If you have nettles in your garden, be thankful, for not only do you have this great food source in spring, but you also have a compost activator, a fertilizer and an insecticide. Soak cut nettles in a bucketful of water for three weeks, strain and dilute for a rich foliar feed or a spray for aphids, mildew and other pests. The bio-dynamic gardening method uses a humus made from nettles to stimulate fermentation in compost or manure heaps. Planting nettles as companion plants is said to enhance the volatile oil content of aromatic medicinal herbs. As a medicine, nettles are much used by herbalists, and the range of conditions for which they are used is extensive. The young leaves, roots and seeds are all used. Culpeper described Nettle as being hot and dry, under the dominion of Mars, and he recommended its use in spring to remove the phlegmatic superfluities left in the body by the coldness and moisture of winter. It opens the lungs, removing mucus and relieving bronchitis and pleurisy. Nettle also works on the kidneys, removing stones, gravel and uric acid, high levels of which cause gout, arthritis and rheumatism. This deep cleansing power also extends to the skin and nettle is an invaluable herb for the treatment of eczema, acne, urticaria and other itchy hot skin conditions. In hayfever and asthma, Nettle reduces the inflammatory allergic response. The tannin contained in the plant makes Nettle a strong astringent and a wonderful remedy for internal and external bleeding, diarrhoea and enteritis. Combined with Yarrow, as a tea, I have found it invaluable for stemming heavy menstruation or blood loss after pregnancy, with the added benefit of replacing lost iron and preventing anaemia. It is an important herb for women of all ages. For men, the root has been found helpful in prostate problems. Emotionally, Nettle helps us connect with our fire energy, restoring our will and resilience and moving out of resignation, apathy or emotional overwhelm. Nettle nurtures, nourishes, cleanses and heals and is a wonderful example of Hippocrates dictum: let food be your medicine and medicine your food. So, put your gloves on and get out there and pick some Nettles this spring.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 16:47:46 +0000
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