Hedgerow Goodies!

 

NETTLES

Well, what can I say! The curse of every dog walker or exploring child hides a wonderful secret...Nettles are yummy! Just imagine a free source of spinach, just a little bit of an earthier taste and you have got every reason to get out and forage for some free greens. Gloves are obviously essential (a small child with gloves to do the picking is even better lol), only pick the tops of the nettles for the tenderest greens, and of course only forage away from the road and where our four legged friends may have visited!

 

NETTLES – MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Nettles are an exceptional cleansing herb, however there are more properties to nettles than you may realise!

  To remove a curse and send it back, carry a sachet or poppet of nettle leaves.

   Nettles can be thrown into the fire to avert danger.

   Place fresh cut nettles under a sickbed to aid recovery.

   Combine with a sprig of yarrow and carry to help protect against deep fear.

   Nettles can be lust-inducing so maybe take a dunk in a purification bath before a big night in!

          

NETTLES- HERBAL & MEDICINAL

 

Nettles contain high levels of potassium and iron, and vitamins A and C. They have been used as a diuretic, and as a blood purifier treating anaemia, protecting against kidney infections, reducing menstruation and for the relief of rheumatic pain and arthritis. It also inhibits bacteria, treats childhood eczema and mild acne, and has been used to alleviate sneezing, itching and the symptoms of asthma.

An Infusion of nettles can be used to stimulate the digestive system and promote milk flow in lactating mothers.

Arthritic joints can be whipped with nettles, it is thought to stimulate the adrenals and reduce swelling and pain (don’t fancy that myself though!)

Taken as a tea, Nettles can be used as a spring tonic against anaemia, exhaustion and illness.

Tea or soups used for treating colds, gout and ailments of the urinary tract.

Eating nettle soup is said to bring out a measles rash.

Infusion of nettles is used to treat dandruff and is a great shine tonic, infusion of the root is said to be good for hair loss. Gargled it is used to treat mouth ulcers.

 

NETTLES – OLD FOLKLORE

Nettles can be used as a dye, green from the stems and yellow from the roots. They were once used to make cloth, paper, fishing nets and ropes.

Perhaps the best folklore is about the time of gathering of nettles, it is said to only gather nettles till may day, after that the devil uses them to make his shirts…Ummm….I think we should leave them well alone after that, don’t you?! bb mandyxxx