This traditional preparation creates a potent massage oil that penetrates deep into the tissues to soothe aching knees, hands, or back muscles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Nettle Leaves: (Dried leaves are preferred for oil infusions to prevent mold).
- 1.5 cups Carrier Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Sweet Almond Oil work beautifully.
- Optional: 5 drops of Peppermint or Ginger essential oil for an added warming/cooling effect.
Instructions
- Fill the Jar: Place the dried nettle leaves into a clean, dry glass jar, filling it about halfway.
- Submerge: Pour your chosen oil over the leaves until they are completely covered by at least an inch of oil.
- The Infusion Process:
- The Patient Method (Solar): Cap the jar and place it in a sunny windowsill for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking it daily.
- The Quick Method (Heat): Place the jar (without the lid) in a pot of simmering water (a double boiler) on very low heat for 3 to 5 hours. Do not let the oil boil.
- Strain: Pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze the cloth firmly to extract every medicinal drop.
- Store: Pour the green-tinted oil into a dark glass bottle. Add your essential oils if using. Label it and store it in a cool, dark place.
Benefits for Bones and Joints
- Anti-Inflammatory Action: Nettle contains active compounds that inhibit the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals in the body that signal inflammation and pain in the joints.
- Circulatory Stimulant: Rubbing this oil into the skin stimulates blood flow to the affected area, which helps flush out metabolic waste and brings fresh nutrients to the joint.
- Mineral Absorption: While most minerals are absorbed through diet, the silica and sulfur in nettle support the connective tissues (ligaments and tendons) when used as a regular massage oil.
- Gentle Desensitization: Traditional “urtication” (deliberately stinging the skin with fresh nettle) was used to treat arthritis; this oil provides a much gentler version of that relief without the painful sting.
Important Considerations
- Skin Sensitivity: Even though dried nettle usually loses its “sting,” always perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you don’t have a reaction to the plant’s enzymes.
- Internal Pairing: For the best results with chronic joint issues, many herbalists suggest using the oil externally while drinking a cup of nettle tea daily to provide “inside-out” support.
- Consistency: For chronic bone or joint discomfort, apply the oil 2 to 3 times daily. The benefits of nettle often build up over time.
