NETTLE TONIC INFUSION
Although sometimes considered a noxious weed, stinging nettles (Urtia dioica) are among our most valuable herbal remedies. Drying or cooking the young spring leaves deprives them of their sting, and provides us a delicious tea or cooked green.
Nettles are a respected tonic, a slow-acting nutritive herb that strengthens the entire body and gently cleanses it of metabolic wastes.
{NUTRITIONAL PROFILE}
Nettles are high in many vitamins (vitamins A, B-complex, C, K, beta-carotene), minerals (boron, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silica, sodium, sulphur), antioxidants (chlorophyll, flavonoids) and other phyto-chemicals (formic acid, histamine).
Nettles are also remarkably high in protein {easily absorbable amino acids}—higher in protein than any other vegetable.
As a nourishing herb, nettles are an excellent regular addition to the diet. It builds the blood and nourishes the kidneys, adrenal glands and circulatory system.
Nourishing Herbs—Nourishing herbs are the safest of all herbs, and can be taken in any quantity for any length of time. Nourishing herbs are high in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids; they are used as foods, like spinach and kale.
Other examples of nourishing herb include astragalus, calendula flowers, dandelion, flax seed, oatstraw, red clover blossoms, sea weed and slippery elm.
{MEDICINAL PROFILE}
Although nettles, as a nourishing food, are appropriate for both men and women, its nutritive value may be especially apparent in feminine conditions.
Nettles are a particularly valuable remedy during menstruation, especially for those young women who have just begun their feminine cycles. It eases pre-menstrual syndrome by cleansing the liver for efficient processing of estrogen; high levels of estrogen aggravate PMS. Its astringency helps prevent excessive menstrual flow. Its iron content {and the vitamin C that aids in the absorption of this iron} makes it an excellent blood-builder, helpful in cases of anemia or fatigue.
Nettles are a valuable remedy during pregnancy and lactation. It rich mineral value and vitamin K guards against excessive bleeding and strengthens the growing child. It can be used during labor to help ease the pains, and promotes milk production.
Nettles can be used as a restorative remedy during menopause, because it contains considerable amounts of the mineral boron which can double levels of estrogen circulating in the body, improving short-term memory and elevating moods.
Nettles can help clear chronic skin disruptions, including acne and eczema, by promoting the elimination of wastes by the kidney and bladder. This has been my main use of nettles, and a successful one in my case.
A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study validated the long use of nettles to treat allergic conditions such as asthma, hayfever, seasonal allergies and hives. After one week of therapy, those taking nettles had greater relief from allergic rhinitis {inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose}.
The alkalizing diuretic effect of nettles promotes the elimination of uric acid from the joints, making nettles a valuable remedy for relieving the pain of arthritis. Its high boron content helps bones retain their calcium, and has a beneficial effect on the endocrine system, which in turn helps maintain bone and joint health.
Nettles is an astringent plant that tightens and firms tissues. This action arrests bleeding and discharge from tissues, increasing their health and strength. This makes nettles valuable in diarrhea, profuse discharges, and bleeding in the urinary organs.
These are just a few of many possible uses of nettles; like many herbs—which nourish and strengthen the body to do its own work—nettles are marvelously varied in their possible applications. Nettles also support the adrenals, replenish a stressed-out nervous system, revitalize the kidneys, nourish the liver, activate the metabolism and stabilize blood sugar.
{HERBAL INFUSIONS}
Before the beneficial constituents can be available for absorption by the body, they must be liberated from the herb. Infusions {hot water or cold water} are excellent for extracting water soluble constituents from the delicate aerial part of an herb—the leaves, stems and flowers.
Because the minerals and other phytochemicals of nourishing herbs are made more accessible by drying, dried herbs are considered best for infusions.
Water infusions are similar to herbal teas, or tisanes, but are brewed stronger and longer for greater nutritive and medicinal action.
When making and drinking infusions, it is best to use the gentle, nutritive and tonifying herbs which act mostly as food for the body: herbs like nettles (Urtica dioica), oat-straw (Avena sativa), red raspberry leaf (Rubus spp.) red clover blossom (Trifolium pratense), chamomile (Matricaria spp.).
Start by infusing and drinking one herb at a time, so that you can get a feel for how the herb tastes and what it does for your body. Herbalist Susun Weed always uses and recommends single herb preparations, with maybe a bit of mint or bergamont to improve flavor. But you may want to try some of the many herbal blends suggested by other herbals, and you may feel confident enough to try your own blends!
A hot water infusion readily extracts the volatile oils of the herb. Some herbs, like comfrey or slippery elm, are best infused in cold water because hot water causes coagulation that blocks the release of the nutrients and medicinal constituents.
{NETTLE LEAF TONIC}
The most effective way to extract the benefits of nettle leaf is by a hot infusion.
Measure an ounce {about 1 cup by volume} of herb into a quart jar, and fill the jar to the top with boiling water. Tightly cover the jar to prevent the dispersion of volatile oils in steam {as well as to prevent contamination during the long steeping process}.
Steep for four to ten hours, or overnight {for at least thirty minutes, if you are in a hurry}.
If desired, strain the herb from the water with a tea strainer {squeezing the herb well before composting it}, or keep the herb in the water for a longer steep, and strain as you drink.
If desired, the infusion can be flavored by the addition of mint, seasoned with a pinch of unrefined sea salt, or sweetened with a touch of honey.
Infusions must be drunk regularly over time in order to provide that strong base and deep nutrition for the body. Generally speaking, you must drink 2-4 cups infusion every day, or a couple days a week, to support your body.
After steeping, store the infusion in the refrigerator to slow spoilage. It is best to drink an infusion within 24-36 hours of starting, or until it spoils. Never drink an infusion that tastes ‘bad.’ {Nettle infusion that are is longer good for drinking can be used as a stimulating, regenerative hair rinse that can be left on, or it can be used to water plants!}
{DISCLAIMER}
The author is not a medical doctor, nor is she a licensed medical professional. Any recommendations are to educate for consumer health awareness and should not be considered diagnosis or prescribed treatment for any medical condition. If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, please consult your healthcare provider.
• ‘dried and cut nettle herb •
November 18, 2014