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Stinging Nettle: The Healthiest Sting Around
Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com
How to Identify Nettle
Nettle’s green leaves are distinguishable by their thin hairs that “sting,” or cause inflammation and itchiness when touched, serrated edges, and oval shape.
Nettle is very easy to grow in your own backyard. If you’re looking for a cheap daily vitamin and mineral you can grow yourself, try nettle. Be sure to use gardening gloves when gardening and picking nettle, though. However, the stings are removed when cooked.
How to Use Stinging Nettle
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- Nettle can be found in packaged teas in most health food stores. A great way to get all the health benefits of nettle is to purchase nettle tea bags or loose nettle leaf and create an infusion. Infuse boiling water with 3 tea bags (or 3 teaspoons) of nettle into a heat-safe glass mason jar. Cover, and allow to sit at room temperature for four to six hours. Drink promptly, or keep in the refrigerator up to two days. Nettle tea is a great way to boost the milk supply of nursing mothers.
- Nettle is available in capsule form at most health food stores.
- Nettle is also, of course, found in most gardens, backyards, and open areas in most temperate areas of the world.
- Nettle can also be consumed cooked. Most feel that nettle tastes like spinach, so sautéing is a great idea. Try out this recipe to enjoy the health benefits of fresh nettle as a pesto:
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Spinach Nettle Pesto
Ingredients
-½ cup extra virgin olive oil
– ½ cup parmesan cheese
– 1 cup lightly steamed or sauteed nettle
– 1 cup fresh spinach
– 2 garlic cloves
– ¼ cup pine nuts
– Pinch of salt
Instructions
Add nettle, spinach, and oil to a blender or food processor, and blend for 30 seconds. Add the other ingredients, and continue to blend until smooth, about one to two minutes.
KEEP READING: 30 Healthy Benefits of Using Nettle
Nettle is an herb that deserves a place in your medicine cabinet, and table. However, pregnant women should not consume nettle and those on prescriptions should ask their doctor before supplementing or consuming nettle. Research does note that nettle can increase milk supply for nursing mothers. Just be sure to steer clear of the sting!
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