Heal yourself for FREE….why wouldn’t you?I’m writing this blog in my capacity as a Green Witch. FYI, a Green Witch is, by my definition, one who deals and heals with Mother Nature; nothing insane or arcane. By sharing this wisdom with you, you will be able to heal yourself from some very common, persisting and frequently debilitating ailments, for FREE. The only thing then stopping you from manifesting improved health, will be your own laziness!

The Holy Grail required to make this magic happen, comes in the form of my (almost) favourite plant on the entire planet…the common stinging nettle, or Urtica Dioica if you favour a Latin naming genus. My personal challenge, is to keep this blog from developing into a Thesis, there is just so much to tell about this natural wonder!

Personally, I find it hard to fathom why this gifted plant has fallen so far from grace, use and understanding in our common knowledge. Not so the case in parts of Asia and Europe, where they are still widely put to good use. It’s ridiculously versatile, vastly beneficial and yet most of us pour scorn upon it, regarding it more of a hinderance than a help. But even just having it present in your garden, will increase the production of volatile oils (terpenes) in neighboring plants and will attract beneficial insects.

As a bio-activator, it’s an excellent addition to your compost pile and makes a fabulous fertiliser! More info at https://www.marijuana.com/news/2016/09/grow-guide-stimulate-your-garden-with-stinging-nettle/

They have medicinal provenance too, Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used them for reliving arthritis and lumbago. As did the Romans, thrashing themselves with bunches to warm themselves up and relieve arthritis. This intense practise is known as Urtification, and is still used Today by those in the know. Although interestingly, in 2000 the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine confirmed that this is a safe and effective treatment for rheumatic pain, but sadly this is not an open, widely available information source. I’m pretty sure arthritis sufferers Today aren’t made aware of this harmless, ancient, effective, FREE treatment!!!

I frequently recommend nettles to friends and family, usage treats a long list of common health complaints and boost vitality. When I make the tea, this is the easiest way to use them, it’s drunk with relish and met with appreciation. I also regularly add some to stews, stir fries, sauces like Bolognese, (basically in anything I can get away with) and my kids ALWAYS comment on how delicious the food is….this is NOT a regular occurrence in my household!

But a weird, misplaced resistance exists, which stops my people doing it for themselves?! Insane, given that it involves merely stepping outside, picking a few heads, washing them (if you want), pouring boiling water on them (which kills all germs anyhow), steeping them for 10 minutes and then drinking….it couldn’t be any easier really!

Prepare to be amazed by the colossal list of key vitamins, minerals, properties that they provide….FOR FREE….and think of the money you can save!

• Acids: caffeic, ferulic, folacin (plant); linoleic, oleic and palmitic (seeds), formic, galic, acetic. (stinging hairs)
• Mucilage (plant)
• Lecithin (plant)
• Histamine (stinging hairs)
• Serotonin (stinging hairs) — who can get enough of that????
• Acetyl-choline (stinging hairs)
• Tannins (plant, especially the root)
• Alcohols: glycerol (seed)
• Chlorophyll
• Vitamins: vitamin B ( Niacin, riboflavin,thiamin, choline) (leaves); Vitamin C(leaves); beta carotene; vitamin K
• Minerals: Nitrogen, potassium, iron, calcium, sulphur, magnesium, aluminium (leaves)

For all you fitness fanatics using protein powders, Nettle powder contains a high amount of protein (38%), crude fiber (9%), total ash (16.2%), calcium (0.17%), iron (0.23%), and relatively low in carbohydrate (37%). As compared to barley and wheat flour, it has higher protein, crude fiber, fat, ash, calcium and iron, and low in glycemic index. As compared to barley and wheat, it has a higher level of tannin content, total polyphenol, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, and lower calorific value. Bioactivities of these functional components may play an important role in arthritis, rheumatism, muscular paralysis, potentially cancer prevention, etc.

Nettle contains prostaglandins which have properties that support resistance to redness and irritation. If you suffer from Rosaceae, what’s not to love?

Other health benefits you should know about, include their ability to detoxify the body, improve metabolic efficiency, boost immunity, increase circulation, improve energy levels, manage menstruation, minimize menopausal symptoms, heal skin conditions, protect kidney and gallbladder health, lower inflammation, increase muscle mass, regulate hormonal activity, prevent diabetes, lower blood pressure, soothe hemorrhoids, and improve respiratory conditions. How amazing is this plant?!!! This site covers the medical benefits and dosage sizes well, click on this link, https://www.botanical-online.com/medicinalsurticadioicaangles.htm

So if you suffer from allergies such as hayfaver, asthma, bladder infections, anaemia, menopause, menstrual problems, lactation issues, arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, constipation, diarrhoea, acne, eczema, psoriasis, stress and just simply lack energy and vitality….Nettles are for you! Check out https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/stinging-nettle.html

Healing through herbs is very en-vogue at the moment, the news is full of the beneficial medicinal properties contained within Marijuana. In fact, originally Marijuana was placed into the same genus as the nettle due to the similarities in leaf type etc. What’s great about nettles in comparison, is that they’re indigenous, legal, everywhere and free!

So people, there really is no valid reason for keeping your lives’ nettle-free, sting your way to happiness and health! I have to say I am no longer bothered by their little stings, not that I seek them out, rather I am getting to enjoy them….especially on a Winter’s day.

NB: If you’re already taking medication, you must check with your doctor first to ensure there is no possible negative reactions, Nettles are powerful. They can produce stomachic reactions if ingested in vast quantities, a cup a day will suffice. Plus, be careful where you pluck them from, organic refuse equals large quantities of nitrates! I grow mine at home…that way I know they’re not weed upon by passing dogs and free from harmful contaminants. And finally, I take no legal responsibility for your onward journeying into the use of this magnificent plant.

Originally published at celticwitchmama.com on June 26, 2018.