| Personal Care Corner | |
Nettles Save the Day
by Brenda Guettler, Assistant Buyer for the Personal Care Department, from
the July 2003 newsletter
The days are long, the sun is out, and life is good. Opportunities for outdoor
fun abound, but occasionally all of that fun comes at a cost. I’m sure
that many can relate to the itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, etc. that can accompany
these glorious summer months. Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about
allergies (a minor annoyance for some and a debilitating problem for others).
Luckily there are several options for dealing with allergies and preventing them
from ruining your days.
Step outside and one of these remedies might be right under your feet or growing in your garden. Considered a weed by some, this plant often grows in unwelcoming places. It prefers moist habitats, is native to Europe and Asia, and is widely naturalized in North America. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) may be a nuisance to some, but surely the positives outweigh the negatives for this beneficial plant. Those of you who have run into nettle by accident likely did not have a very pleasant experience. Tiny hairs that cover the stem and undersides of the leaves “sting” humans and animals that brush up against them. I’m told that it feels similar to a bee sting. This plant is just one reason that it is a good idea to wear gloves while weeding.
If you are unfamiliar with nettles, you can recognize them by their opposite, heart-shaped leaves with saw-toothed edges. Its flowers are small, green, and hang down in clusters. If you do happen to get stung, chances are that the remedy is also growing close by. I was told by Kenna and Annie, who were both born and raised in England where nettles are extremely prevalent, that rubbing dock leaves on the affected area soothes the sting right away.
Now the GOOD reasons to LOVE NETTLES!!! (The British love their nettles so much that they dedicated a whole week at the end of May as National Be Nice to Nettles Week.) Besides being an excellent source of vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and many other minerals, nettle leaves also are reputed to have antihistamine and anti-asthmatic properties and to be particularly helpful at reducing the symptoms associated with hay fever. Nettles have provided relief recently for several allergy sufferers here at the Co-op, so do not be surprised by enthusiastic responses to questions about nettles.
According to Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, nettles have also been used as an expectorant, a diuretic, and a pain reliever (just to name a few).
Nettles appreciate growing in rich soil and effectively pull minerals from the soil. Subsequently they are also good at restoring nutrients to the soil, making them a fine addition to your compost pile! Luckily, cooking or drying the leaves makes them lose their sting, allowing for many culinary options. Young nettle leaves are tasty when steamed by themselves or added to stews or sauces. Drying the older leaves is recommended for use in tea.
If you decide to go out and collect your own nettles, be sure to consult someone who can be sure to correctly identify them. Here at the Co-op you can find nettles in the bulk herbs section and in capsules or tincture form in the supplements department. As always, please consult your health care professional when deciding how to deal with any medical issue.
Sources:
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Kowalchik &Hylton, Eds.
Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Ed., Balch & Balch
www.ediblewild.com/nettles.html
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