Stinging Nettles Medicinal Benefits & My Famous Nettles Paté Recipe

By Cherry Crawford March 28, 2023 39 mins read 45 Views

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Stinging Nettles Medicinal and My Famous Nettles Pate Recipe

Written and photographed by Juliet Blankespoor

The following article and recipe is a preview of my debut book, The Healing Garden. It's a comprehensive herbal reference and cookbook that will help you bring healing herbs to your garden, kitchen and apothecary. A copy can be purchased wherever books are sold. More information about the book and its bonuses can be found here.

The emerald-nettles queen reigns supreme over the herbal realms, with vigor and vim. This legendary herb is rich in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and other vital nutrients. These vitalities are infused into herbal teas, vinegars and other medicinal foods.

Yes, nettles ( Urtica Dioica ) have a crown of almost invisible silver prickles that is primed to sting anyone who dares to enter their territory. However, the sting can be disarmed once the leaves are dried or heated.

It forms dense colonies by spreading rhizomes. Although it is native to Eurasia and North America, the plant is widely cultivated and naturalized in all parts of the temperate world.

How to Use Stinging Nettles

Seasonal skin and energy tonic It is an herbal aid during cleansing and fasting. To soothe eczema and psoriasis, the herb can be made into teas with red clover, burdock and nettle. When you feel exhausted or tired, the nettles can be a great way to get your energy back. They also help you build up reserves after an intense or long illness. To support those who are going through difficult transitions or have extra work, I add the herb to milky oatmeal and tulsi.

As a delicious nutritive tonic. Nettles are a great blood-builder and nourishing tonic. You can use nettles as an infusion, broth or vinegar or as a food if you are interested in the minerals. The minerals will not be delivered by alcohol-based tinctures. It's a food plant so nettles can easily be eaten frequently with less attention to dosage than other herbs.

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How To Grow & Harvest Stinging Nettles

ZONES 2-9, full sun to partial shadow

SOIL pH 5.5-7.8. Rich, moist soil with high nutrient

SIZE 3-5ft tall; indefinitely wide

LIFESTYLE: Herbaceous perennial

Planning and foresight are essential when planting nettles in a garden. The plant can spread easily by runners and seeds, and can become a problem and painful weed. It can be a valuable asset to the landscape if it is managed and placed strategically. They are also a perennial food crop, medicinal herb and garden amendment. Perhaps you don't have to bring it closer if you have nettles in your backyard or in a beautiful location. However, I have found that my family consumes more of the nettles when they are easily accessible. My partner and I have a morning ritual that involves picking a few nettle shoots from our nettle patch. In the summer and spring, we also harvest the greens to make herbal infusions.

If you decide to plant it, add lots of organic matter and mulch heavily for the first year. The nettles will quickly fill the entire bed and eliminate most weeds.

Wear thick clothing to harvest nettles. Also, use leather gardening gloves that cover your forearms such as leather rose gloves. For smaller yields, use a scythe and similar tools for large-scale harvesting. You can also use kitchen scissors or pruners for smaller amounts. You can harvest the shoots every week, as they appear in the early spring. You'll get tender new growth throughout the spring if you pick the greens often.

Only take the tender leaves when harvesting food. You can either pinch the tips off or remove the stems from the upper leaves. The leaves will become chewy later in the season. You can harvest the leaves when they reach knee-high, but not yet flowering. Do not crush the leaves. The leaves will rot if you place them in a basket. This was something I had to learn the hard way. After walking a few miles to find a lush, beautiful nettle patch I eagerly packed a large duffel bag with shoots. I returned home to discover that the crop was gone.

More information on starting plants from seeds, propagating nettles and other issues can be found in my book The Healing Garden .

Nettles Pate Recipe

Pesto's more voluptuous cousin is the nettles pate. It is thicker and more earthy by nature. Spread it on pasta, make lasagna with it, or use it as a topping for pizza or focaccia. As a dip, serve it with crackers or crudites. This dish can be enjoyed all year round by following these instructions for dried nettles. You can substitute extra olives for the Parmesan and feta cheese if you don't like dairy. You can also substitute coconut- or nut-based cheeses, and taste for saltiness.

The book includes a Nettles Pate recipe, as well as a detailed profile of the cultivation and harvesting of nettles and their medicinal uses.

Ingredients:

15 to 20, 60 grams small to medium sun-dried tomatoes (approx 1/2 cup).
4 Quarts (225g) loosely packed fresh Nettles. Or substitute 2 1/2 cups dried Nettles (55g)
1 Cup (105g) halves of walnut
10 medium (100g) Shiitake mushroom caps, chopped
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and a little bit more to saut the mushrooms
3 garlic cloves peeled
Half a cup (70g) whole-pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup (115 grams) feta cheese
1/3 cup (70g) grated Parmesan cheese

Yield: 4 cups fresh nettles, 4 1/2 cups dried nettles

1. Let the tomatoes sit covered in hot water for at least 3 hours. You can also soak them in hot water during preparations if you don't have time to soak. Also, you can substitute jarred sun dried tomatoes with olive oil. After hydrating, strain the soaked tomatoes.

