Nettle (Urtica dioica) may well be my favorite herb, and is certainly one of my best and most consistent sellers are Herban Wellness.  An herb high in chlorophyll, minerals and vitamins, the leaf also acts as a diuretic, helping to move fluid through the kidneys, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine, helping to relieve the symptoms of allergies.  I have combined this nutritious and tonifying (overall strengthening) herb with lemon balm, a fantastic calming mint-family plant, spearmint, and peppermint, all of which are also high in minerals and vitamins, and have the added benefit of cooling and refreshing.  Steep this mixture overnight in hot or cold water, strain or press out the plant material, and store in the fridge or pour over ice for a hydrating, electrolyte-replenishing, and refreshing beverage.
Contains Nettle leaf, Lemon balm, Spearmint, and Peppermint

A plant that grows abundantly and well in the Pacific Northwest, many people are familiar with it only because of its sting (its other name is Stinging Nettle).  This “sting” comes from little hairs that cover the stem and much of the leaves of this plant and when brushed against or grabbed will impart formic acid to the skin, which causes a mild burning/stinging sensation that can last for hours.  When dried, it loses much or all of this property, and when cooked or made into a tea or extract, it loses this effect entirely, which is why we can use it in food and medicine.
I like to describe nettle as a “dark, leafy green.”  It can be added to soups, stir fries, baked into lasagna, made into pesto, etc. when collected (carefully) fresh.  It is very high in minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium, which when consumed in food or as a “long infusion”, which means soaked in either hot or cold water overnight or at least 4 hours, strained, and drank, the many minerals are in the liquid and can be readily absorbed and utilized by the body in this form.
Traditionally, the leaf has been used as a kidney tonic and diuretic, helping to move fluid, lessen edema, to break up stones, and ease discomfort in the kidneys or bladder.  It has also been used as an anti-inflammatory, by inhibiting prostaglandin formation , for helping with the pains of arthritis and other joint inflammation or injuries to tendons, ligaments, or muscle.  Nettle leaf also has an antihistamine effect, particularly when it is freeze-dried, so can help with the effects of seasonal and other air-born allergies, helping with hives and other allergic skin reactions.
Nettle leaf is considered a “tonic” herb in herbal medicine, meaning that it is strengthening and beneficial for the body over time.  It is a nutritionally-rich herb and a useful medicine.
The nettle root also has an affinity for the urinary tract, and is particularly used for its positive effect on prostate health.  It helps reduce inflammation, inhibits the growth of prostate cells, and can help with urine flow and comfort.   Nettle root appears to interfere with the formation of the stronger-acting testosterone, which is linked to prostate inflammation, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Herbs are plants, and contain many compounds, so unlike most pharmaceutical medications, they often do not have as dramatic an action, but they also usually don’t have as many negative side effects.  As humans, we have co-evolved with plant life for thousands of years.  Our bodies recognize and respond to plants because of this and so can use them for our benefit because of historical use and knowledge gained from modern research, if we so choose.
In herbal literature and in my personal use of herbs, I have found that herbs can act to strengthen and balance the body.  They can act as anti-inflammatory agents, have antioxidant effects, and are able to protect, support, and balance organ systems, such as the liver, heart, and adrenal glands.  In this way, they can actually work with the body to restore or increase health, which is where the body naturally wants to be.
In my shop, I would say my customers come from 3 camps: (1) those that already prefer a more natural approach to managing their symptoms, and/or would like to do more to address the “root cause” than treat symptoms; (2) those that are currently on medications and would like to get off of them because they are concerned about the long-term implications or because they do not like the negative effects of the drug; (3) those that are not really being helped by anything and are willing to try something like herbal medicine that they may be quite skeptical about.
The most common things people come in for, and the most common complaints herbs are often able to help with, are nervous system imbalances, like anxiety and insomnia;  digestive problems, such as acid reflux, irritable bowel complaints, indigestion; stress-related imbalances, such as adrenal fatigue and low immunity; cardiovascular problems, like high blood pressure and cholesterol, sluggish circulation; and much more!  It is very gratifying to be able to help someone feel better because of my knowledge of how herbs can help and their willingness to take them and give them a chance to work.