‘Nettles are so well known, that they need no description; they may be found by feeling, in the darkest night.’ (Culpeper, 1824)
The nettle is a Spring awakening in plant form, ideally harvested in April*, but what makes it our favourite herb of the season?
Cleansing, nourishing, and full of fiery green life, this herb is often seen as nothing more than a common weed, found nestled among hedgerows and growing uninhibited. While it’s best known for its stinging properties, the nettle is a diverse nutritious and magical ingredient.
Use it in teas, soups, or spellwork for energy, vitality, and clearing out stagnant energy.
*Please always wear gloves while harvesting nettles.
To Make Nettle Soup
· Wash and boil as for spinach, and rub the leaves through a sieve
· Melt a little butter in a stewpan and sprinkle an ounce of flour
· Add the mashed nettles, and (a little at a time) sufficient milk to make a soup of the required thickness – it should not be too thick
· Bring to boil
· Simmer for five minutes
· Season with pepper and salt
· Serve with diced croutons of fried bread
(Cameron, 1917)
For Ailments and Protection
‘Nettles are under Mars, and that planet is hot and dry; and as you know well that Winter is cold and moist, that is the reason why nettles are eaten in Spring to warm the juices that Winter has cooled down.’ (Culpeper and Simmonite, 1957)
‘The female nettles, when the Sun is in the position of the Aries, is supposed to render valuable services against ailments of various kinds.’ (Apicius, 1936)
‘Whenever you hold this weed in your hand together with Millifolia, you are safe from all fears and fancies that frequently deceive men.’ (Hoffman, 1820)
‘To dream you see nettles is a warning of trouble. To dream you are stung by nettles is a sign of difficulty. To dream you see other people stung by nettles is a sign of unexpected news.’ (Hawthorne, 1946)
Learn more about medicinal and magical herbs in The Herb Grower’s Grimoire.