2. Prep your nettles:

DRY NETTLES: In a small saucepan, bring 1 2/3 cups of water to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the dried nettles. Stir every five minutes until the nettles rehydrate. You won't have to strain the rehydrated netles.

FRESH NETTLES: Use leather gloves to remove the fibrous stem from the nettle leaves. The leaves should be washed thoroughly. It may take several washes. Steam the nettles until they are tender but still brightly green. Allow the nettles to cool completely with the lid on.

3. Toast the halves of walnut in a dry skillet on medium heat until they are lightly browned. They can quickly burn if left unattended. To cool, place the toasted walnuts onto a plate. Place the mushrooms in a small skillet and saute them in some extra-virgin oil on medium heat until they are tender, approximately 5 minutes.

4. Once the mushrooms and nettles are cool enough to handle combine all ingredients in a blender/food processor and blend until smooth. Blend until it reaches a uniform consistency. If necessary, add more olive oil or salt. You can freeze small amounts or refrigerate for up to five days.

This recipe is sure to become a household favorite if you are like me and love salty, savory, and herbal dips. I freeze extras from my nettles season batches for winter when it is hard to find mineral-rich foods in the garden. These green jars are so exciting to see on the counter.

Learn more about how to use nettles medicinally, and how to grow its green glory.

My heartfelt tribute to nettles can be found in my book Healing Garden: Cultivating & Handcrafting Herbal Remediesspan styling="font-weight 400 ;">! There are many more herbal recipes, as well as detailed cultivation and medicinal profiles for over 30 healing herbs.

Your copy can be purchased anywhere books are sold. Visit The Healing Garden Gateway to learn more about the book and the amazing bonuses it offers.

Meet the Green Mastermind Behind Blog Castanea

JULIET BLANKESPOOR, the creator, primary instructor and Creative Director of The Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine is an online school that serves thousands of students around the world. With a degree as a botanist and more than 30 years of teaching and writing experience in herbalism, medicine-making, and organic herb cultivation, she is a bonafide plant geek and professional matchmaker. Juliet's passion for medicinal herbs and herb gardening over her entire life has led to many botanical businesses, including a herbal nursery and farm-to-apothecary herbal product business.

Today, she channeled her botanical obsession through writing and photography. She has her own blog Castanea and her online programs. Her new book, The Healing Garden, is her first book. Juliet lives with her family in Asheville North Carolina, in a house stuffed full of books and houseplants.

Are you interested in contributing?

(c) Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, chestnutherbs.com. 2011-2022. It is strictly forbidden to use or duplicate this material without the express written permission of its author. Excerpts or links can be used provided that Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine is given full credit and chestnutherbs.com is referred to with the appropriate direction to the original content.

Do you want to learn more about medicinal herbs and how they are used?

Our 1,000-hour Online Herbal Immersion Course is The best handcrafted online herbal course, including botany, foraging and herb cultivation.

The first Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine article, Stinging Nettles: Medicinal Benefits and My Famous Nettles Pate Recipe appeared on Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some love coriander and others don't?

Some people hate coriander, while others love it. But why?

Coriander is an herb that grows in warm climates throughout the world. It is native to both North America and Europe.

The leaves of the plant are used in cooking and can also be found in condiments such as salad dressings and dips. When added to food, coriander provides a spicy flavor.

Many people love its taste because it adds a fresh flavor to dishes without overpowering them. Others dislike the smell and taste of coriander because they find it too strong.

But there is more to coriander than meets the eye. There are two types of coriander – sweet and hot. Sweet coriander is milder and sweeter tasting compared to hot coriander.

Sweet coriander is usually grown for its seeds, often called cilantro. This type of coriander is easy to grow and is very low maintenance.

Hot coriander is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. Hot coriander gives a rich flavor to curries and sauces, making it popular among Indians.

Some people say that hot coriander tastes better than sweet coriander. However, the opposite is true for those who prefer sweet coriander.

There are many reasons why people enjoy different varieties of coriander. For example, one person may love the taste of coriander, while another enjoys the aroma.

Whether you like sweet or hot coriander, you might be surprised to learn that you can buy both types of coriander online.

What plant helps with infection?

There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.

Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.

You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.

Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.

What herb is best for healing?

Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.

Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.

The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.

Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.

It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.

In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.

You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.

These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
Diuretics (like Lasix)
Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

What is the mother of all herbs?

The answer may surprise you!

It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.

As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.

Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.

It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.

Statistics

Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)

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How To

How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?

If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.

These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.

In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.

However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.

However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.

This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.