Herbal Spotlight~ Nettles

Herbal Spotlight~ Nettles

posted in: Blog Post, Nutrition | 0

Botanical name – Urtica dioica, Urtica urens

Health Benefits Ahhchooo! Don’t let the last few weeks of chilly weather get you down. Boost your system with the medicinal herb, Stinging Nettles. Nettles are wonderful detoxifying tonic herb to use as a spring cleanser to assist the body in clearing out waste accumulated over winter.

Colds and flu’s are still bugging many people out and with allergy season upon us, stinging nettles magic boosts the body because of it’s ability to strengthen the digestive and respiratory systems.

Nettles:

  • Strengthen adrenal, urinary, lung and kidney function
  • Purify, build and nourish blood
  • Removes phlegm, alleviates dry cough
  • Reduces symptoms of PMS
  • Alleviates gout, asthma, rheumatic/arthritic conditions, and anemia
  • and can benefit those who suffer from seasonal allergies

Nutrients:

High in vitamins A and C, iron, potassium and protein.

Preparations:

Parts used –Leaves

Stinging nettles can be used fresh or dried

**Use caution when handling or harvesting fresh nettle plants as they are covered with stinging hairs that promote itching, stinging and blistering. Wear gloves to harvest.

The plant looses its sting and itch a few minutes after picking as well as after it is cooked.

To cure the sting– Rub yellow dock, plantain, rosemary, mint or sage on affected area.

Tea- steep fresh or dried leaves in just boiled water for 3-5 minutes, drink 3 cups daily

Tincture- 10-30 drops standard infusion, 1-3 times daily

Cook- steam this fresh potherb like you would spinach *do not cook or consume older stems. Nettles can also be used in soups, salads, and sauces.

Homeopathic remedy as tablet or pellet

Harvest before it flowers, in May or June. Gather mid morning after the dew has dried.

To dry, hang nettles in a bundle indoors in a well-ventilated room.

Storage– when completely dry, keep in airtight jars or tins