Nettle – The New Spinach!

I once was told “If there is ever a herb or plant that every household should grow, it would be Nettle!” Let’s learn why!

Nettles strengthen and support the whole body, building energy. They are highly nourishing with abundant vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and protein. Nettles high iron content makes it one of the preferred herbs used for anemia and the fatigue that it brings.

Nettles can be cooked into food just like you would cook spinach, but it also can be dried and made into a tea. Heat destroys the stings that give this plant the name “Stinging Nettle”. When infusing it in hot water, it makes a dark, rich beverage that takes some getting used to, but once you do you will love drinking it, feeling the nourishment feeding your body with every sip!

For allergies, I make a tincture from Nettle. It quickly dissipates runny noses and congestion bringing wonderful relief.

Nettles have the ability to help build and restore the liver, making it beneficial for the skin, in particular for acne and eczema.

Nettles tonify the reproductive system, this is helpful for PMS symptoms as well as menopausal symptoms. It also tonifies the kidneys and urinary tract, it has a diuretic effect, helping to remove excess water and congested fluids from the body.

Nettles are also well known as a treatment for joint pain. Their anti-inflammatory properties also assist with gout and arthritis. This is also helpful for children experiencing growing pains. Many purposely string their joints with the fresh plant, these small spines inject serotonin into the skin.

Finally, a very strong tea is used by many to darken hair colors and, in many years past, used to dye fabric for the army.

Nettles are one of the safest herbs with no contraindications, side effects or drug interactions.