Petals and Moss: Watch Out! Wonderful Nettles.

Ita and I have been loving our stinging nettles infusion each morning (the ones that inevitably sting a toddler once in while and a harrowing cry ensues). It's a nourishing herbal infusion that "goes to work right away giving you the vitamins and minerals we need." Susan Weed of the Wise Woman Tradition and author of two very accessible and informative books on herbs. She says, "Stinging nettle is the energy of the earth... many people who drink it say they fall asleep more easily and sleep more deeply. It rebuilds core energy, the adrenals, which are responsible for how much energy we have. "

I drink it for my allergies, asthma and for an easy way to get readily absorpable food-based minerals like calcium, 250 mg. per cup! Susan Weed believes many of the edible plants that grow near us, heal us. I must say I do feel better. She notes that within 7-10 days you will see the effects.

As an expectorant, it's recommended for asthma, mucus conditions of the lungs, and chronic coughs. Nettle tincture is also used for flu, colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. Nettle infusion is a safe, gentle diuretic—considered a restorative for the kidneys and bladder.

Makes 1 Quart Stinging Nettles Nourishing Infusion:

1 oz. dried nettles (available locally at PCC)

1 qt. boiling water

For kids add: 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (if you prefer sweetener) and a splash of lemon to taste

Mix the nettles in the boiling water, add more water to decrease air and close with a tight lid. Allow to steep overnight or atleast 4 hours. Strain and drink throughout the day. Click on this link to watch Susun Weed make a batch with her grandaughter. "Once again the nourishing herbal infusions are a wonderful way to bring the plants into our lives on a daily basis. I often say to parents, if you go to a cupboard everyday and you take out a jar of pills and you say to your child, take this pill it will keep you healthy, then we shouldn't be surprised if as a teenager they go looking for happiness in a pill because we have trained them to look there. Where as if we go outside and say this is dandelion we eat it to be healthy, then when our children are teenagers and in the experimental stage they are going to be more likely to go looking for interesting plants rather than drugs." An interview with Susun Weed from the Raw Mom Summit The Evolution of Motherhood has Arrived.

The following books by Susun S. Weed are helpful in learning more about safe herbs for the whole family.

Healing Wise