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Nettles

By Christine Best BSc Phyt. MIIMH, MNIMH

With spring everything is shooting up in the garden especially, it seems, the nettles! Before you start pulling them up out of the flower beds or vegetable plots take the time to consider their better points. Nettles are one of our most nutritious wild plants being a good source of Vit C, calcium and iron and are often prescribed by herbalists to treat anaemic conditions.

Traditionally they were given as a spring tonic in soups or stews and are known as a good 'blood cleanser'. They are often used in arthritic conditions and it is thought that, as a diuretic, it helps with the elimination of urates which can aggravate some joint disorders such as osteoarthritis and gout. This action may also be behind its use in skin conditions together with its ability to improve the circulation thus helping to detoxify the tissues.

Although it contains histamine it, ironically, has an antihistamine action making it useful in allergic conditions - including hayfever and nettle rash! It contains silica, a mineral which helps strengthen weak tissue and is probably behind its use as a hair rinse to strengthen weak or falling out hair. It can help promote milk production in nursing mothers (it was often fed to dairy cattle in the spring for the same effect). It can also help to lower blood sugar levels making it a useful support in the treatment of diabetes. The nettles are best harvested at this time of year before flowering and can be easily dried for use later in the year. The sting goes with drying or heating. Use about 2tsp chopped fresh herb (1tsp dried herb) to each cup of boiling water. Leave it to infuse for 5-10 mins before straining. Take 1 cup 3 times a day. Alternatively add them to soups and stews or mix it in with potatoes adding them for the last few minutes of cooking.

(Christine is a qualified medical herbalist practicing in Tralee. If you have any queries you may contact her on 066 7103533 / 086 1939 217)

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