Tender-handed stroke a nettle, And it stings you for your pains; Grasp it like a man of mettle, And it soft as silk remains. ‘Tis the same with common natures: Use ’em kindly, they rebel; But be rough as nutmeg-graters, And the rogues obey you well. – Aaron Hill

Years ago, the Lord of the Exchequer and I enjoyed a particularly delicious William Fevre Chablis together. As he sniffed and savored, the following statement came out of his mouth: “It’s grassy and somewhat pungent. And I get something in here from my childhood…nettles.”

WHAT the heck does a nettle smell like? As a native Texan, my knowledge of this weed was purely academic. Turns out that in Europe folks pick it (very carefully – gloves are highly recommended) and use it to produce teas, soups, tinctures, and the like.

It’s Spring here in the U.K. and the roadsides, ditches, and hedgerows are literally awash with fresh nettle. The leaves can be harvested starting in Spring thru August and used for washes, tinctures, and teas. In Fall, the root can be dug up and dried and is used primarily for male hormone and prostate support.

The leaves, though!

• Allergies
• Alzheimer’s
• Arthritis
• Feminine issues
• PMS
• Menopause
• Pain relief
• Kidney detox
• Mood

Just to name a few. Yes, there are more uses! My first foray into every day magick will be to harvest nettle leaves and dry them for tea.

Also, as a culinary herb, we’ll make sure to sauté some for dinner and provide feedback.

Any way you slice it…I am now going to be able to add nettle to my personal rolodex of smells and tastes…which is a sommelier is important. I also get to benefit hopefully from it’s medicinal magic. The hot flashes have been fierce as of late!