and apply them externally.
Detoxicant
Bring a cup of water to a boil. Mix in a teaspoon of crushed stinging nettle. Cover it for 10min. Drink it after straining.
Dandruff
Take 5 to 6 tablespoons crushed stinging nettle leaves Pour in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of vinegar. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on medium heat. Allow it to cool. Strain thoroughly. Rinse your hair with it after shampooing.
Dust Allergy
In one cup of water, combine half a teaspoon of dried stinging nettle leaves. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. It should be consumed twice daily.
Eczema
Make a paste out of figwort, stinging nettle, and burdock. Apply it twice daily.
Eclampsia
Boil a few stinging nettle leaves in 100 ml of water for 10 minutes. Remove the strainer. The symptoms are effectively reduced when consumed on a regular basis.
Fibromyalgia
Make an infusion of stinging nettle leaves. Take twice a day.
Hyper Thyroidism
In a cup of hot water, combine 2 to 3 teaspoons dried stinging nettle leaves. Allow it to steep for 10 to 12 minutes. Strain it thoroughly. Add sweetner for taste (optional). For 2 to 3 weeks, drink this tea twice a day.
Hypo Thyroidism
Steep the stinging nettle root in hot water for 10-12 minutes. Strain the decoction. Added sweetner for taste. This tea should be consumed twice a day.
Grey Hair
Regularly massage your hair with stinging nettle juice.
High Creatinine
Take 2 teaspoons of dried powdered leaves. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain. This tea should be consumed once a day. It increases excretory waste, which aids in the reduction of creatinine levels in the blood.
Gallstones
Take equal parts dandelion root, milk thistle, birch leaves, and stinging nettle leaves. To prevent kidney and gallstones, make a tea by boiling all of these herbs and drink it on a regular basis.
Infertility
Make a decoction of stinging nettle leaves/roots, and drink it once in a day.
Joint Pain
Boil dried stinging nettle leaves in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Cover for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon powder and sweetner (optional). Stir it thoroughly. Remove the decoction from the heat. It should be consumed once a day.
Joint Pain Arthritis
Fill a bathtub with warm water and add fresh or dried stinging nettle leaves. Soak your aching joints in water. It provides gentle relief from joint aches.
Joint Pain
Fill a tub halfway with warm water and add a teaspoon of dried stinging nettle leaves. Put your inflamed joints in this water to provide relief. OR Stinging nettle tea on a cotton cloth To relieve pain, place this cotton cloth on inflamed joints. This procedure should be repeated as needed.
1 cup stinging nettle in 2 cups of water Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low heat for 15 minutes. Remove the strainer and serve it warm. This decoction aids in the relief of inflammation and swelling. To achieve the best results, drink 2 cups of nettle tea on a regular basis.
Kidney Stones
Soak 2 tbsp dried stinging nettle in 2 cups water for 10 minutes Drink after straining.
Kidney Disease
Boil 7-8 stinging nettle leaves in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Filter the decoction. This tea should be consumed three times per day.
Metrorrhagia
Stinging nettle leaves can be crushed and squeezed to release their juice. Drink half a cup of the juice divided in the morning and at night.
Nephritis
Prepare tincture from stinging nettle seeds. Take 2 tsp twice a day.
Osteomalacia
Place nettle leaves in a container. Then, top off the jar with hot water by pouring it over the leaves. Then, tightly close the lid. Mixture should be steeped for about 4 to 8 hours. Drink the nettle infusion after straining the liquid. It is recommended to consume two cups of nettle infusion every day.
Osteoarthritis
Take the stinging nettle stem and leaves and powder them. Take one teaspoon every day with milk or warm water.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Combine 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon of dried stinging nettle leaves. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. It should be consumed twice daily.
Rickets
Make an infusion of nettle leaves and take 2 times a day.
Prostate Enlargement:
Make a cup of tea made from stinging nettle leaves.
Septicemia
Combine equal parts stinging nettle root, horsetail leaves, birch leaves, and dandelion leaves. Make a decoction. Take one cup every day.
Stress
Combine 1 tbsp each of stinging nettle and Alfalfa leaves in a pan. Add a cup of boiling water Steep for 8-10 minutes. To relieve your stress, strain and drink this nutritional blend. (To taste, you can also add a sweetner and lime juice.)
Prepare stinging nettle’s leaf tea. Drink once a day.
Water Retention
Steep a tsp of stinging nettle root powder in 150 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. To achieve the best results, drink it twice daily.
Urticaria
Make a cup of tea by adding half tbsp of stinging nettle.
Nettle Leaf
Nettle Leaf Overview
Urtica dioica is an herbaceous perennial in the Urticaceae family. The plant is known as “stinging nettle” because of its hollow hairs (tricomes) on the leaves and stem that cause a stinging sensation upon contact. Originally native to Europe, nettles can now be found worldwide in wet environments and moist soils. Our organic nettle leaf is harvested from large, deep-rooted stands in Europe and infuses into a tea that is dark and rich in flavor. Nettle leaves are harvested in the spring, once the plant has had time to mature but before it goes into flower. The leaves can be steeped as nettle tea, incorporated into herbal infusion blends, and added to soups and broths.
