Nettle: The Humble Plant of Saints, Sages

In spring, nettles clean your blood and awaken your body. This wild, sting-covered herb, known as urzica in Romanian, has long been underestimated. Most people know it only as the prickly plant that causes a rash when touched, but for those raised close to nature, nettle isn’t a weed - it’s a healer, a purifier, and even a spiritual ally.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) grows in the quiet corners of forests, fields, and gardens. In Romania, as soon as winter recedes, the first nettles are gathered with care. Rich in iron, magnesium, and chlorophyll, nettle is often one of the first foods consumed in spring to detox the body and awaken energy after the cold months.

Its slightly bitter taste is its medicine. Nettle stimulates the liver, supports blood sugar balance, boosts circulation, and helps cleanse the digestive system. In folk medicine, it has been used for centuries to combat anemia, strengthen hair, reduce inflammation, and support immunity.

Few know that nettle has been used in spiritual fasting traditions around the world. One of the most famous stories comes from the Himalayas. The 11th-century Tibetan mystic Milarepa is said to have lived for years in a mountain cave, surviving only on nettles and spring water. Legend says his skin turned green from the plant’s chlorophyll, but his spirit reached enlightenment.

Closer to home, Romanian Orthodox monks in secluded monasteries also used nettles during long fasting periods. In the silence of the mountains, nettles were boiled with reverence and eaten in simplicity nourishing not only the body, but also the soul.

In Romania, nettles are not only a remedy they are a beloved seasonal dish. When nettle season arrives, families gather the young, tender leaves, boil them down, and turn them into a thick, hearty purée. This purée is often flavored with fresh garlic and a bit of oil or butter. The star of the plate, however, is the classic side dish: mămăligă or the Romanian polenta. Soft, golden, and steaming, it's the perfect partner for the rich, earthy flavor of nettles.

Beyond its nutritional and medicinal value, nettle has also played a role in esoteric practices. Seen as a plant of strength and protection, nettle was once hung above doors or burned to ward off negative energy. It teaches respect you can’t handle it carelessly but in return, it offers vitality, clarity, and grounded power.

A Word of Caution

Despite its many benefits, nettle should be used responsibly. People allergic to similar plants should avoid it, and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication (especially blood thinners) should consult a doctor before using nettle regularly.