The Herb Weavers Journal #34 - Nettle - 26th Nov 2024

Nettles - A weed to some and one of the most amazing plants to others.

What a great plant for foragers and witches alike, I’ve been out foraging in the last few days and nettle is still looking great and plentiful.

Using nettles for either magical or health benefits, we only need those lovely green new leaves from the top of the plant and always ensure to take them from off the beaten track. You find nettles along paths and walk ways, but that means you find car pollution and dog wee in the same places, so delve a bit deeper and source from the middle of the pack too.

Did you know that if you pick the fresh nettles with your finger and thump pads, you won’t get stung? If there is no hair or open follicle, then no sting, so only take 2 to 3 leaves down and this will ensure the plant doesn’t fall onto the top of your hand and sting you.

Nettle comes from the Urticaceae family and has been used medicinally since Roman times. It is full of Vit A, C and K, iron, magnesium, potassium, fibre, fatty acids and amino acids too. So really helps support a healthy balanced diet. It is perfect used in soups and stews, or even as a stand alone vegetable, sauteed in butter or ghee. But herbal tea is probably the way most people consider taking it.

It regulates your blood sugar, so idea for type 2 diabetics who are pre insulin. helps with prostate issues, kidney issues, offers eye health, helps with coughs and colds, osteoporosis and fights allergies as it blocks histamine in the body.

Magically is can be used for dispelling darkness & fear, as a curse breaking, it is great for renewal spells. Any spells for healing and protection and if you need a little extra love in your life then it also increases lust in existing partner too.

What more could you want?