Today I harvested nettles that have overtaken the back of my allotment and wanted to sing their praises as a free native superfood and natural medicine. I can’t think of a herb that deserves more credit for the gifts it brings us. Its benefits are endless!
Stinging nettles are one of the most nutritive and versatile herbs, suitable for all ages groups. The entire plant can be used medicinally, including the leaves, stems, seeds and roots. However, I am only focusing on the benefits of nettle leaves for this post as they are harvested in spring when they contain the most nutrients.
Rich in protein, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, C and K, iron, silica, potassium, iodine, magnesium and calcium, nettle's nutrients are easily assimilated by your body to help improve the quality of your hair, skin, nails and blood vessels. You should notice visible results within 4 weeks of taking nettles. As a nourishing and energising spring tonic they provide you more stamina, are supportive when you are feeling weak and depleted such as adrenal exhaustion or recovering from an illness.
Nettle's rich green leaves have one of highest chlorophyll contents of our native herbs making them an excellent blood purifier and blood tonic. Along with their easily assimilated iron content, they make a wonderful treatment for anaemia.
Nettle's diuretic and blood purifying properties support detoxification after winter to remove the accumulation of mucus, waste products, uric acid and excess fluids. The ideal time for your detox is spring, as it works in harmony with the seasonal rhythms when nettle and other cleansing herbs are ready and waiting to support you! Nettles are commonly used in herbal prescriptions for arthritis, gout, fluid retention and a host of skin conditions. Their gentle astringent action helps tone tissues to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.
Now that hayfever season is underway, nettles are great allies to have in your kitchen cupboard as a natural anti-histamine for nasal congestion or itchy eyes. I take stinging nettles every day for a month during April as a nourishing tonic to keep my seasonal allergies at bay.
I use nettles extensively in my women’s health practise finding them highly beneficial for all stages of a woman's life. They are deeply nourishing for the reproductive system, a tonic for the uterus, commonly paired with raspberry leaf. Nettles can be used for excess blood loss due to haemorrhoids and heavy menstruation, while their blood building qualities can also help when menstrual flow is scanty and pale. They have a long reputation for promoting fertility due to their high mineral content and tonic effect. Even chickens are fed nettles to improve egg production! During pregnancy they are safely used to nourish the whole body, strengthen blood vessels and prevent anaemia. Postnatally, nettles are wonderfully supportive, helping to strengthen and revitalise new mothers. They aslo support breastfeeding by enriching and stimulating milk supply. Over the menopausal years they are a perfect restorative tonic to provide energy and support the adrenals. Regular intake of nettles at this time of life can also improve dull skin, lifeless hair and help with joint health.
WHEN TO HARVEST NETTLE LEAVES
Ideally, harvest the more tender, top leaves (about 4 inches from the top) when they first appear in early to mid Spring, but they can be picked anytime before the summer flowers appear. Later in the season the nettles get stringy and are less nutrient rich.
PREPARATIONS
Fresh Juice: 3 handfuls of fresh leaves put through a juicer. Take 5 - 15ml a day (use within a day) This is a great addition to your juice drinks.
Tea: a handful of fresh leaves or 3 tablespoons of dried leaves per 500ml of water. Infuse for 15- 20 minutes or preferably overnight to fully extract nettles goodness. Take 1 - 2 cups daily. The tea can be used as a hair rinse and massaged into the scalp to encourage hair growth.
Decoction: 3 tablespoon of dried leaves (or a handful of fresh leaves) per 500ml. Bring to the boil slowly and simmer over a very low heat for 20 mins. This preparation will release a rich, earthy aroma and create a broth like liquid as an alternative to a standard infusion.
As a food: use fresh nettle leaves in the same way you would spinach. I like to make a seasonal green frittata of nettles and wild garlic or a soup with nettle and sorrel.
If you have the time to forage wild nettles they will provide you with an abundant supply of free medicine and food. Alternatively, you can purchase the organic dried leaves online from Neal’s Yard Remedies or www.indigo-herbs.co.uk. I would really encourage you to try them freshly picked while they are in season and freely available.
Look out for future blogs on the benefits of nettle seeds and roots later in the year when they are in season.