About Nettle
Stinging nettle defends itself — and folk magic uses it the same way, to return harm to its sender and to protect the home. Nettle is also a nourishing spring food and tea.
A classic "returning harm to sender" protective herb; handle fresh nettle with care (stings).
History & folklore
In Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Wild Swans', the heroine weaves shirts of nettle to free her brothers from a curse. Nettle fibre was woven into cloth for centuries. In folk magic, nettle protects and returns harm to the sender.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Protection, healing, exorcism
- Latin name
- Urtica dioica
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Mars
- Best day
- Tuesday
- Moon phase
- Waning moon — for protection, clearing and letting go
- Intentions
- Protection, Healing
Ways to work with it
- Place a jar of dried nettle by the door to send ill wishes back.
- Add nettle to a protection sachet or witch bottle.
- Drink nettle tea as a strengthening spring ritual.
Growing & gathering
Nettles grow wild on rich, disturbed ground. Wear gloves and pick young tops in spring. Drying or cooking removes the sting.
Fresh nettle stings — wear gloves when handling it. Cooking or drying removes the sting.
Spells to try
Pairs well with
IvyProtection, healing, binding
AngelicaProtection, exorcism, healing
ElderflowerProtection, prosperity, healing
ComfreySafe travel, money, healingCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.