Take a look outside and you will see Nettle popping up everywhere right now, in ABUNDANCE!
So often dismissed as a weed, avoided for her sting, she grows abundantly at the edges... of paths, of gardens, of our attention. But step closer and Nettle reveals herself as one of our most generous plant allies.
In herbal medicine, Nettle is known for her richness... minerals, chlorophyll, vitality. Taken internally, she nourishes deeply. But what’s less often spoken about is her quiet brilliance for the skin.
Why Nettle for Skin?
Nettle leaf carries a gentle but powerful profile:
- Anti-inflammatory – helping to calm irritated or reactive skin
- Mineral-rich – supporting skin repair and resilience
- Circulatory support – encouraging healthy blood flow to the skin
- Traditionally used for conditions such as dryness, mild eczema, and general skin vitality
It’s not dramatic or flashy.
But it works in that slow, steady, deeply supportive way that so many plant medicines do.
I often think of Nettle as an oil for skin that needs rebuilding.
Skin that’s been through a lot.
Skin that’s a little depleted.
Skin that needs nourishment rather than rescue.
How to Make Nettle Oil
Making your own Nettle oil is simple!
You’ll need:
- Fresh nettle tops (young leaves are best)
- A carrier oil (sweet almond, olive, or jojoba all work well)
- A clean, dry jar
- A warm, light place
Step 1: Harvest mindfully
Gather Nettle tops on a dry day. Gloves on, unless you’re feeling brave. Choose vibrant, healthy plants—ideally away from roadsides.
Step 2: Wilt the leaves
Spread your Nettle out for a few hours to wilt. This reduces water content and helps prevent spoilage in your oil.
Step 3: Fill your jar
Loosely pack the wilted Nettle into your jar. Don’t cram it in too tightly.
Step 4: Cover with oil
Pour your chosen oil over the Nettle until fully submerged. Ensure no plant material is poking out above the surface. If so, poke it down with a chopstick.
Step 5: Infuse
Cover the jar with a piece of kitchen towel or muslin cloth, secured with an elastic band. Seal the jar and place it somewhere warm (a sunny windowsill works well). Let it infuse for 3–4 weeks, giving it a gentle stir every few days. You can whisper your prayers and spells into the oil as you go.
Step 6: Strain
Strain through a sieve, pressing the plant material to extract every last drop.
What you’re left with is a deep green oil... alive, vibrant and full of goodness.
How to Use It
Nettle oil is wonderfully versatile:
- As a daily facial oil for nourishment
- In an after-cleansing ritual, especially for dry or mature skin
- As a body oil for areas needing a little extra care
- Blended into balms or salves
It pairs beautifully with other infused oils too—rosehip for regeneration, calendula for soothing, echinacea for resilience.
