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 one of my favorite stories, "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 here.

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.

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Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.com

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video.

You can find Juliet at TheGirlWhoseGardenComesAlive.com.

For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!

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On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health.

Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com.

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Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal and co-author of the bestselling book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She's a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and teaches many popular online courses. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here.