Nettle

Genus & Species: Urtica dioica
Common Names: Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Dwarf Nettle, Devil’s Leaf
Overview: Nettle is a common perennial herb native to western North America, Europe, and northern Africa. It can often be found on disturbed soil or at the edge of forests. [1] This powerful plant is so well-known within herbal medicine for its ability to impart vitality and vibrancy that there is a common saying among herbalists, “When in doubt, use nettles!”. Plants can often give us hints about their medicinal properties through their color, preferred environment, or growth patterns, and in the case of nettle, it is one of the first plants to sprout in the early spring. And indeed, nettle is packed full of the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that a comforting winter diet might lack. [2] This herb’s impressive nutrient profile includes vitamin A, C, E, F, K, and P, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, copper, magnesium and selenium. If that wasn’t enough, nettle contains high amounts of vitamin B-complexes such as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and B-6, all of which act as potent antioxidants. [1,3]
Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood-builder, detoxifier, diuretic, endocrine supporter, nutritive tonic, vulnerary. 
Typical Uses: Infusion is a common preparation of nettles. This can be done by pouring boiling water over the leaves and allowing the mixture to slowly steep over a period of 8-24 hours. With this method all of the vitamins and minerals are given enough time to fully dissolve into the water, resulting in a delicious tea that can be drunk throughout the day. [2] Drinking an infusion regularly for a few weeks in early spring can also significantly reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies. [3] For topical use, nettle can be infused into an oil and applied directly to inflamed areas that need some attention. Nettle is also a fantastic herb for everyday skin care. Oxidative stress is one of the largest causes of skin aging and nettle provides the skin with many different kinds of antioxidants which slow this process down. [1,4]

References:

1. Nettle | Herb Rally

2. A Family Herb: Stinging Nettle Leaf Uses | Herbal Academy

3. Nettle: Herb of the Week | CommonWealth Center For Holistic Herbalism

4. Oxidative Stress in Aging Human Skin | PubMed Central®