Notes on Nettles

When you consider herbs from an astrological perspective, NETTLE is said to come under the rulership of the action oriented planet Mars. This gives the plant a rather masculine quality. Look at the card from Adriana Ayales's Herbal Astrology Oracle deck. Notice how the sharp, green tones of the leaves appear to vibrate and shimmer as they soak up the energy from ruddy-hued, fiery Mars.

Since Mars is associated with the warrior or "doer" in all of us, Adriana tells us that Nettle medicine encourages our ability to "survive, protect, pursue and act."

She expands the Mars influence further by emphasizing Nettle's "aggressive" nature.

When you brush against the leaves of this plant, be prepared to feel a stimulating and irritating sting! (They are often referred to as "stinging nettles.") Since this action releases chemicals that increase blood circulation and modulate inflammation, Nettles have been used topically to treat arthritis. Folks like the ancient Egyptians who suffered with this condition would intentionally grab a bunch of Nettles and whip themselves to reduce the pain.

If this practice seems harsh and even barbaric, you might be surprised to learn that it is still done in some cultures. In an article by Massachusetts herbalist Jade Alicandro Mace, the process is called Urtication and, according to ethno-botanist and member of the Catawba nation Linda Black Elk, it is still used for this purpose among the Lakota people at the Standing Rock Reservation.

In a 2017 issue of South Dakota Magazine Black Elk describes how she treated a friend who suffered with a severe case of arthritis in one shoulder:"Every day I whipped her shoulder with the plant for 20 minutes, twice a day. At the end of the week she had full range of motion,” she recalls.

And there are others who also take this practice quite seriously and with good results:

OUCH!

Since contact with the formic acid in the spiky points of the Nettle leaves will likely cause an irritating skin rash, he must indeed be a brave and hardy soul! I wouldn't attempt it myself, and suggest taking advantage of Nettle medicine internally by consuming it as a tea, liquid extract or capsule to enjoy its benefits without the sting factor.

Considering its many other healing properties, Nettle comes with a long, rich healing history, and it continues to be a particular favorite among modern herbalists. Many people who live in my often windy part of the country suffer from seasonal allergies, and Urtica dioica is a popular herbal go-to remedy to alleviate symptoms. Aside from the anti-histamine action, Nettle is a nutritious plant loaded with health enhancing vitamins and minerals that strengthen bones. The leaves may be cooked as you would spinach (again cooking eliminates the sting) or blended into soups and stews. Nettle is also a natural diuretic that supports healthy urinary and prostate function.

On an entirely different level, this plant has an interesting folk history that varies according to culture. I'm especially partial to Celtic folklore, and was tickled to learn that thick patches of Nettles is said to indicate the nearness of fairy dwellings. The Nettle sting is thought to ward off all manner of fairy mischief.

Fairies are often whimsically pictured as benign, sweet, beings flitting about on delicate wings, but UK artist Nancy Farmer portrays them with a darker, more sinister nature. Check out this rather menacing bunch!

I prefer the Tinkerbell look as opposed to the biker bar theme myself, but I do like the way the artist places them at the base of Nettle stalks. In keeping with the aggressive, Mars-like nature of the plant, we see them here protecting their realm from potential intruders.

Taking a final look at this month's medicine card, you may be wondering about where the snake imagery fits into all this. I was too. Adriana describes how Nettle's snake medicine operates on a spiritual level by teaching us to be strong and able to handle life's complexities. When faced with overcoming a challenging situation that requires personal transmutation, she advises to "Release the outer skin of your present identity and draw upon the powers of fire to lead and act."

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For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!