Nettles and their benefits (leaves)

Taken from the excellent Neantóg  March Newsletter 2023
by Gaby and Hans Wieland

Nettles are just amazing plants. They are a fantastic source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon, boron and zinc. They are also rich in chromium, manganese, iron, copper and chlorophyll. Nettles are a good source of Vitamin A, B-complex, Vitamin C (ascorbates and bioflavonoids) Vitamin D and E. They nourish and support the immune system, create strong, flexible bones, can help to reduce fatigue and exhaustion and can help to normalize weight.

At this time of the year the young leaves are used.

In the kitchen nettles can be used instead of spinach or as a mix. Nettles are much higher in iron and contain 7.8mg per 100g compared to spinach with 4.1mg. They contain 630mg per 100g calcium, compared to 126mg spinach. For the nettle soup recipe click here.

As a medicine nettles can help to ease and prevent sore joints. Usually taken as a strong nettle infusion (30g dried nettle leaves per litre of water):
Steep dried or fresh nettles in hot water for at least 4 hours or overnight, strain and drink 1-2 cups a day. Will keep in the fridge for 3 days. You can reheat it if you prefer it warm. A nettle infusion or herbal tea can also be used as a hair rinse.

In the garden you can make nettle water, often combined with comfrey, to feed your garden plants with liquid nitrogen. Fore more on liquid fees read HERE

We will continue to inform you of the use of different parts of the nettle (seeds, stem, roots) as we go through the year.

Check out Neantóg excellent website full on information, recipes and growing tips.  www.neantog.ie