If you have ever brushed up against a weed and experienced a sensation similar to a bee sting, you have been officially introduced to stinging nettle.
Back when I was a child I learned quickly how to identify this plant to avoid getting stung. It was only when I began to study herbal medicine that I came to know this plant as a beneficial friend.
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Stinging nettle is a nutritional power house providing high levels of calcium, magnesium, chlorophyll, iron, and potassium among other nutrients. Nettles also contain B complex vitamins along with vitamins C, D and K.
Herbalist Susan Weed devotes an entire section of her book, Healing Wise to this plant. The book provides ideas for using nettle leaves, stalks, roots and seeds. Uses listed include soups, souffles, skin and hair care, beer, fertilizer, compost activator, and insecticide.
After reading all the virtues of this plant I knew I needed to add it to our family's diet. The first step was to acquire a taste for nettle infusion which I call my "multi-vitamin".
To brew the infusion, place dried or fresh nettles in a glass jar and pour in boiling water. Quickly cover the jar to prevent water soluble nutrients from evaporating out. Let stand overnight then strain. Herbal infusions are generally good for a maximum of three days.
Nettle can also be made into tinctures and salves. My latest adventure was to make the "Rich Russian Nettle Tonic" recipe in Susan Weeds book. Four cups of nettle tops are cooked in one cup of water for 15 minutes then strained and blended with a half cup of sour cream, garlic and salt. It was actually pretty good tasting and the most amazing color of green.
In early summer I enjoy smoothies made with raw nettles, frozen berries, maple syrup and yogurt.
Although stinging nettle does have non-edible look alikes, it is pretty easy to identify successfully due to the sting you receive. If you can handle the plant without getting stung, then it is not stinging nettle.
Another clue you can use is to look at the root system. Stinging nettle is an invasive plant with runner-like roots that grow both vertically and horizontally. The horizontal roots spread out and send up a new plant. That is why nettle is often seen growing in large clumps or drifts.
A few helpful tips;
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| Overhead view of stinging nettle in early spring. |
Back when I was a child I learned quickly how to identify this plant to avoid getting stung. It was only when I began to study herbal medicine that I came to know this plant as a beneficial friend.
Click Read More to see the complete post.
Stinging nettle is a nutritional power house providing high levels of calcium, magnesium, chlorophyll, iron, and potassium among other nutrients. Nettles also contain B complex vitamins along with vitamins C, D and K.
Herbalist Susan Weed devotes an entire section of her book, Healing Wise to this plant. The book provides ideas for using nettle leaves, stalks, roots and seeds. Uses listed include soups, souffles, skin and hair care, beer, fertilizer, compost activator, and insecticide.
After reading all the virtues of this plant I knew I needed to add it to our family's diet. The first step was to acquire a taste for nettle infusion which I call my "multi-vitamin".
To brew the infusion, place dried or fresh nettles in a glass jar and pour in boiling water. Quickly cover the jar to prevent water soluble nutrients from evaporating out. Let stand overnight then strain. Herbal infusions are generally good for a maximum of three days.
 |
| Dried nettle on the left and nettle infusion on the right. |
Nettle can also be made into tinctures and salves. My latest adventure was to make the "Rich Russian Nettle Tonic" recipe in Susan Weeds book. Four cups of nettle tops are cooked in one cup of water for 15 minutes then strained and blended with a half cup of sour cream, garlic and salt. It was actually pretty good tasting and the most amazing color of green.
In early summer I enjoy smoothies made with raw nettles, frozen berries, maple syrup and yogurt.
Although stinging nettle does have non-edible look alikes, it is pretty easy to identify successfully due to the sting you receive. If you can handle the plant without getting stung, then it is not stinging nettle.
Another clue you can use is to look at the root system. Stinging nettle is an invasive plant with runner-like roots that grow both vertically and horizontally. The horizontal roots spread out and send up a new plant. That is why nettle is often seen growing in large clumps or drifts.
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| Nettle with roots exposed. |
A few helpful tips;
- If you are unfamiliar with this herb, be sure to consult a field guide or a knowledgeable friend so you correctly identify the plant.
- Only use stinging nettle in the spring. Once the small and hard to see flowers develop the herb is no longer good for consumption.
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| Stinging Nettle with seeds. |
- In the spring, pick, bundle the stalks together with a rubber band and hang nettles to dry. Store in a sealed glass jar out of sunlight to enjoy the benefits of nettles all year long. Nettles that are complete dry do not sting.
- Cooking deactivates the nettle's ability to sting.
- Left over nettle infusion can be used as a rinse to strengthen hair or for a fertilizing boost for house plants.
- If you do get stung, look around for a dandelion. The white sap from a dandelion leaf or flower stem when applied to the sting will relieve the pain in a matter of seconds.
- When picking wild greens always make sure they are not in an area that could have been sprayed with herbicides.
- Handle nettles with care or you will be stung. Garden gloves, a long sleeved shirt and a healthy respect for the plant will make harvesting less painful.
- Check out this nettle blog post for even more information.
Please note: The objective of this blog is to raise awareness of alternative ways to achieve wellness and to empower you to take an active role in your health decisions. To accomplish this, you will need to explore these subjects in greater depth and then determine what makes sense for your life. My hope is that this information will inspire you to start your own search into ways to make your life happier, healthier and more fulfilling.
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