culinary, medicinal & skin care uses of nettle
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Properties:
Planetary Ruler: Mars |
Very common and widespread in cities, gardens, alongside roads, and throughout the countryside, For optimum nutritional, medicinal and therapeutic benefits, pick the young nettle leaves and tops from February until June.
Culinary
Young nettle leaves make a nutritious spring tonic soup, due to their high levels of iron, calcium, magnesium and Vitamins A and C. Nettles are also delicious when cooked and added to culinary recipes as you would spinach, including omelettes, stews, pasta and cheese dishes.
Medicinal / remedies
As a natural anti-histamine, nettle tea (with or without elderflower) is reputed to help relieve hay fever and sinusitis symptoms. Nettle is a diuretic, and when taken as a tea, detoxifies and cleanses the digestive system, bladder, liver and kidneys, and purifies the blood. Nettle syrup works as an expectorant to reduce catarrh, soothing bronchitis, coughs and colds. Take nettle tincture or a spoon of herb vinegar as a tonic to help boost your immune system.
skin care
Nettle is astringent and as a cold tea infusion or herb vinegar, works well as as a skin cleanser and toner, and can be beneficial in handmade soap and shampoo bar recipes, where as a cirulatory stimulant, nettle can also help stimulate hair growth. Anti-inflammatory nettle, macerated in oil or as a balm helps soothe itchy and inflamed skin conditions such as acne or eczema.
folklore
Nettle has traditionally been taken as a tea to cleanse, purify, and remove negativity, and the dried herb has been added to cleansing, protecting incense blends.
Important considerations & cautions:
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.