Now it grows again, the nettle; valued by some, weeded out as a weed by others. But Urtica urens, as the herb is called in Latin, is an effective medicinal and useful plant that can be used from root to seed. Nettle is rich in iron, magnesium, vitamin C, silica, and tannins. The seeds additionally provide a good dose of vitamin E.
The Most Important At A Glance
- Nettles are rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.
- The leaves are suitable for salads, soups, and as a spinach substitute.
- Nettle seeds strengthen skin, hair, and nails.
- A decoction of nettles helps against aphids and as a fertilizer.
Taste Of Nettle
The herbal taste of the leaves and the nutty taste of the seeds is not particularly characteristic of nettle. The burning sensation on the tongue with fresh leaves indicates the heating properties. Nettle is enjoyed in spring as a blood-cleansing tea or in the Green Thursday soup and is considered a tonic in the Alpine region.
Scent And Signature Of Nettle
Freshly harvested nettle leaves have a subtle urine-like scent, followed by a faint lemon balm scent. This scent signature shows the plant's relationship to the urinary organs. The tea acts as a diuretic and eliminates uric acid, which is helpful for bladder gravel. Nettle tea cures are recommended.
Application Of Nettle
Nettle leaves are suitable as salad, vegetable, or spinach substitute. They have low acid content and are suitable for gout, rheumatism, and arthritis patients. The seeds are a vitamin and mineral bomb that strengthens skin, hair, and nails. Daily consumption of 1-2 teaspoons can help with hair loss.
Favorite Recipes With Fresh Nettles
Tridosha Smoothie
- 1 mango
- 1 banana
- 1 apple
- 1 carrot
- 1 cm fresh turmeric
- 2 cm fresh ginger
- 1 handful of wild herbs such as dandelion, bishop's weed, nettle
- Some fresh mint, sage
- 1 tbsp Chyavanprash - Amlamus
- 100 ml pomegranate juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon, 3 cardamom pods
Preparation: Puree all ingredients. Before serving, mix with 200 ml hot water.
Nettle Soup
- 500 g potatoes
- 2 onions
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- approx. 100 g nettles
- Pepper, salt to taste
- 1 red chili pepper, as desired
- 250 g new potatoes
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Preparation: Peel potatoes and cut into cubes. Chop onions and braise both in butter. Deglaze with broth and simmer for 15 minutes. Add nettles and simmer for another 10 minutes. Puree and season to taste.
Further Applications Of Nettle
Even the stems of the plant can be used. Like flax or hemp, yarn can be spun from them. Nettle decoction helps against aphids and is suitable as a fertilizer. The decoction is made by soaking roughly cut nettle herb in water. The mixture can be used against aphids after 24 hours. After 2-3 weeks of fermentation, it becomes a good fertilizer.
Conclusion
Nettle is a versatile herb that provides valuable services for skin, hair, and health. Whether as food, medicine, or in the garden – nettle is a true wonder herb.
