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.

Constituents & Their Actions

Plant Part Constituents Primary Actions
Leaves Vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, magnesium, chlorophyll, flavonoids, silica Nutritive, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, blood tonic
Stems Silica, cellulose, chlorophyll Strengthens connective tissues, fiber source
Roots Lignans, sterols, polysaccharides Supports prostate health, hormonal balance
Seeds Essential fatty acids, flavonoids, antioxidants Adrenal tonic, kidney support, revitalizing
Key Constituents and Effects
  • Vitamins & Minerals – High levels of iron, calcium, and magnesium support bone health and blood-building.
  • Chlorophyll – Aids in detoxification and immune support.
  • Silica – Strengthens hooves, skin, and connective tissue.
  • Lignans & Sterols – Support hormonal balance and urinary health.
  • Essential Fatty Acids – Provide energy and anti-inflammatory benefits.

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.

Conclusion

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a powerful and nutrient-rich herb, offering blood-building, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. Its use in equine and canine herbal medicine supports circulation, joint health, allergy relief, and urinary function. With deep roots in British and Manx folklore, nettle has long been a symbol of strength, protection, and purification. Overall, nettle leaf can be a valuable herbal supplement for providing nutritional support, reducing inflammation, promoting diuresis, and supporting respiratory and skin health in horses. When used responsibly and under professional guidance, nettle leaf can contribute to the overall health and well-being of equines.

Calming

Coat and Skin

Detox

Hooves

Inflamation

Mobility

Wellbeing

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