ENGLISH NAME: Small Nettle
LATIN NAME: Urtica urens
LOCAL NAMES:
Georgia: ჭინჭარი (Chin’chari)
Czechia: Kopřiva malá
Turkey: Küçük ısırgan
Bulgaria: Малка коприва (Malka kopriva)
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey,
Czechia, Bulgaria, widespread in Europe and Asia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: All regions of Georgia and most of Eurasia
Elevation: Sea level to uplands
Terrain: Disturbed areas, along roadsides, gardens, fields, various
soils
DESCRIPTION:
Small nettle (Urtica urens) is an herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial,
usually 20–60 cm tall. The plant features branching, slender, square stems
densely covered in stinging hairs. Leaves are opposite, ovate, and sharply
serrated, tapering to a pointed tip. Greenish, inconspicuous flowers grow in
small clusters from the leaf axils, blooming from June to October. All parts
can sting on contact, causing a temporary rash or itching. Despite this, small
nettle is valued for its medicinal and nutritional properties.
USABLE PARTS:
Leaves (most common), sometimes roots
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Anti-inflammatory: Compounds may
reduce inflammation, benefiting joint pain, arthritis, and gout.
Diuretic: Promotes
urination and helps manage water retention and kidney function.
Allergy Relief: Traditionally
used to ease symptoms of hay fever and allergies.
Women’s Health: Historically
employed for menstrual discomfort and to regulate blood flow.
Astringent: Topical use may
help with skin conditions such as eczema and mild irritation.
Nutritional: Source of
vitamin C, iron, magnesium, calcium, chlorophyll, and other nutrients.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Skin Irritation: Stinging hairs
cause temporary pain, rash, or itching on contact.
Allergic
Reactions:
Rarely, may cause hives, swelling, or more serious allergy symptoms.
Gastrointestinal
Discomfort:
Overuse may lead to stomach upset or diarrhea.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Use with caution
if on diuretics, antihypertensives, or anticoagulants—may potentiate effects.
PREPARATION:
Nettle Tea:
Steep 1–2 tsp dried (or a handful fresh) leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
Strain and drink, up to 2–3 times daily. Optional: add honey or lemon.
Tincture:
Fill a glass jar with chopped leaves, cover with alcohol, seal, and steep 4–6
weeks. Strain and use small, diluted doses.
Capsules:
Grind dried leaves to powder, fill capsules, and take per guidelines.
Topical Oil:
Infuse fresh leaves in carrier oil for 2–3 weeks, strain, and use for massage
or minor skin irritations.
HARVEST TIME:
In spring or early summer, before flowering, for the highest nutritional value.
HARVEST METHOD:
Wear gloves, long
sleeves, and pants for protection.
Identify by
serrated, pointed leaves and stinging hairs.
Use scissors to
harvest young, tender leaves from the top few inches.
Choose healthy
plants in clean, uncontaminated locations.
If harvesting
roots (optional), do so in autumn after plant dies back; clean and dry
thoroughly.
Harvest only a
portion of a patch to maintain sustainability.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Leaves: Air-dry in a
single layer, store in airtight glass jars or containers in a cool, dark place.
Label with date and part.
Freezing: Optionally,
briefly blanch leaves and freeze in sealed bags.
Roots: Clean, dry, and
store in a cool, dark, dry place.
General: Regularly check
for moisture, mold, or pests; discard compromised parts. Avoid plastic bags
that trap moisture; use glass or sturdy plastic with tight seals. Store in
small batches for best freshness.