Episode 217: Nettle as Food, Medicine, and Relationship with Mary Blue

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Episode Summary

Stinging nettle has a reputation as a mineral-rich powerhouse—but what happens when you drink it every day for decades?

For many herbalists, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the first plants they fall in love with—and for herbalist Mary Blue, that relationship has only deepened over time. In this episode, I sit down with Mary to explore the many ways stinging nettle can nourish and support the body, as well as what it means to build such a deep, lasting relationship with a single plant.

Mary shares stories from her decades of working closely with stinging nettle, from harvesting hundreds of pounds each spring to drinking daily infusions and incorporating it into nearly every tea blend she creates. Her lifelong connection with nettle shows how even a common plant (one some consider a weed!) can support both physical and emotional health and become a profound source of nourishment, resilience, and daily support.

As delicious as it is medicinal, stinging nettle makes a wonderful addition to everyday meals. Mary shares one of her favorite ways to enjoy nettle as food: Stinging Nettle Pesto. You can download a beautifully illustrated recipe card for Mary’s pesto recipe from the section below.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► How stinging nettle can help support seasonal allergies

► When nettle works best as an infusion—and when a tincture might be useful

► The role nettle can play in supporting kidney health and detoxification

► How nettle can be worked with topically (yes, using the sting itself!) to ease joint pain and arthritis

► Why understanding herbal solvency is critical when deciding how to prepare herbs

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Mary Blue is a community herbalist, educator, and activist with over 25 years of experience. She founded Farmacy Herbs in Providence in 2006, growing it into a nationally respected hub for herbal education, farming, and health justice that has trained over 1,000 students and launched herb businesses across the country. Her work focuses on using herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle to support health.

Mary has taught and delivered keynote addresses and taught nationally including at universities, conferences, and community institutions. She has served as a Teaching Associate and Associate Professor at Brown University Medical School and spoke about herbalism at the United Nations Council on Women in 2012.  A widely cited and award-winning herbalist, Mary is a leading voice in community-centered herbal medicine. 

I’m delighted to share our conversation with you today!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Mary:

• Website | FarmacyHerbs.com
• Instagram | @maryblueherbalist 
• Facebook | Farmacy Herbs

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Mary Blue + her plant path
• [8:02] Herbal activism: Mary’s role in protecting fire cider for the masses
• [15:13] What Mary loves about stinging nettle
• [22:24] Tips for growing and harvesting nettle
• [27:34] Why Mary includes nettle in almost every herbal blend she creates
• [29:18] Herbal preparations for nettle: tea vs. tincture
• [35:19] Nettle for allergies
• [37:35] Nettle for the kidneys
• [43:25] Unexpected effects of herbs
• [45:17] Nettle Pesto recipe
• [48:23] Urtication: using nettle sting medicinally
• [53:16] Mary’s herbal offerings
• [1:00:47] How herbs have changed the way Mary sees the world
• [1:04:56] Student spotlight
• [1:06:02] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 0:32 - Intro to Mary Blue + her plant path
• 7:40 - Herbal activism: Mary’s role in protecting fire cider for the masses
• 15:01 - What Mary loves about stinging nettle
• 22:15 - Tips for growing and harvesting nettle
• 27:31 - Why Mary includes nettle in almost every herbal blend she creates
• 29:20 - Herbal preparations for nettle: tea vs. tincture
• 35:28 - Nettle for allergies
• 37:49 - Nettle for the kidneys
• 43:48 - Unexpected effects of herbs
• 45:40 - Nettle Pesto recipe
• 48:57 - Urtication: using nettle sting medicinally
• 53:45 - Mary’s herbal offerings
• 1:01:45 - How herbs have changed the way Mary sees the world
• 1:06:01 - Student spotlight
• 1:07:08 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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