Nettle, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, is often recognized as a common wild plant found in various natural settings. However, only a small number of people are aware of its remarkable versatility, particularly when it comes to using it as a natural remedy in everyday health care.
This plant, abundant in nutrients, holds hidden potential that makes it an exceptional ingredient for addressing a range of ailments. As the autumn season sets in, the combination of fluctuating temperatures and the drying effects of cooler air on the skin can lead to discomfort and irritation.
During such times, a homemade nettle ointment can act as a soothing remedy, offering much-needed relief. Beyond merely being beneficial for dry or irritated skin, this powerful preparation can also be an effective aid for alleviating joint pain and other related discomforts. In this guide, you will discover simple steps to create your own nettle-based ointment at home. By incorporating this multi-functional plant into your self-care routine, you can unlock its full potential for managing various skin challenges and promoting natural healing for achy joints, ensuring your body stays nourished and cared for throughout the season.
Homemade cough syrup – with just three ingredients! Here’s how it’s done!Why should you have nettle ointment in your home in November?
THE October and the November they are a good time to gather wild herbs such as nettles. It grows until November and even at this time of year it still offers numerous leaves for an oily extract or for the preparation of ointments. Especially now, when the skin is stressed by cooler temperatures and hot, dry air, the nourishing and healing effects of nettle ointment are particularly valuable. It also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional skincare products as it is based on natural and easily available ingredients.
Instructions: How to prepare nettle ointment
For a homemade nettle ointment you only need a few ingredients and a little patience. The result is a nourishing ointment that you can use for skin irritations, joint pain, and even muscle pain.
Use nettle all year round
Nettle is available almost all year round, but many other wild herbs can also be found in nature. If you want to delve deeper into the world of nettles, we recommend our book “Nettle – queen of wild plants” (available here), in which we share many recipes, uses and stories about this versatile plant. Along with impressive macro shots, you’ll learn all about nettle and its ecosystem. There you will also find the recipe for nettle ointment to read.
Ingredients for the hot extract:
- 250 ml of high quality olive oil
- 15-20 g of fresh nettle leaves
- 22 g of beeswax
- 30 g Lanolin (alternative to cocoa or shea butter)
- 14 drops of essential oil (e.g. lavender, lemon or grapefruit)
Step by step instructions:
- Crush the nettle leaves and place them in a heatproof container together with the olive oil.
- Heat the oil with the nettles in a bain-marie for about an hour (optional: use an ointment oven for a longer extraction).
- Strain the oil through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
- Add the beeswax and lanolin and heat the mixture until it melts.
- Add the essential oil and pour the mixture into clean jars.
- Allow the ointment to cool before closing the lid to prevent condensation from forming.
Areas of application of nettle ointment
Nettle ointment is a real all-rounder and can be used for various ailments:
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Natural sunscreen: These alternatives are available- Skin irritations: For dry or irritated skin, it relieves itching and promotes healing.
- Joint pain and muscle pain: Its anti-inflammatory effect helps in case of muscle and joint pain.
- Acne and psoriasis: In folk medicine, nettle ointment was used to relieve skin problems such as acne and psoriasis.
Important note: Be aware of allergies
Although the Nettle is a versatile medicinal plant, people with histamine intolerance or sensitive skin should pay attention. Test the ointment on a small area of skin first to make sure you can tolerate it.
Purchase high-quality beeswax for nettle ointment
In order for your ointment to have the right consistency and to store optimally, it is important to use high-quality beeswax. We recommend beeswax tablets from Beegut (available here), which we ourselves have been using for a long time. With the discount code HERBS CELLAR10 You will also receive a 10% discount on your order.
Discover and collect wild plants in the fall
Want to learn more about edible wild and medicinal plants in autumn? Then you should check out our brand new one Autumn edition of the Kräuterkeller magazine not to be missed (available here). There you will also find many inspirations and recipes about the autumn season. We create this magazine ourselves and only print a small edition, which we package ourselves and send to the post office. So it’s best to order directly from our store our new autumn edition.
Storage tips: This way the nettle ointment will last longer
To ensure that your homemade ointment lasts as long as possible, you should store it in a cool, opaque container. A cool basement or dark closet works well. If stored correctly, it will last at least six months and remain fresh and effective.
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The 10 most popular plants in December: tips for care and festive decorationConclusion: rediscover old acquaintances
Nettle ointment is an old home remedy that is being rediscovered today. It’s easy to make, versatile, and a wonderful addition to any medicine cabinet. Try it and discover the healing power of nature for yourself.
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