Nettle! Nature's Nutrient-Rich Wonder Weed
- Dina Best
- Apr 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 4, 2024
Have you tried nettles? They are one of my absolute favorites! Nettles are a nutrient-dense plant that is rich in various minerals. Here are some of the minerals that can be found in nettles:
Iron: Nettles are an excellent source of iron, an essential mineral that is important for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body.
Calcium: Nettles are also a good source of calcium, a mineral that is essential for bone health and plays a role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
Magnesium: Nettles contain magnesium, a mineral that is important for regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.
Potassium: Nettles are a good source of potassium, a mineral that is important for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and helps regulate blood pressure.
Zinc: Nettles contain zinc, a mineral that plays a role in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
Copper: Nettles also contain copper, a mineral that is important for the formation of red blood cells, connective tissue, and the absorption and utilization of iron.
It is worth noting that the mineral content of nettles can vary depending on factors such as the soil they are grown in and the time of year they are harvested.
Nettles (Urtica dioica) have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Some of the potential medicinal qualities of nettles include:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Nettles contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Relief from allergies: Nettles are a natural antihistamine and may help reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Pain relief: Nettles have analgesic properties that may help alleviate pain, including joint pain and muscle aches.
Promotes prostate health: Nettles may be beneficial for men's health as they have been found to help alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
Skin health: Nettles contain compounds that may help improve the health of the skin and reduce conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
The best time to harvest nettles is in the spring when the new growth appears, usually from March to May, depending on the region. During this time, the leaves are tender, and the plants have not yet flowered.
It is important to wear gloves and protective clothing when harvesting nettles as the leaves and stems are covered in tiny hairs that can cause skin irritation and a stinging sensation. To harvest, use a pair of scissors or garden shears to cut the top 4-6 inches of the plant, including the leaves and stems.
Avoid harvesting nettles from areas that may have been exposed to pollution or chemicals, such as roadsides or industrial areas. Also, be sure to leave some of the plants behind, so they can continue to grow and regenerate.
Here is a simple recipe for nettle tea:
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh nettle leaves or 1/2 cup dried nettle leaves
4 cups water
Honey, lemon, or other sweeteners (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the nettle leaves in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
If using fresh nettle leaves, roughly chop them into small pieces. If using dried nettle leaves, crumble them into smaller pieces.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Add the nettle leaves to the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Let the nettle leaves steep in the water for 5-10 minutes.
Remove the pan from heat and strain the nettle tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Sweeten the nettle tea with honey, lemon, or other sweeteners if desired.
Serve the nettle tea hot or let it cool and serve over ice.
Nettle tea has a slightly grassy and earthy flavor that may take some getting used to. It is also important to note that nettles may cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those with allergies to plants in the Urticaceae family. If you are allergic to plants in this family or are unsure, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before consuming nettle tea.
Here is a recipe for nettle pesto:
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh nettle leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup walnuts or pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the nettle leaves and blanch for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Squeeze out the excess water from the nettle leaves and roughly chop them.
In a food processor, pulse the chopped nettle leaves, Parmesan cheese, walnuts or pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper until finely chopped.
With the food processor running, gradually pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer the nettle pesto to a bowl and serve with pasta, bread, or as a dip.
Note: Nettles are covered with tiny hairs that can cause irritation when touched, so it is recommended to wear gloves while handling them.
It is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the potential medicinal benefits of nettles and to determine the optimal dosage and method of use. As with any medicinal herb, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before using nettles for medicinal purposes.
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