Nettles The Needles Sting
Spring is a time of rebirth the plants all put on new green
overcoats and the babies are born to the animals. As I road
along today out in the country seeing, colts, calves, and lambs
it reminded me that now is the time to plant the new seeds of
intention for my life. Now is the time to plant seeds of
intentions and actions in your life. You can energetically
transform right alongside the growth of the plants and the birth
of new life. While I was out on my adventure in the country
today I saw one of the wonderous plants all around me sprout
their new greenery. One of these was the nettle which is a plant
I love it is wonderful for making herbal vinegar. It is easy to
identify. The jagged leaves held in pairs along the square stems
are easily recognisable particularly after having experienced
the sting. The nettle sting, will wear off in a few hours.
Nature always provides a natural remedy close at hand. The
leaves of the dock contain chemicals that neutralise the sting
and also cool the skin. The nettles sting is actually used as a
treatment for arthritic joints!
Where did the nettle get its name? Problably from that the
'nettle' is derived from Noedl meaning a needle - referring the
needle like sting.
Because very few grazing animals will touch nettle because of
the sting it is a great place for butterflies to raise their
young. One will find the small tortoiseshell and peacock
butterfly larvae which feed in large groups hidden in silken
tents at the top of the nettle stems. In late summer the huge
quantity of seed produced provide a food source for many of our
seed eating birds. Not only insects and birds are benefited by
nettles but when dried into hay horses and cows feed on it. In
Sweden nettles is raised for dairy cows it increases milk
production. Horse breeder feed it because it is so good for the
horses coat. If you are wondering why anyone would eat nettles
having experienced their sting, the sting goes away with
cooking. You can enjoy nettle leaves in soup, steam them when
they are young and picked before they flower just like spinach
or kale. Nettles are reportedly high in calcium, iron,
magnesium, chromium, potassium, and zinc, as well as vitamins A,
B, C, D and K. Nettles are said to nourish the adrenal glands,
and are also rich in carotene. You can preserve the nettles for
winter several ways. Nettle vinegar can be made by soaking fresh
herbs in white vinegar. The vinegar leaches the calcium and
other minerals out of the nettles, and then you can sprinkle the
vinegar on salads, veggies, stir fry. Purple nettles will tint
the vinegar a nice rose hue. You can use nettles in any recipe
calling for spinach. Use the leftover water as a hair rinse. For
centuries, nettles have been used for medicinal purposes. They
have beneficial influence on various body systems, including the
lungs, kidneys, skin, and blood. The herb has been recognized
for its ability to stop bleeding, relieve mucous congestion and
water retention, and improve skin irritations. It is considered
to be an excellent blood purifier. Try some of these interesting
Nettles recipes: Pasta with Nettles and Parmesan
3-4 cups fresh nettles
3 Tablespoons olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small hot red pepper
1 pound pasta (traditionally penne, pennette, or rigatoni)
1. Wash the nettles and put in salted boiling water for about
seven minutes.
2. While they are cooking, put olive oil, garlic, and hot pepper
into a frying pan over medium heat for three to four minutes.
3. Remove the cooked nettles from the boiling water and put into
the frying pan with the garlic and pepper. Stir and cook for a
few minutes, until excess water has evaporated and the nettles
are coated with oil.
4. Use the water the nettles were boiled in to cook the pasta.
When pasta is al dente (chewy), drain and toss with the cooked
nettles. Serve with fresh grated parmesan. Serves four.
Potato Nettle Soup
200 Nettle Leaves (young shoots) 1 Sml Onion 6 Small Potatoes
250ml Water 1 Tsp Salt 1 Tsp Parsley 3 Cloves Garlic
Method Puree onion, garlic, and nettles with 1 cup of water. Cut
potatoes into small pieces. Simmer pureed mixture with potatoes
and remaining water for 45 minutes or until tender. Use a potato
masher to mash the potatoes making the soup thick and creamy.
Olde English Nettle Pudding
An old English recipe, which is not a dessert but a hearty main
dish. Use the English teacup measurement again. Volume of one of
these is approximately 250ml Water to the top.
Method In a bowl add the ingredients below:-
2 Cups Cooked & Chopped Nettle Greens 1 Cup Chopped Onion 1 Cup
Chopped Broccoli or Green Cabbage 200g Raw Rice, 1 Cup Minced
Beef (omit this if veggie)