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Nettle Organic |
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Nettle Organic
NETTLE, STINGING - Organic
(Urtica dioica)
History and Folklore
The humble Nettle often receives ungrateful treatment. Cursed as a weed and shunned for its avenging sting, most people try to avoid it or eradicate it from their gardens. However, their efforts are rarely met with success as even the smallest piece of root can give rise to new shoots. Yet, Nettles have not always been regarded with such disdain. The Romans valued them quite highly, not just for their medicinal powers, but also as a pot herb, and, surprisingly, even for their dreaded stinging power. They used Nettles to flagellate painful arthritic joints, which is said to bring relief to the aching parts. They also prepared a body oil with Nettle tops, which, as they claimed, kept them warm and helped them endure the unbearably cold British winters. Nettles could have kept them warm in a less stinging way, though, had they spun its fibres into some fine, tough yarn and woven this into warm robes and blankets. Nettles yield one of the strongest, most resilient natural plant fibres available. In the age of exploration, all ships of the British fleet were set with sails made of Nettle fibre. Nettle yarn was still much used until the First World War when most military garb was fashioned from it. With the discovery of artificial fibres Nettle yarn fell into disuse - until its recent rediscovery. Today, Nettle is gaining unprecedented new popularity in the natural fibres trade, as it can be grown without the use of massive fertilizers and pesticides. But that is just one of its numerous gifts for which they deserve appreciation.
Medicinal Uses:
Dried Nettles may feel a little prickly, but they do not sting and they yield their nutritional benefits without much further ado. Nettles are very cleansing on both, the digestive tract and the kidneys, from which they remove waste materials in a thorough, yet un-dramatic way. Nettles have the ability to flush out uric acid crystals from arthritic joints and will eliminate them via the kidneys. Thus, they can be used as a supportive blood cleansing remedy for skin conditions such as eczema or for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. They are strongly diuretic and can be helpful in cases of oedema or to support the treatment of bladder and kidney complaints. Nettles are very rich in iron and provide good nutritional support for women, especially during pregnancy or menstruation. They are styptic and will help to inhibit internal and external bleeding. They also have an anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine effect, which, in combination with other herbs, is used to control hay fever and other allergic reactions. The leaves can stimulate the production of mother's milk, while the seeds are said to increase sexual potency in men.
Magical Uses:
Nettles are often mentioned in association with love potions. Especially the seeds are said to have aphrodisiac properties. Nettles are also used for protection - worn as amulets or hung above stable doors they ward off evil witches and demons. In particular, Nettles are often used to protect milk or beer from turning sour during a thunderstorm. A wide range of conditions was addressed by various sympathetic folk-medicine practices that involved Nettles. It is a classic spring cleansing herb and sacred foods such as Nettle pudding, Nettle soup and Nettle beer not only act physically restorative, but also confer protection against disease and are said to attract good fortune for the entire year.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child’s range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one’s own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother’s milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don’t risk regret.
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