Nettles for New Year!
Why Nettles in Late Winter and Spring?
Build your reserves while increasing the flow of prana and renewal by starting a decoction of nettles for the New Year. I’ve used this practice now for five years and have reversed a lifetime of some of the most severe allergy symptoms that persisted despite prescription, in office and high doses of multiple over the counter pharmaceuticals.
Not only that, nettles build healthy reserves while helping your body let go of tissue that no longer serves, is worn down, broken or no longer functioning properly. Nettles assist in the turnover of tissue that must accompany healthy muscle, bone and tissue building to keep the system functioning properly. This process is in full swing in the depth of winter with extra melatonin, extra sleep and high digestion, if everything’s working properly. This is the best time of year for building healthy muscle, bone and stamina because the body’s geared for it.
What are the Benefits of Nettles?
Wild Nettles
Nettles are high in Vitamins A, B complex, C, D and K. Check.
Nettles are abundant sources of many minerals our farmed produce lacks such as “iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iodine, silica.” Check.
Nettles are the highest plant source of protein. Double Check!
Nettles are dry, hot and light, bitter, astringent and salty meaning they are sattvic and balance all doshas, help to build both prana and ojas, the one-two punch for healing and immunity. They are alkalizing and even help in building bone. Double check, check!
Nettle has proven anti-inflammatory effects, “affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis,” and has been used for centuries to build system resilience. The two easiest and most robust uses are to gather in the mid-late summer (wear gloves - they’re not called “stinging nettles” for nothing, but the sting is neutralized by steaming) for lunch, and making a tea of the dried ones in the Late Winter and Spring.
How Do I Prepare Them?
We’ll focus on Late Winter and Spring tea here. Technically the preparation is a decoction and not a true “tea” as we’ll use only the dried nettles. I use Starwest Botanicals Organic Nettles and a 1 pound bag lasts me about 2 years, so it’s a pretty good deal (affiliate link, meaning I’ll receive a few pennies if you purchase from that link - please use your discernment about where to buy). I also make a much stronger brew than the 1 tsp per 8-12 ounces of water they suggest.
What is a decoction?
A decoction is usually an intense boiling of herbs to extract their benefits. Pour boiling water over the herbs and wait 4 hours or more; an oxidative process happens that extracts full benefits from the leaves.
What do I need?
The nettles, about 1/2 cup
2 quarts boiling water
Something to steep and store in — this one makes it easy and seamless (affiliate link, please use your discretion).
Pour the boiling water over the nettles in a tea pitcher that has a contained basket and can also be stored for the week in the fridge.
How do I use it?
Leave to steep for at least 4 hours. I like overnight. Have 4-8 ounces every morning during the Late Winter and Spring. 2 Quarts will last a week and should be refrigerated. Really fresh and energizing in the morning.
Conclusion
Drinking a decoction of nettles daily from now through May can help you build healthier tissues, experience less allergies and over repeated seasons even escape their woeful effects. This practice balances all doshas and is part of a healthy circadian lifestyle, dissolving the obstacles to your body’s natural, healing response.
