Stinging Nettles

Folklore

illustrated by Rene Cloke

In "The Wild Swans," a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, stinging nettles play a crucial role in the protagonist's quest to save her brothers from a curse. The heroine must gather stinging nettles to weave into shirts to break the curse. Despite the pain caused by the nettles' sting, she perseveres, demonstrating her determination and love for her brothers. Through this act, the nettles symbolize sacrifice, resilience, and the transformative power of love.

Medicinal Uses

Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) are a nutritive powerhouse. Mostly notably magnesium, B complex, and calcium. It is an amazing blood builder - has more iron than spinach!

I love to use stinging nettles in the spring because it is a beautiful anti-histamine.

When I was pregnant with my son, I was constantly getting bladder infections because his head was sitting right on it. Drinking daily nettles infusions helped as a diuretic to flush all the bacteria.

My preferred form of using nettles is either in food or nourishing herbal infusions.

Nourishing Herbal Infusions

This is a topic that you will consistently hear or read me discuss. Herbal Infusions are an amazingly nutritive way to imbue your life with hydration, vitamins, and minerals-as well as receive the beneficial constituents of the plants you are infusing.

What is a nourishing herbal infusion?

NHI's are the simplest way to receive potent plant medicine. It's a very easy process. We simply add herbs to a quart jar, cover with boiling water, and steep for a long period of time. I prefer to steep my infusions overnight, but you don't have to. Anywhere from 20 minutes-8 hours is perfectly fine.

How do I know what herbs to use?

We will be going over this information throughout the year, but essentially you will want to work with herbs that are nutritive and mildish in flavor. Stay away from bitter herbs or really aromatic herbs here-long steeping time for something as simple as chamomile turns it from a lovely beverage to something quite unsavory.

I usually work with any herbs from this list:

• stinging nettles

• raspberry leaf

• oatstraw

• elderberry

• rosehips

• burdock root

• marshmallow root

• chickweed

• violet leaf

• hibiscus

• linden flower

Can I blend herbs together?

Sure you can! But I would strongly recommend beginning with simples (one herb). This way you get to know that herb on an intimate level. The synergy of herbal blends are amazing, but focusing on one at a time really deepens your relationship with it.

I've steeped my herbs. Now what?

At this point, I strain off the liquid and compost the herbs. I usually strain it off into a quart jar and then drink throughout the day. But, if you only want to drink a small cup at a time, you should store it in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. Most infusions will keep for 24-48 hours in the fridge.

How often do I drink them?

Well, they are called daily nourishing infusions! I try to make it a point to drink one every day. Before bed I steep and allow it to steep all night. I wake in the morning, strain, and usually drink it by noon. Once you get into the habit, it will become second nature. Make this a part of your daily evening ritual. Fill your jar, boil your water, brush your teeth/wash your face, pour the water over your herbs, cap, and go to bed!