I love the spring because I love new growth, or new beginnings. Its the “kapha” time of year. Mother earth begins to awaken all her little darlings, one by one….
We need the seasons, too. Just as the earth rejuvenates itself…and so do our bodies. Eating and experiencing life through the seasons is vital to our inner being.
Today I asked my kids to go out and find something that mother earth has awakened. (I was trying to finish dishes and start a load of laundry…Ithought the “quest” would keep them busy for a few…lol..) Within a few minutes, they came screaming and running and I thought someone got hurt! Instead, it was the pure excitement of their findings..lol…
They found me the first sprouts of stinging Nettle.
Most people have met nettle for the first time while hiking or exploring in the woods and they remember their first sting by brushing too close to “sister spinster”. The sting from nettle is formic acid reacting on our skin, from the tiny hairs along the stem and under the leaves of the plant. Not to worry, though, the irritation will resolve itself in about a half an hour. If you absolutely cannot bear it, then crush the stalk of the nettle plant and rub the juice of the plant on your “sting”…the pain will be gone within seconds.
Aside from the nasty reputation Nettle has been given, the plant has a long list of nutritional and medicinal uses. It is one of my favorite herbs.
Nettle is an excellent source of iron – full of vitamins and minerals, a substitute for rennet, compost activator, aids digestion and inflammatory/ rheumatic complaints, allergies, urinary system, skin and scalp tonic, strengthens hair and nails….and so much more!
Once boiled, or cooked, the formic acid is neutralized. It won’t sting you. Use the Nettle’s leaves and stems as you would cooked spinach…try soufflés, lasagna, stir fry, quiche, casseroles etc. It is so yummy!
Wear gloves when you harvest nettle, taking the top 6 inches. The spring season is upon us, time to eat as much of the fresh wild greens as you can. It is definitely worth researching and getting to know Nettle…
but be careful… she is very playful! Lol…
About Jason Kok
Jason has been in the real estate business for over 20 years. He currently lives in Southern Iowa in a log cabin that overlooks Lake Sundown with his family which includes his wife and 5 children. Growing up in southern Wisconsin he developed an appreciation for the outdoors. This influences his career decision to sell land and provide others with the opportunity to live in a place they truly love. Jason deals with listings in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota with his main goal being to help you find a property that will stay in your family for many generations.
