Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Nettle
The Herbs

(Urtica dioica) Leaf: G

Folk Names: Ortiga Ancha, Stinging Nettle

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Deity: Thor

Powers: Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust

Magical Uses: The protective powers of the nettle have long been used in magic. To remove a curse and send it back, stuff a poppet with nettle, or carry some in a sachet.

Also, sprinkle nettle around the house to keep evil out and to send it back. Nettle is also thrown onto a fire to avert danger, held in the hand to ward off ghosts, carried with yarrow to allay fear, and worn as an amulet to keep negativity far away.

A pot of freshly cut nettles placed beneath a sickbed will aid in the person’s recovery.

Nettle has sometimes been used as a lust-inducing herb, and contemporary Mexican spiritualists recommend its use in purification baths—because it is “more carnivorous” than other herbs, and so will work more efficiently.