Homemade Medicinal Nettle Soap (Step By Step Recipe)

Stop uprooting Nettles! You probably remember just how much it stings, but did you know what it can actually do to your skin? Rich in silica, magnesium, chlorophyll, and trace minerals, nettle supports circulation, soothes dryness, and strengthens both hair and nails. It has long been valued for helping calm redness, irritated skin, and seasonal discomforts. When infused into soap, nettle leaves transform a daily wash into a natural remedy that protects and nourishes the skin.

Store bought soaps often rely on sulfates and synthetic fragrances. These ingredients strip natural oils from the skin, leaving it vulnerable. A handcrafted nettle soap cleanses differently, respecting the skin’s natural barrier instead of harshly removing it. Using the simple method below and a few ingredients, you can make a medicinal bar that supports both skin and self reliance.

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Why Nettle Is Medicinal for Skin

Nettle contains plant compounds that act as gentle stimulants to the skin’s surface. These help improve circulation, which can support nutrient delivery and natural repair. The plant also contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it soothing for occasional flare ups like dryness, mild rashes, or irritation.

Because nettle is mineral rich, it pairs well with nourishing fats like olive or coconut oil. These oils act as carriers, helping the skin absorb the plant’s benefits more effectively. Unlike chemical exfoliants or scrub soaps, nettle works holistically through support, not abrasion. Its medicine is subtle and steady, the way nature intended.

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Before You Begin: Fresh or Dried Nettle?

You can use either, but dried nettle is best for soap making. Dried leaves prevent excess moisture from interfering with the soap-making process a and help the soap cure properly. Fresh leaves may cause spoilage over time if not fully dried.

Related: How To Make Homemade Soap

To dry nettle at home:

Harvest in spring or early summer.
Hang upside down in a dry place out of direct sunlight.
Once crisp, crumble gently and store in a jar.

If foraging is difficult, high quality dried nettle from an herbal supplier or health store works just as well.

Medicinal Nettle Soap: The Simplest Recipe

Ingredients:

10 oz olive oil
6 oz coconut oil
2 oz castor oil (optional for more lather)
2 tbsp dried nettle leaf, finely crushed
4.4 oz distilled water
2.1 oz lye, sodium hydroxide
Optional: 8 to 10 drops lavender, rosemary, or tea tree essential oil

Step By Step Instructions:

STEP 1: Infuse the Oil with Nettle

Warm all oils gently in a pot on low heat. Add the crushed nettle and let it steep for 20 to 30 minutes on the lowest setting. Strain out the leaves.

STEP 2: Mix the Lye and Water

In a heat safe container, slowly pour lye into water. Never pour water into lye as it can react too fast and erupt upward. Let the mixture cool until it is close in temperature to the oil, warm but not hot.

STEP 3: Combine and Blend

Pour the cooled lye mixture into the infused oils and mix with a stick blender until the mixture thickens slightly, known as trace. Add optional essential oils and stir gently.

STEP 4: Pour and Cure

Pour into a mold, tap to remove air bubbles, and cover. Remove from the mold after 24 to 48 hours, then cure for 4 to 6 weeks in a dry, cool space.

How to Use Medicinal Nettle Soap

This soap is gentle enough to use daily, especially on the hands, body, and scalp area. Its mineral content and mild anti-inflammatory nature make it especially supportive for dry skin, gardeners with frequent hand washing, aging skin, and anyone exposed to outdoor conditions.

Allow the bar to dry on a soap saver between uses. A well dried bar lasts significantly longer and maintains its medicinal benefits.

Because nettle supports circulation, it can be especially helpful when used with warm water. The gentle heat opens pores and allows minerals like magnesium and silica to better penetrate the skin. Those who struggle with rough patches on elbows, heels, or hands can benefit from letting the lather sit for one minute before rinsing.

For people with sensitive skin or mild irritation, try using the soap once a day at first, then increase use gradually if your skin responds well. If using it on the scalp, create a rich lather and massage gently before rinsing. Over time, nettle’s strengthening qualities can help support more resilient skin, especially in dry or winter conditions.

Tips for a Stronger Medicinal Bar

For a deeper green soap, add a pinch of powdered spirulina to the infused oil.
Use more coconut oil for a stronger cleansing bar, or more olive oil for extra nourishment.
If you prefer mild exfoliation, add one teaspoon of finely ground nettle to the soap at trace instead of straining all of it out.
To avoid irritation on sensitive skin, skip essential oils and keep it fragrance free.

You can also make a stronger salve like soap by adding one or two teaspoons of shea butter or cocoa butter into the oil mixture before adding the lye. These rich botanical fats help lock in moisture and deliver the nettle’s benefits more deeply, which is especially useful for dry or mature skin.

Another way to boost the medicinal value is to steep the nettle longer, up to two hours on the lowest heat. Keep the heat very gentle and stir occasionally. Slow infusion allows more minerals and chlorophyll to transfer into the oils, creating a richer color and a stronger skin nourishing bar.

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Final Thoughts

Nettle has long been misunderstood as a nuisance plant, yet it offers restorative support that modern skincare tries to imitate with synthetics. Making medicinal soap is not about crafting perfect beauty bars but about soothing your skin the way our grandparents did, with simple ingredients and zero chemicals. With only a handful of ingredients and basic kitchen tools, this recipe allows you to create a natural cleanser that respects both your skin and the environment.

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