Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle – Urtica dioica ( er-ti’ kah die-oh’ ee-kah) – comes from “urere”, meaning “to burn”.
Stinging nettle is one of the first of the green allies that pokes her head up out of the cold ground as Winter turns to Spring. Nettle would have been one of the first green foods to be available to our ancestors after the long dark days of Winter.
Stinging Nettle is one of the plants that everyone recognises, not only by the sight, but also by (and because of) her sting!! Stinging nettles have developed stinging cells as an adaptation to deter herbivores from eating them. The plants contain long, thin, hollow hairs that cover the majority of the stem and the underside of the leaves. Nettle stings contain acid (formic acid) but they also contain histamine and other chemicals. The exact details are still unknown but it is the histamine that causes the initial reaction when you are stung. (Dock leaf sap contains a natural antihistamine, which helps to ease the stinging sensation. The dock leaves themselves contain oxalic acid, which deters herbivores from eating them.)
There is evidence to suggest that nettle may have been cultivated in Mexico as early as 8000 years ago! Her fiber was used as rope, spun and woven to make yarn and cloth, as well as the leaves and stalk being used to make various shades of green, very permanent dye, the roots would make yellow dye. Our ancestors would have eaten nettles themselves for their huge medicinal properties, fed them as fodder to their animals, and made them into a disinfectant wash for the animal stalls.
Stinging nettle will grow everywhere if given half a chance and are common throughout the world!!
Nettle is packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, they are high in iron, vitamin C and protein. Nettles are high in calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll. When combined with another great Spring herbal ally, Plantain, acts as a natural antihistamine.
Nettle is a great ally for all people at all stages of life, but she is particularly useful for women during pregnancy, childbirth and lactation, as well as massively supportive, energising, healing and nourishing throughout the menopause! She nourishes and energies the endocrine glands, rejuvenates the cardiovascular system, normalises weight, eases sore joints, relieves constipation, creates strong flexible bones!
I could go on and on about the amazing properties of Stinging Nettle! Here is a very condensed list of some of the benefits of stinging nettle;
Some Of Nettle’s Properties and Benefits
Extremely rich in chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals – especially high in iron (with vitamin C helping with the iron absorption), calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin A
Highly nourishing, rejuvenating, remineralizing and alkalizing
Highly beneficial for anyone suffering from iron deficiency or anemia
Particularly beneficial to women; nettle helps to replenish iron reserves during periods, but also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce PMS symptoms
Nettle gives energy and vitality – ideal if you suffer from chronic fatigue, have low energy or have a weakened immune system
Very effective to prevent and treat allergies, asthma and hay fever symptoms (congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing) – taking nettle early in the Spring before seasonal allergies start to appear can be really beneficial!
When consumed over a long period of time, nettle helps to detoxify the system by gently cleansing the body of metabolic waste (perfect after the winter months where we may have eaten heavier meals or may have been less active)
Anti-inflammatory, it can help prevent and treat eczema, arthritis*, joint pain and gout
Promotes hair and nail growth.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation has found that 3 milligrams of boron (dry weight) , taken daily, can be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A 100 gram serving of steamed nettle contains significantly more than this amount. This may be part of the reason why eating fresh nettles, and drinking nourishing infusions helps reduce arthritis symptoms.
Nettle Tea vs Nettle Infusion
It’s important to understand the difference between a herbal tea and a herbal infusion. An infusion is very much like a tea, only it uses a larger concentration of herb and it is steeped for a longer period of time (overnight or at least 4-6 hours).
With those first fresh young vibrant green shoots of nettle, tea, juicing or cooking with the nettle tops is the way to go, then as we move through the spring, I harvest more of the leaves and stalks and dry them (the more you pick nettles the more the come back!) I use dried nettle for the infusions. What you get from a nettle infusion is a dark green, almost black liquid that is super concentrated with the plant’s vitamins and minerals – basically pure nourishment and happiness for your cells!
To sum up, an infusion is therapeutic, while a tea is mainly recreational (of course, you still get some of the benefits of the plant in a herbal tea, but at a much smaller dose).
Harvesting Nettles (Spring)
Stinging nettles grow abundantly almost everywhere! Its always a great idea for nature and for that quick cup of nettle tea in the morning to have a space in your garden where you can grow a small patch of nettles. Other than that, as long as you adhere to the foraging rules of never picking from roadsides or the field edges, because of pesticides and pollution, wherever you see a good clump of nettles should be fine. As always, never over harvest, always leave plenty for nature and the insects, and ensure that there are plenty left to flower for the next season, however, as I’ve said before, nettle almost relishes being cut!
Many people will know that I tend to, at the start of the season anyway, when the leaves are young and soft, harvest stinging nettle without using gloves! This is because I find it helps me to connect with the essence of her, to really focus in on her healing plant energy. However I wouldn’t recommend this if you are new to it, and as we move through the season, and I begin to harvest more of the stems and leaves, she toughens up and the stings start to notice a little more!! So go out armed with a pair of thick gloves and a set of secateurs or sharp scissors.
