 People often ask me what my favorite herb is.
Here are my top four and why: Two of them are considered “weeds” that people want to get rid of. Not me! I harvest my lawn before I mow💚 🌿Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) — The Joyful Heart Calmer Physical benefits: • Nervine relaxant: Gently calms the nervous system, easing anxiety, restlessness, and sleeplessness. • Digestive aid: Soothes indigestion, especially when stress-related (“the gut–heart connection”). • Antiviral: Has a strong affinity for the herpes family of viruses (cold sores, shingles). • Thyroid support: Can help calm overactive thyroid function (especially when anxiety-driven). Energetic/spiritual resonance: • Lemon balm opens the heart to sunlight after a storm. It restores joy and optimism when grief or worry dims the inner radiance. • It carries a golden vibration—balancing solar plexus and heart—reminding you of your innate innocence and light. • Often called “the gladdening herb of the heart,” it gently lifts frequency from sorrow into serenity. ⸻ 🌿 Nettles (Urtica dioica) — The Green Blood of the Earth Physical benefits: • Deeply nutritive: Rich in minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, silica, potassium) and chlorophyll—literally food for rebuilding vitality. • Adrenal and kidney tonic: Strengthens the body’s energy reserves and resilience to stress. • Allergy ally: Supports the body in moderating histamine responses. • Anti-inflammatory: Helpful for arthritis, eczema, and general tissue irritation. Energetic/spiritual resonance: • Nettles teach boundaries and vitality. Their sting awakens presence and reminds you that protection can coexist with generosity. • They root the soul deeply into the body, restoring connection to Earth’s life force. • As a tonic of empowerment, they help one stand tall—anchored in self-worth and purpose. ⸻ 💚 Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) — The Heart’s Fierce Protector Physical benefits: • Cardiac tonic: Strengthens and calms the heart, especially when palpitations arise from anxiety. • Nervine: Quiets tension, restlessness, and emotional overwhelm. • Menstrual ally: Regulates cycles, eases PMS and cramps through uterine relaxation. • Menopausal support: Soothes hot flashes and irritability with cooling energy. Energetic/spiritual resonance: • Motherwort carries the archetype of the Divine Mother with boundaries. She comforts, but also commands you to stand in your truth. • It opens the heart while grounding the emotions—especially for those who mother everyone but themselves. • For the empath and healer, Motherwort teaches fierce compassion: to care deeply without depletion. ⸻ 🌿Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) — The Liberator and Detoxifier Physical benefits: • Liver tonic: Supports bile flow, detoxification, and overall metabolic balance. • Digestive stimulant: Bitter tonic that awakens appetite and digestion. • Diuretic: Supports kidney and bladder health without depleting potassium. • Blood purifier: Encourages healthy elimination and skin clarity. Energetic/spiritual resonance: • Dandelion carries the energy of release and renewal. It dissolves stagnation—physically, emotionally, energetically. • It helps one forgive, let go, and transmute old anger or resentment stored in the liver. • As a sun–earth bridge, its bright flower reminds you to rise again, no matter how many times you’re mowed down.
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 I got this note from a customer this afternoon “Time to refill the best allergy relief I've experienced!” Yes Nettles is a powerhouse for allergy relief and one of my go too at this time of the year. Pesky ragweed is in full bloom.
Most people think of nettles as a pesky weed best avoided because of their sting, but those of us who walk the plant path know that nettles are one of the greatest gifts nature has to offer. This humble plant is a true ally that is deeply nourishing, strengthening, and protective. I like to think of nettles as the Green Guardian: a plant that stands tall, establishes strong boundaries with its sting, yet gives endlessly when we approach with respect. I have some in my garden that are 8 feet tall! Beneath its prickly exterior lies a wealth of healing, both physical and spiritual. A Multivitamin from the Earth Nettles are one of the most nutrient-dense plants you can find. They are brimming with vitamins A, C, K, and the B vitamins, and are rich in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica. When you drink a long infusion of nettles, it’s like drinking liquid green vitality—nature’s multivitamin in its purest form. They build the blood, restore energy, and bring strength to the whole body. For those feeling depleted, run down, or recovering from illness, nettles offer a steady foundation of nourishment. Relief for Allergies & Respiratory Health One of nettles’ most celebrated gifts is their ability to ease seasonal allergies. Their natural antihistamine qualities calm the sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion that so often accompany spring and summer. Unlike pharmaceutical antihistamines that suppress and often dry out the body, nettles work in harmony with our systems. They reduce inflammation, modulate the immune response, and bring balance. Drinking daily nettle infusions or taking a tincture during allergy season can provide both immediate relief and long-term resilience, helping the body meet the world with greater ease. Soothing Inflammation, Strengthening Systems Beyond allergies, nettles are a trusted ally for joint pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. They gently cleanse the kidneys and urinary tract, support the adrenals, and nourish reproductive health. Many herbalists also turn to nettles during pregnancy, where they help build strength, vitality, and mineral reserves for both mother and child. Energetic & Spiritual Medicine On an energetic level, nettles embody strength and boundaries. Their sting reminds us that it’s okay to protect ourselves, to say no, and to hold our ground. Yet, once respected, they open their arms wide, offering endless nourishment. Working with nettles can help us embody resilience. They teach us that discomfort can be a doorway to healing, and that true vitality comes from knowing when to defend our energy and when to give generously. Inviting Nettles into Your Life
Closing Thoughts Nettles may be humble, even prickly at first glance, but they hold the essence of true generosity. They nourish the body deeply, calm inflammation, and bring balance to our immune system. They also remind us of the importance of strong boundaries and inner strength. When you welcome nettles into your daily rhythm, you invite vitality, resilience, and grounded healing into your life. This “weed” becomes a wise teacher, a nourishing tonic, and a steadfast ally. Here is the link to the high frequency nettles tincture that I make. They go fast at this time of the year with pesky ragweed in full bloom. https://www.katelyndavidamariah.com/tinctures.html
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AuthorKatelyn Davida Mariah BFA, MA, visionary artist, award winning author, traditional herbalist, studied with Rosemary Gladstar 
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