Apothecary
Nettle.
Urtica dioica
Also known as Stinging Nettle, Devil's Leaf, Common Nettle
The plant that stings the careless hand and protects the prepared one. Nettle is the herb of fierce healing, of curses unwound and boundaries restored — its sting is a small price for the strength of its green witchcraft.
Correspondences
Element
Fire
Planet
Mars
Zodiac
Aries, Scorpio
Chakra
Root
Parts Used
Leaves, seeds, root
Harvest
Spring to summer
Origin
UK everywhere
Moon Phases
New
Practice
Magical Properties
Protection, healing, breaking curses, lust, exorcism
Stuff a poppet with dried nettle and bury at the boundary of a property to protect. Throw into a fire to avert danger. Add to exorcism and protection blends.
Mundane
Mundane Uses
Nutritive — rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins. Diuretic, anti-inflammatory.
Devotion
Deity Associations
Thor
History
Folklore & History
Roman soldiers who came to Britain brought nettle seeds to plant to beat their skins with nettles to stay warm. For millennia, nettles were used to make cloth and paper.
Safety
Safety Notes
Fresh plant causes stinging — use gloves when handling. Generally safe once dried or cooked.
This information is provided for educational and magical reference only. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using herbs medicinally.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nettle used for in witchcraft?
Nettle is traditionally used in workings for protection, healing, breaking curses, lust, exorcism. Stuff a poppet with dried nettle and bury at the boundary of a property to protect.
What element is Nettle associated with?
Nettle is associated with the Fire element and the sign of Aries, Scorpio, and resonates with the Root chakra.
What planet rules Nettle?
Nettle is ruled by Mars. In the classical planetary system, this gives the herb its characteristic energetic signature and indicates which workings it most readily amplifies and which planetary hours best suit it.
Is Nettle safe to use?
Some care is required when working with Nettle. Fresh plant causes stinging — use gloves when handling. Generally safe once dried or cooked. The information here is provided for educational and magical reference only — always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb medicinally.
In Your Practice
Track your work with Nettle.
Record spells, rituals, and observations in your private digital grimoire.
Related
More Fire Herbs
Angelica
Sun
Tall and stately as the angel for whom it is named, angelica stands at the threshold between the mortal and the divine. …
Basil
Mars
Called the Witches' Herb in old Italian kitchens, basil holds within its bright leaves a fierce protectiveness that masq…
Bay Laurel
Sun
The leaf the Pythia chewed before she spoke at Delphi still holds the breath of prophecy. Write a wish upon a bay leaf a…
Be among the first
Grimoire is now available on Android. Join the waitlist to be notified when iOS launches.