Tag: nettle

SPRING IS HERE…

It’s officially Spring. Though it was official according to the calendar about a month ago, Nature has now spoken in southeastern Utah. Here are three plants that signal spring to me: The first coltsfoot flowers are up – bright yellow sunshine that can be turned into a beautiful tincture. Coltsfoot Flower Tincture Coltsfoot flowers, freshly […] … Continue reading SPRING IS HERE…

NETTLE & WILD ONION RICE BALLS: SAVOURING SPRING! – GATHER

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a foraging favourite, so it doesn’t need much of an introduction. I probably don’t need to tell you that it has been a beloved spring tonic since time immem… Source: Nettle & Wild Onion Rice Balls: Savouring Spring! – gather via Nettle & Wild Onion Rice Balls: Savouring Spring! – gather … Continue reading NETTLE & WILD ONION RICE BALLS: SAVOURING SPRING! – GATHER

Fall Allergies ~ An Herbal Approach

Seasonal allergies can really get you down, and over-the-counter meds can knock you out. Try these natural herbal remedies to soothe pollen induced headaches, scratchy throats, chapped skin, and more. As allergy sufferers, we’re acutely aware of seasonal changes in air quality. Earth’s reawakening in spring brings us welcome warmth, but it also delivers not-so-welcome … Continue reading Fall Allergies ~ An Herbal Approach

The Druid Retreat for Spiritual Work and Healing, Part I: Why We Go on Retreat, Preparation, and Herbal Allies

Great information,thank you for sharing.

Wild Plant Profile: Stinging and Wood Nettle’s Medicinal, Edible, and Magical Qualities!

Great information

Dana's avatarThe Druid's Garden

Wood Nettle Wood Nettle

Grasp, love, grasp thy nettle tight!
Beneath the blossom there be stings
Which start and stab; but out of sight
Within that flower lie folded wings
So now, ere these be set on flight
Grasp, lover, grasp thy nettle tight!

Those stings which, lightly touched, do harm–
If those but hold them fast enough;
Spent of their poison shall disarm;
And seeing but a little rough,
Reveal beneath the covert form
So dear, and deep, and close, and warm
–From “Now or Never,” Laurence Housman

The above poem, published in 1915, shares one of the stinging nettle’s secrets–that if you grab the nettle firmly, rather than gently, the nettle stings will break off harmlessly and you can handle it without the sting.  But reaching for it tentatively will have the stings all in your skin! Nettle is one of my very favorite wild foods and medicinal plants, so…

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