Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Urticaceae (Nettle family)
  • Common Names: Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle, Big Nettle
  • Parts Used: Leaves, Stems, Roots, Seeds
  • Native Habitat: Widespread across the UK and Isle of Man, thriving in hedgerows, woodlands, riverbanks, and disturbed ground.

Nettle is a highly nutritious, medicinal, and versatile herb, historically used for blood purification, joint health, and as a tonic for vitality in humans and animals.

Equine Use of Nettle

Benefits for Horses
  1. Blood & Circulatory Support – Increases red blood cell production and improves circulation.
  2. Joint & Anti-Inflammatory Support – Helps with arthritis and muscle recovery.
  3. Hoof & Coat Health – Strengthens hooves, skin, and mane.
  4. Allergy Relief – Reduces itching and seasonal allergies.
  5. Diuretic & Kidney Support – Aids in flushing toxins and reducing fluid retention.
Administration for Horses
  • Dried Leaves (Most Common Form):
    • in feed.
  • Fresh Nettle (Wilted to Remove Stings):
    • Handfuls added to feed for nutritional support.
  • Tea Infusion (For Hydration & Detox):
    • Cooled nettle tea added to drinking water.
  • Poultice (For Joint & Skin Health):
    • Applied to wounds, stiff joints, or itchy skin.
⚠ Precautions
  • High doses may act as a strong diuretic.
  • Use caution in pregnant mares.

Canine Use of Nettle

Benefits for Dogs
  1. Allergy & Itch Relief – Reduces skin irritation and hay fever symptoms.
  2. Joint & Mobility Support – Eases arthritis and stiffness.
  3. Iron & Blood Boosting – Supports anemia and overall vitality.
  4. Urinary Health – Helps with kidney and bladder infections.
  5. Immune & Detox Support – Cleanses the liver and supports immunity.
Administration for Dogs
  • Dried Leaves (In Food):
    • Tea Infusion (For Hydration & Detox):
    • Dried nettle steeped in warm water, cooled and added to food.
  • Poultice (For Skin Conditions & Wounds):
    • Applied directly to itchy, inflamed areas.
⚠ Precautions
  • Avoid giving raw fresh nettles (can cause mouth irritation).
  • Excessive use may cause increased urination.
  • Not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs without veterinary guidance.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Nettle

Folklore & Historical Use
  • Protection Against Evil & Bad Luck – Hung over doorways in the Isle of Man to ward off evil spirits and bad omens.
  • Used in Celtic Rituals – Burned in purification ceremonies to remove negativity.
  • Sting for Strength & Pain Relief – The practice of urtication (whipping skin with nettles) was believed to cure arthritis and improve circulation.
  • Fishermen’s Superstition – Carrying nettle was thought to prevent drowning at sea.
  • Healing & Vitality Herb – Used by herbalists in medieval Britain for blood purification and recovery from illness.

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Calming

Coat and Skin

Detox

Hooves

Inflamation

Mobility

Wellbeing

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