Nettle has been used worldwide for centuries in a variety of countries and cultures. It has been eaten as a wild food plant, applied topically to the skin, and drunk as an herbal tea. It was used extensively for its fibers and was woven into cloth. Nettle fibers were considered to be high quality and comparable to flax or hemp in Northern Europe.
Nettle supports healthy urinary function and has mild diuretic action and helps to maintain upper respiratory health.*
Our European nettle leaf is collected from long standing organic populations. When steeped as tea, it has a lovely amber hue and a rich vegetal flavor. If you prefer a lighter flavored nettle leaf, our organic North American nettle will be the perfect fit.
Nettle is a dioecious, herbaceous, perennial plant. The soft, green leaves are borne oppositely on an erect, wiry, green stem and have a strongly serrated margin. The leaves and stems are very hairy with nonstinging hairs, and, in most subspecies, also bear many stinging hairs (trichomes), whose tips come off when touched, causing paresthesia. Urtica dioica belongs to the Urticaceae family.
Growing & Harvesting
Planting stinging nettle is as simple as dividing an existing patch of roots and planting the pieces where you want it to grow. Alternatively, you can collect the seeds and start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost date, or simply direct-sow them in the garden. Stinging nettle, as befits a plant with a weedy reputation, is very easy to grow and has few disease and pest problems.
Always wear protective clothing when working with stinging nettle plants in your garden. Thick gardening gloves, as well as long sleeves and pants, are recommended. Avoid touching your face while working.
Stinging nettle is considered an invasive species in much of North America due to its ability to spread rapidly from underground stolons—gardeners are more likely to fight it as a weed than to plant it intentionally. Growing stinging nettle on purpose may make you unpopular with your neighbours because it spreads quickly if not carefully monitored.
Stinging nettle prefers rich, moist soil, so if you’re not careful, this plant can take over your garden. To keep it under control, remove the flowers as they appear to prevent self-seeding. Harvesting on a regular basis will also keep the plants under control.
Light
Stinging nettle prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Too much shade causes the plant to become overly tall and leggy.
Soil
This plant thrives in well-drained, loamy soils high in nitrogen and phosphorus. It thrives in disturbed soil, which is why it is frequently found growing in abandoned lots and construction sites, assuming the underlying soil is rich. It can withstand a wide range of pH levels, from extremely acidic to extremely alkaline. It does not thrive in extremely dry, barren soils.
Water
Stinging nettle has average water requirements but will thrive in climates with frequent rainfall. Mature plants tolerate short periods of drought well, but this is not a plant that thrives in arid climates. Additional watering is not required if your area receives regular rainfall (every two weeks or so).
Temperature and Humidity
Stinging nettle thrives in all climates across its USDA hardiness range of zones 4 to 10. It prefers humid climates but will grow well in dry conditions if the soil is adequately moist.
Fertilizer
Nettles thrive in nitrogen-rich soil, so feeding plants with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertiliser on a regular basis will benefit plants growing in poor, barren soil. However, in most garden soil, stinging nettle thrives with no feeding at all.
Pruning
Deadheading spent flowers prevents stinging nettle from self-seeding and spreading uncontrollably. Except for the removal of dead stalks before winter, no pruning is required.
HOW TO GROW
Growing stinging nettle from seeds collected from existing plants is simple. This is most commonly accomplished by collecting seeds from mature seed pods, storing them for the winter, and then sowing them indoors in seed trays six weeks or so before the last frost.
The seeds are extremely small. Scatter them on top of a tray filled with regular potting mix. Press them lightly into the mixture and barely cover them with soil—they need light to germinate. Keep the tray moist until the seeds sprout, which should take about 14 days. As soon as the soil is warm enough to work, the seedlings can be transplanted outside.
How to Harvest
You’ll have to dig a little if you want to reap the benefits of stinging nettle root. Gloves are usually a good idea because some contact with the leaves is likely. Contact with any above-ground part of the plant can result in a painful and long-lasting dermatological incident. When harvesting nettle root, be cautious because the process will kill this valuable plant. Make sure there are plenty of other specimens nearby and that you are not significantly reducing the population. Before digging up the roots, save the leaves and use them in a stir fry or dry them for tea. Unless the shoots are very young, the stems are bitter and fibrous.
Dig at least a foot (31 cm.) outside the foliage area and under the plant to reach the roots without damaging them. Once you’ve collected your roots, thoroughly clean them in clean water. To help remove all of the grime, change the water several times and use a vegetable brush. Cut the roots into small chunks. The smaller the size, the easier it is to extract all of the juices and benefits from the roots.
