About this episode

This episode explores the relationship between herbalist Mary Blue and stinging nettle, discussing its nutritional and medicinal benefits.

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 here…

People in this episode

Host: Rosalee de la Forêt

Guest: Mary Blue

Topics covered

• stinging nettle
• herbalism
• nutrition
• emotional health
• seasonal allergies
• kidney health

Keywords

• stinging nettle
• herbalist
• nutrition
• infusion
• pesto
• health benefits
• emotional support

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Stinging Nettle Pesto

Books & works: Stinging Nettle

Places: Urtica dioica

More episodes of Herbs with Rosalee

• Peach Leaf for Nausea, Anxiety, and More with Betsy Miller · April 22, 2026 · 39 min
• Before You Pull Pennywort, Listen to This - with April Punsalan · April 15, 2026 · 51 min
• Nettle Myths You Should Stop Believing · April 10, 2026 · 4 min
• Nettle Immersion: A 30-Day Journey with This Nourishing Plant · April 8, 2026 · 9 min
• Mullein, Smoke, and Harm Reduction with Lian Bruno + Lung Lube: an After-Smoke Syrup · April 8, 2026 · 1h 14m
• Why Herbalists Use Hawthorn for Heartbreak and Heart Disease with Betzy Bancroft · April 1, 2026 · 1h 2m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Herbs with Rosalee podcast page.