What is Nettle Leaf?

Nettle Leaf is the dried leaf of Urtica dioica, Stinging Nettle, a perennial plant in the nettle family (Urticaceae). It is also called Common Nettle or Burning Nettle. Once dried, the leaf is entirely safe to handle and is one of the most widely used herbs in Western herbalism, traditionally brewed as a tea and long infusion.

About the plant

Fresh nettle earns its name from fine hollow hairs, called trichomes, that release formic acid and histamine when brushed, producing the familiar sting. Drying neutralizes the sting completely. Nettle is a vigorous perennial with serrated, heart-shaped leaves, found across temperate regions of Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. It has a documented history as a spring tea and hair rinse.

Related herbs

• Nettle Leaf Powder — the same leaf finely ground.
• Red Clover — another herb traditionally brewed as a tea.

Nettle Leaf: form & sizes

We carry Nettle Leaf as organic cut and sifted dried leaf, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Nettle Leaf in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Nettle Leaf at a glance

Botanical name

Urtica dioica

Family

Urticaceae

Native region

Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America

Plant part

leaf

Sourcing

Organic

Also known as

Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle, Burning Nettle

Form

cut and sifted dried leaf

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb