Sufi & Islamic Mystical Medicine

Nettle (Qarrais)

Urtica dioica

About Nettle (Qarrais)

Nettle (Qarrais) (Urtica dioica) is a herb used in the Sufi & Islamic Mystical Medicine tradition to help with Arthritis, Anemia, Allergy, and Kidney Support, among 1 other condition it addresses. The leaves and root are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Urtica dioica, often called common nettle, stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting) or nettle leaf, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and western North America, and introduced elsewhere. The species is divided into six subspecies, five of which have many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Leaves · internalRoot · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Nettle (Qarrais) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Nettle (Qarrais) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Nettle (Qarrais) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Nettle (Qarrais) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Nettle (Qarrais).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Nettle (Qarrais) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Likely Safe

Nettle leaf infusion is one of the most widely recommended pregnancy herbs by midwives — used throughout pregnancy as a mineral-rich nutritive tonic. Nettle root (used for prostate health) is a different preparation with less pregnancy safety data.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Widely used and traditionally considered supportive of milk supply and postpartum recovery due to its mineral content.

Children

Likely Safe

The leaf is commonly used as a mild nutritive tea for children; be aware raw fresh nettle causes a stinging skin reaction and must be dried or cooked before use.

Contraindications

  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Blood thinners, blood pressure and blood sugar medications

Nettle may affect all three — monitor closely if combining.

Lithium

Diuretic effect may alter lithium clearance.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Various global regions

Climate

Varied

Habitat

Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

🌿 To see Nettle (Qarrais) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Nettle (Qarrais), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.