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Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)

Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)

Dried stinging nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), harvested in Anatolia and shade-dried, supplied in bulk for herbal tea, food and extract manufacturers.

Urtica dioica: Stinging nettle is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Urticaceae family. It grows naturally in almost every region of Türkiye and is common on roadsides, in gardens, at forest edges and in humid areas. The parts used commercially are the leaf and the aerial parts.

What is nettle leaf?

Nettle is recognised by its serrated, oppositely arranged leaves and its square stem. Leaves and stem are covered with fine stinging hairs that cause temporary burning and itching on contact with skin. The species epithet dioica refers to male and female flowers occurring on separate plants.

Does dried nettle still sting?

No. The hairs responsible for the stinging effect lose their structure during drying and processing, so dried nettle leaf does not sting on contact. This is also why the plant is used as food and tea in its dried or cooked form.

How is nettle harvested and dried?

Harvesting is carried out before flowering or at the beginning of flowering, when the leaves are at their most developed. The material is dried in ventilated conditions away from direct sunlight to preserve colour. After drying, stems and foreign matter are separated, and the leaves are sieved, graded and baled.

What does nettle leaf contain?

Nettle leaf contains vitamins A, C and K along with minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. This is a statement about the plant's composition and carries no claim of health effect.

What is nettle leaf used for?

  • Herbal tea industry: infusion teas and blend component
  • Food manufacturing: traditional dishes such as soups and pastries, and nettle powder production
  • Extraction: raw material for botanical extract production
  • Cosmetics industry: plant ingredient in hair and skin care formulations

How is high-quality dried nettle leaf identified?

The main criteria are a preserved dark green colour, a low stem ratio, absence of foreign matter, uniform particle size and controlled moisture content. Nettle dried in direct sunlight turns yellow and loses commercial value.

Traditional use of nettle

Nettle has been eaten as a vegetable in Anatolian cuisine for centuries and has also been consumed as an infusion. It has additionally been used as a fibre and dye plant. The information given here refers to traditional use and makes no claim of therapeutic effect. A healthcare professional should be consulted regarding the use of herbal products.

Bulk nettle leaf supply and export

Organicure supplies and exports dried nettle leaf in baled form, sourced by wild collection in the mountains of Anatolia. Please contact us regarding bulk supply, contract harvesting and regular shipment programmes for herbal tea producers, the food industry, extract manufacturers and the cosmetics industry.

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