6 Ways To Use Stinging Nettle
Have you ever wondered how to use Stinging Nettle?
Here are 6 suggestions:
- Pound bruised fresh nettle leaves with salt and apply three times daily will help those with external ulcers, boils, abscesses and infected splinters.
- Powdered nettle leaves applied to razor and glass cuts and nosebleeds will staunch bleeding.
- Make a hair rinse from infusing fresh plant material in a cup of hot water. Let steep and cool. Strain the infusion and add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This will help balance over-oily scalps.
- Those with hemorrhoids will respond to the above infusion (minus vinegar) in a sitz bath form.
- As a tonic for adrenals and kidneys, try a cup of the infusion daily for six weeks and then three of four cups a week after that.
- In the spring, sautee leaves and eat like spinach, or add to rice or omelets.
Be Careful When Harvesting Nettles!!!!!
These plants are not called stinging nettles for nothing. They can really hurt. Be sure to wear your gardening gloves while harvesting. Nettles “sting” because of histamine and formic acid in the hairs that trigger the familiar allergic response.
Last night I harvested my nettle. Even with gloves on, she usually gets a piece of me. This time I asked her for permission first before harvesting. I know it sounds crazy but she was very nice and did not sting me!!! I thanked her for my bounty.
Always remember the Herbalist Golden Rules – 5 tips to help you harvest herbs.
Dandelion – Taraxacum officinale
I love dandelions, let me tell you why.
Dandelion leaves are the second plant we “mamas” harvest in spring. Early spring is the time to harvest these leaves (before the flowers appear). We will talk about harvesting the roots in the fall. The meaning of the latin name refers to Taraxos (Greek) means disorder, Achos (Greek) means remedy. The name dandelion was invented by a fifteenth century surgeon, who compared the shape of the leaves to a lion’s tooth, or “dens leonis”.
Dandelion has many beneficial properties and actions. The leaves contain bitter glycosides (active plant constituent containing one or more sugar groups), terpenoids (generally, highly aromatic plants), carotenoids (various yellow to red pigments that occur in plants), choline (part of the vitamin B complex essential to liver function), potassium salts, iron and other minerals, vitamins A,B,C and D. The leaves are an effective diuretic (encourages urine flow). Dandelion increases bile flow from the liver and aids in digestion.
The area we live in has FINALLY banned pesticide use on lawns. For years I would giggle on my way home, in the spring, as I passed our neighbours with their pristine, weed free lawns. Then you would come to our house which would be a sea of beautiful yellow flowers. Thank you for your beauty Mr. Dandelion and all your many herbal healing benefits. I salute you!!!!
6 things you can make with Dandelions
Dandelion recipes – taraxacum officinale (flower of survival)
- The flowers make a dandy wine, fritters and seasoning.
- The root can be steamed, broiled and roasted as a coffee substitue.
- Steep one cup of blossoms in two cups of boiling water for two hours. Strain and use a refreshing face wash.
- Add spring leaves (before flowers appear) to your salad as a cleansing remedy.
- Apply white juice from dandelion stem daily to cure warts. (Haven’t tried this myself but have read this several times).
- Saute the leaves in olive oil and garlic – Italian style!
5 tips to help you harvest herbs
Herbalist Golden Rules
- Correctly identify plant before picking. Many herbs are similar and it could be dangerous if you pick the wrong herb.
- Do not pick herbs that are close to the road or in an area that uses pesticides.
- Pick your plant material once dew has evaporated and before the hottest part of the day. Volatile oils will be at their prime.
- Only pick in an area of abundance. Do not wipe out a patch of any herb.
- Give thanks while picking your bounty.
MamaBlog-herbal lore and more
A blog about herbs
Margaret and I decided it was time to take the plunge into the world of blogging. There is so much information about herbs that we want to share with you. It’s a natural extension of our website – Two Herbal Mamas.
Even though we’ve been making natural herbal body and skin care products for years we keep learning. If you’re just beginning your journey into the fascinating world of herbs and herbal lore, welcome. And enjoy.