Stinging Nettles
Can one herb really…
- Soften the skin
- Luxuriate and bring shine to hair
- Control allergies
- Cleanse the liver
- Aid in kidney function
- Help with arthritis and joint pain
- Provide essential vitamins and minerals
- Refresh, tone and rejuvenate the entire body
- Help you survive if lost in the wild
The answer is yes! And the herb in question is none other than Stinging Nettle, or Urtica dioica. This herb is often seen as a pesky weed, but we know better. Many people turn to Nettles to help them survive allergy season intact. In addition to helping the body regulate its response to allergens, Nettles is a powerful anti-histamine and provides sweet relief from allergy symptoms. And while you’re breathing freely once again, you can also enjoy the benefits of softer skin and shinier hair that Nettle brings due to its high content of vitamins and minerals.
Nettles is well-loved by survivalists because of its high levels of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and a host of other vitamins and minerals that give energy and vitality to anyone who ingests this herb; it is perfect for those who are recovering from long illnesses, have a general lack of energy, or need help piquing their appetite for life and for food. Nettles also helps ease arthritic joint pain, increases circulation throughout the body, and can be used topically for these things as well (ask an herbalist). As if all this wasn’t enough, Nettles also supports the liver and kidneys and aids in flushing out the urinary system of accumulated toxins.
It’s no wonder that Nettles is one of the first plants to emerge in the springtime, as it’s perfect for spring cleansing.
Ways to take Nettles:
- Capsules
Nettle capsules are great for when you’re on-the-go and can’t slurp down a cup of tea. Nettles is a very safe herb, and there is really no upper limit to the amount of capsules you can take, so take two at a time with some space in between until you feel your allergy symptoms fade.
- Dried Leaves
Keep a stash of dried nettle leaves on hand for making a daily tea. Boil some water in a pot or teakettle and pour it over your tea leaves, covering and steeping for 10-15 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the tea. Try adding peppermint or spearmint to improve the taste (unless, like many crazy herbalists, you come to enjoy the taste). Nettles is the star ingredient in our Sinus & Allergy Tea, which helps many of us through allergy season.
- Fresh Leaves
Making fresh nettle tea is by far the most effective method of consuming this miraculous herb. Snip off some nettle stalks and chop up the leaves. Wear gloves when harvesting to avoid getting stung. Nettles is very easy to grow once it’s introduced to an area. If you’d like more tips or just want to meet the plant, stop by the garden any time!
- Tinctures
Keeping a tincture of Nettles on hand is another way to make sure you can get your dose on-the-go.
