Post by rose on Jul 11, 2005 9:41:59 GMT -5
Here's a little summary of some of the info about nettle from Susun Weed's Healing Wise, supplemented with my own exerience.
Nettle leaves and stalks (picked before flowering) can be eaten fresh (steamed like spinach) or dried and used for an infusion (stronger than tea, steeped overnight). They are a nourishing food and can be consumed daily without fear; nettles are also powerful healers. Specific affinities are for kidneys, lungs, skin, hair, digestive system, and adrenal glands. Strongly recommended for pregnant and lactating women; nettles are known to help prevent post-partum hemorrhage when taken regularly during pregnancy. Nettles are often listed as diuretic, and they certainly do make you need to pee, but they leave behind valuable minerals in the body rather than just taking things out (like, say, caffine).
Besides taking nettles internally, I've used them for a hair rinse. I mean to make some nettle oil to help heal sunburn as well, but missed the chance this year.
I imagine livestock would love them dried, as this removes the sting. They also make an excellent compost additive, or compost tea which can also be used as a foliar feed for your garden. I haven't done this, but some friends have.
I've obviously just scratched the surface about the uses of nettle, and haven't talked at all about the spirit of the plant. I'd encourage you to sit and listen to her if she's prominent in your environment. You may find she's got other gifts for you.
--Charlene
Nettle leaves and stalks (picked before flowering) can be eaten fresh (steamed like spinach) or dried and used for an infusion (stronger than tea, steeped overnight). They are a nourishing food and can be consumed daily without fear; nettles are also powerful healers. Specific affinities are for kidneys, lungs, skin, hair, digestive system, and adrenal glands. Strongly recommended for pregnant and lactating women; nettles are known to help prevent post-partum hemorrhage when taken regularly during pregnancy. Nettles are often listed as diuretic, and they certainly do make you need to pee, but they leave behind valuable minerals in the body rather than just taking things out (like, say, caffine).
Besides taking nettles internally, I've used them for a hair rinse. I mean to make some nettle oil to help heal sunburn as well, but missed the chance this year.
I imagine livestock would love them dried, as this removes the sting. They also make an excellent compost additive, or compost tea which can also be used as a foliar feed for your garden. I haven't done this, but some friends have.
I've obviously just scratched the surface about the uses of nettle, and haven't talked at all about the spirit of the plant. I'd encourage you to sit and listen to her if she's prominent in your environment. You may find she's got other gifts for you.
--Charlene