Episode 227: Nettle as a Restorative Herb with Juliet Howard

---

---

Episode Summary

What can an old fairy tale teach us about one of herbalism’s most trusted plants?

In this episode, herbalist and storyteller Juliet Howard shares the story of The Wild Swans, an old tale in which stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) plays a central role in healing, devotion, and liberation. From there, our conversation unfolds into a rich exploration of nettle’s gifts—from its nourishing minerals and restorative qualities to its role as a fiber plant, natural dye, and lifelong herbal companion.

Through story, personal experience, and practical herbal wisdom, Juliet reveals why stinging nettle remains such a treasured herbal ally. Along the way, she offers a thoughtful reminder that some of the most meaningful healing happens slowly, through relationship, consistency, and practice. 

Juliet also shares her Heavy Nettle Daily Tonic, combining nettle with a few beloved herbal allies to make a deeply nourishing infusion. You can download your beautifully illustrated recipe card from the section below.

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

► Why stinging nettle is a gateway herb for so many herbalists

► How nettle is able to break real-life “enchantments” and help bring you back into yourself

► Why nettle works best as a long-term herbal ally

► A simple daily practice that can transform your relationship with this common weed

► What it means to think of plants as friends (rather than simply as resources)

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Juliet’s relationship to the wisdom and magic of the plant world began at a very early age while living on the wild cliffs of the Oregon coast. The purpose of her work is to help people come home to themselves through fostering deeper relationships to plants and the natural world. It is her strong conviction that plants are a powerful portal into the magic and wonder of being alive and embodied.

With her book, The Girl Whose Garden Comes Alive, Juliet’s intention is to help children cultivate lifelong reciprocal relationships with the green world, making them feel both empowered and connected to the land around them.

This episode is part herbal conversation, part story hour, and entirely delightful. Whether you already love stinging nettle or are just getting to know it, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the many ways this humble plant nourishes, restores, and surprises us. 

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 Juliet:

• Website | TheGirlWhoseGardenComesAlive.com
• Instagram | @daymoon.botanicals

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09] Intro to Juliet Howard + Juliet’s plant path
• [9:51] Herbs in fairy tales and folklore: a retelling of “The Wild Swans” by Hans Christian Andersen
• [25:00] The restorative nature of nettle
• [31:57] Nettle as a rite of passage
• [34:03] Heavy Nettle Daily Tonic recipe
• [39:01] Nettle plant dye
• [41:07] Juliet’s book, The Girl Whose Garden Comes Alive
• [50:20] Plants as lifelong friends and allies
• [56:53] Student spotlight
• [58:14] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

A tasty daily tonic that is packed with essential and nourishing minerals and vitamins to support overall health and vitality.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup dried stinging nettle
• 1/4 cup dried oatstraw
• 1 Tbsp cut and sifted dried rose hips

Directions:

1. Add all herbs to a quart jar or quart-sized french press.
2. Boil water and let it cool for a few minutes before pouring over the blend to fill jar.
3. Let steep for 4 hours (or up to 8 hours).
4. Strain and enjoy.

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 0:27 - Intro to Juliet Howard + Juliet’s plant path
• 09:24 - Herbs in fairy tales and folklore: a retelling of “The Wild Swans” by Hans Christian Andersen
• 24:48 - The restorative nature of nettle
• 31:54 - Nettle as a rite of passage
• 34:02 - Heavy Nettle Daily Tonic recipe
• 39:13 - Nettle plant dye
• 41:21 - Juliet’s book, The Girl Whose Garden Comes Alive
• 50:48 - Plants as lifelong friends and allies
• 57:31 - Student spotlight
• 58:51 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

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

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


Are You Ready for More Herbal Inspiration?

The best way to get started is by joining my herbal community and weekly newsletter where I share my best herbal tips and insights.

When you join you’ll also get access to The Herbal Jumpstart Course which helps you figure out the best herbs for you.

Sign up below!

Yes!

Sign me up for weekly herbal tips, recipes, and insights. 

Name:

Email:

We respect your email privacy