Nettle Oil

Oleum Urticae

Historical tradition – not medical advice, and no health or healing claims. more

Historical botanical drawing: Nettle — Nettle

Tradition (Hildegard's writings)

In Hildegard's tradition, nettle oil was associated with memory and mental freshness.

Ingredients

Freshly pressed nettle juice and olive oil.

Preparation

To make your own, combine 10 ml of freshly pressed nettle juice with 20 ml of olive oil. Traditionally the spring nettle is gathered at a waxing moon, chopped in a blender and pressed; the juice is preserved with 68 % food-grade alcohol (about 20 ml per 100 ml of juice). Shake it together with the olive oil, add a drop of rose oil if you wish, pour into dark bottles and store in a cool place.

Note

Tradition records that particular importance was attached to the exact order of the rub.

Botanical background

The nettle contains essential oils, bioflavonoids, vitamin C and B vitamins. Traditional herbal lore credits it with a stimulating effect on the nervous system.

Sources & references

Strehlow, Wighard: Die Hildegard-Naturapotheke. Heilmittel und Rezepte von A bis Z. Knaur Verlag 2014. S. 58.
Hildegard von Bingen: Heilsame Schöpfung. Die natürliche Wirkkraft der Dinge (Physica). Hrsg. von der Abtei St. Hildegard, Eibingen. Beuroner Kunstverlag 2012 (4. Auflage 2024). Cap. 1-100 (Brennessel).
Heepen, Günther H.: Das Heilwissen der Hildegard von Bingen. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag 2015. S. 68.
Breindl, Ellen: Das große Gesundheitsbuch der Hl. Hildegard von Bingen. Bassermann Verlag 2004. S. 178.

The text of this entry is an independent summary in our own words, based on the works listed – not a verbatim reproduction. The page and chapter references document where the content comes from. A superscript number on a section heading points to the work that section follows. All rights to the original works remain with their authors and publishers.

More preparations using Nettle

Nettle Juice and Hemp Compress Nettle Leaves Stinging nettle

Historical tradition. The above describes how this preparation was recorded and used in the tradition of Hildegard of Bingen. This is cultural-historical information, not medical advice and not a health or healing claim, and it is no substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. If you have health complaints, please consult your doctor or pharmacy.

‹ Back to the encyclopaedia