Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Be Nice to Nettles Week

The annual celebration of nettles has arrived once again. While nettles are considered by many to be, well, nettlesome, this is not wholly justified. There are really many reasons to be appreciative of nettles.

As a food, nettles are very rich in iron, calcium and potassium as well as vitamins A C & D, and a wide spectrum of trace minerals. They have plenty of chlorophyll in them, too. As a tea, they are recommended to treat anemia and fatigue, reduce stress and augment fertility. They are highly regarded for their for their ability to nourish hair growth and even help with hair loss.

I often enjoy a cup of nettles tea. It has a full ‘green’ flavor that I find tasty and vitalizing. (And don’t even ask how long my hair is.)

Nettles are good for your garden, too: brimming with nutrients and nitrogen to keep your plants growing strong and healthy.

Perhaps it is time to grasp the nettle!

2 comments:

tlchang said...

Do you drink tea with only fresh nettles (and therefore probably only in the spring?) or dried as well?

Kajsa said...

Fresh nettles when I have them, otherwise dried nettles from the co-op where I work. They make a tasty tea year 'round!

A happy day to you!