When foraging and harvesting, remember to always ask permission, not only from the land owner, but also from the plant itself! Our green allies always give so much more of their healing essence if we harvest respectfully and politely!
Drying Nettles – Harvest the top third of the nettles and stalks NB: once the nettles have started flowering do not harvest anymore!! – Once they start flowering, the plants will start to produce chemicals that actually cause the reverse of the benefits! Place them on a drying rack or in bunches and hang somewhere warm to dry, with lots of air that can circulate around them. They will dry out fairly quickly, but make sure they are completely dry before crumbling them into an airtight jar or box, as any moisture will result in the nettles going mouldy. Also, be warned, even when dry she can have a sting in her!!
Using and Harvesting Nettle Roots to Make Nettle Tincture and Decoction (Autumn)
Nettle roots have amazing benefits too! You can use them fresh or dried! Depending how many you have, if you dry them you can store them to use as needed. And make nettle root decoction and tincture with them. Nettle roots are great for infections, inflammation, bacterial and fungal infections, and prostate enlargement.
Decoction: simmer a handful of fresh or dried roots in a litre of water for 20 mins, strain, drink a cup full 2 or 3 times a day, keeping in the fridge (use within 48hrs).
To make a tincture , make as a decoction and use the liquid as above, keep the roots, and put in a jar, put a mix of half and half vodka with the decoction, add some fresh chopped roots, put in a cupboard for 3 or 4 weeks shaking occasionally. Strain off and take a teaspoon full when needed (or daily to maintain prostate health).
Nettles Magic and medicine is vast! Too much to say in one, or even two blogs. When a plant has been connected to us for so long, there is much intuition to feel through. I encourage you to sit with her energy, and notice what she says to you.
Green Witch Hedgerow Herbalist Mini Course
I am putting together a series of mini "courses" to fully dive deeper into each of my favourite magical herbal allies, and of course, Nettle is among them. These will be in a PDF format and include a deeper look at the medicine and magic of the plants, as well as some of my favourite recipes. There are so many recipes it would be impossible to include them all, so these will be my preferred way to work with them at the moment - but always trying new recipes!
You can see me playing about with nettles on my YouTube channel here.
Blackthorn
For me one of the most magical and beautiful plants at this time of the year is the Blackthorn. The hedgerows are now starting to be filled with those delicate billowy white blossoms, that will turn into sloes in autumn.
Blackthorn is one of the most resilient and protective of plants. She is connected with The Morrigan, goddess of war, battle but also protectress of the fallen, one of my totem goddesses and whom I work with a lot as a psychopomp, and I always use the flower essence in my Reiki attunements, as she is a plant associated with transformation.
On a warm spring day pop one of the blackthorn blossoms in your mouth, they taste of marzipan! Blackthorn is a fierce protector of boundaries. You can make a simple flower essence with the blossoms. Flower essences are powerful, but super gentle.
How to Make Blackthorn Flower Essence:
1.Begin by harvesting fresh blackthorn flowers on a sunny day when they are in full bloom. It is best to harvest them early in the morning when the dew has evaporated, and before the sun is too hot. Be sure to use caution when harvesting her, as the thorns are very sharp and can easily become infected! Blackthorn was used by witches of old as poison magic! Only use plants that you can positively identify as safe for consumption. Always only harvest what you need and leave the rest for the bees.
Set the Intention
Before beginning the process, it’s important to set a clear intention for the essence you want to create. This might involve connecting with the energy of the flower, meditating, or journaling to clarify your intention.
2. Place the freshly picked blackthorn flowers in a clean glass bowl and cover them with spring water. The water should be just enough to cover the flowers. The flowers should cover the entire surface of the bowl.
3. Place the bowl in direct sunlight and allow the flowers to steep for at least 4 hours, but no longer than 8 hours. During this time, the sun will infuse the flowers and water with the essence of the plant.
4. In a separate clean glass bottle, add 2 oz of brandy.
5. After 4-8 hours, remove the flowers from the water using a clean strainer or cheesecloth. This liquid is now your blackthorn mother essence. Strain the mother essence into your bottle with the brandy. It should be a 1:1 ratio.
6. Label the bottle with the date, contents, and any other pertinent information. When stored in an airtight container in a dark place, flower essences can keep for up to 10 years!
How to Use a Blackthorn Flower Essence
Traditionally, one would take flower essences on the tongue to receive the full “medicinal” effects. To do so, you can take 4 drops under the tongue. Work with her when you need to feel strong, to set firm boundaries, to initiate deep transformation in your life - or any other way you feel she speaks to you.
If you do nothing else, a cup of nettle tea a day through the Spring will bring many benefits.
Tea Dragon by Amy Brown Art
Happy foraging
love and green blessings
Sam AuroraStar Green Witch XXX
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