Nettle Sea Salt?!

The dried leaves of nettle are high in chlorophyll and so many useful minerals. And it’s also an incredibly rich protein. Some might say it’s comparable to Spirulina and chlorella algae that of which Michael Moore describes as “dried pond scum that is excellent food for pollywogs, but also high in nucleoproteins (DNA, RNA) that can cause nitrogen overload, purine buildup, and uric acid excess.” So why take an algae powder when you can grind dried nettle leaves into a powder that you KNOW isn’t pond scum?!

Try this nettle salt recipe that I learned from Suzanne at Cedar Mountain Herb School:

Herbal Salt

1 part Fresh Plant (in this case, Nettle)

2 parts Salt (preferably Himalayan pink or Dead Sea Salt)

Grind fresh plant and salt for about 2 minutes.

Pour ground up mixture onto a paper towel on a paper plate.

Let sit in a warm location for at least 2-3 hours (or until completely dry).

You can also dry the plant separately, crush or powder the plant and then add to salt.

Use salt in and on everything!

And this can be done with other green herbaceous herbs.

The Stinging Spinster

Common Names: Stinging Nettle, Stinging Spinster, Wild Spinach, Devil’s Leaf

Botanical Name: Urtica dioica

Plant Family: Urticaceae

Parts Used: Whole plant; leaves, stem, seeds and roots (at appropriate harvesting times)

Actions: Calcium, Iron, protein, potassium, formic acid, acetylcholine, sulfur, beta-carotene, vitamin K, vitamin D & C, flavonoids

Identification: Square, grooved stem with opposite leaves. Nettle leaves are a dark green, are “heart-shaped” (or lanceolate) and have regular serrations along the edges. The infamous “stinging” hairs are found on the under side of the leaf, which is a lighter green color. The hairs are also along the stalk. Interestingly, the hollow hairs have the anti-histamine acids, yet the juice inside of the plant is alkaloid. Some say just rub nettle juice on your sting to help reduce the pain and inflammation.

Habitat: Nettle forms extensive stands and is found most commonly in fields or moist, open areas.

Harvest: The whole plant is best harvested when it is below knee level and has yet to put out any flowers or seeds. The best time is during the spring.

Where do I begin to discuss the lovely stinging spinster…? Perhaps, I can address the importance of nettle as a fiber for manufacturing cloth (comparable to cotton and linen) and also fiber for rope, nets, etc. Or I can start with talking about the plant as a wonderful food source. The wild spinach dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who would cultivate this stinging, nutritious plant. Or, perhaps, we will get straight to the medicine. Nettle is found in remedies for gout, rheumatism, anemia, exhaustion, menstrual difficulties, rashes, circulation, inflammation, allergies and so much more! Oh, did I mention the herb being used in ceremonies to ward off bad spirits?

Nettle is nourishing, it’s a kidney ally, anti-histamine, respiratory strengthener, digestive restorative, an ally for woman and the juices act as a wonderful first aid in reducing swelling.

“When in doubt, give nettles.”

— David Hoffman

Nourishing Nettle

With so many minerals, vitamins, amino acids and protein building blocks, nettle aids the working fluids in the body (including lymph, blood, neurotransmitters and hormones). When everything is flowing correctly throughout the body, one can feel at ease and have energy.

Nettle FOR Adrenal Fatigue

Nettle is high in protein, thereby meaning it has a lot of enzymes and amino acids. This in addition to its diuretic tendencies (which add electrolytes and alkali to the system) ultimately stimulates the body. Some say it’s so stimulating it can be called an “aphrodisiac”, yet I’m not sure if I agree with this statement. Nettle can change your energy, however, if you are already energized/high/stimulated, adding nettle to your system will only cause a CRASH. It can cause adrenal fatigue.

Nettle for Kidney and Urinary Support

Nettle is high in potassium, thus, triggering the kidneys to produce urine and FLUSH things/waste out of the body (“things” such as uric acid, metabolites, etc.). This action strengthens the urinary tract. The diuretic effects (contributed from the potassium) can help against U.T.I’s by increasing the amount of urine and also it’s waste.

Nettle tea or juice can help women before their menses due to its diuretic and astringent qualities. It specifically helps reduce major premenstrual water retention, aiding in flow.

Perhaps, Nettle is for Circulation. It circulates blood, lymph, water, hormones, and neurons, meaning our bodies are flowing. And if our bodies flow, chi and energy does as well :)

Nettle as a Decongestant (RESPIRATORY & ALLERGY RELIEF)

Have you heard about taking nettle for allergies? Well, nettle helps open the nasal passage way, which dries mucus or helps reduce the amount of mucus in the body. Breathe deep.

Nettle’s high amounts of IRON help carry oxygen to RBC’s and throughout the body. Infuse its leaves and roots into a honey for bronchial support and sinus headaches. For an allergy-head-cold, Michael Moore suggests combining nettle with Eyebright, Goldenseal, Yerba Mansa and/or Yerba Santa.

Nettle Juice as an Anti-Inflammatory Astringent

Nettle has TANNINS. Tannins are known for their astringency, a.k.a the ability to dry thing out. The astringent tendencies of nettle shrinks, tightens and reduces inflammation for redness and irritation of the mucus membranes. And externally, the cool juice of nettle helps reduce swelling and quickens the healing process of sprains, cuts, wounds and swollen tissues.

Nettle for Women and Men

Did I mention Nettle is high in Iron? It also is high in Vitamin K. So it helps stabilize the reproductive hormones and it build nutrient-rich blood. According to Susan Weed, Nettle helps women with night sweats, exhaustion, anemia, chronic profuse menstrual flow, menstrual cramps, and those who have lost a significant amount of blood through childbirth, surgery or an accident.

Pregnant mamas take note: Nettle has a significant amount of calcium. It will ensure nutrient-rich breast milk.

The Vitamins and Minerals will help support men’s health as well. Yet more specifically, the diuretic effects help prostate health. And its anti-inflammatory traits will help reduce BPH.

Nettle for Beautiful Skin & Hair

Nettle vinegar, taken internally or used externally as a hair rinse helps balance over-oily skins and scalps. Nettle’s potassium acts as a mild laxative (helping clean out the digestive system and strengthening the intestines), thus flushing out waste from the body and helping clear our complexions. Nettle ultimately helps new growth and strengthens our hair, nails and skin.

WHEW. So does anyone want to go nettling?

Nettle Recipes:

Potato, Nettle, Leek Soup

OTHER WEBSITES & RECIPES:

The Herbal Academy - 12 Nettle Recipes

Marblemount Homestead - More Nettle Pesto!

Learning and Yearning - Nettle Chips

Gather Victoria - ‘Nettled’ Eggs

Grow Forage Cook Ferment - Nettle-Aid Tea

RESOURCES:

Wild Foods Ninja, Rosalee de la Foret
Medicinal Herbs; A Beginner’s Guide, Rosemary Gladstar The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffman
Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, Michael Moore Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West, Michael Moore Healing Wise, Susan Weed

TRY THIS...

Nettle Coconut Oil:

Nettle Butter: