Banish Cold-sore Breakouts

Some of the everyday plants that we see in our gardens and fields which nature has provided as therapeutic foods are much overlooked by current generations as highly fortifying and nutrient rich foods.

Common Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one such example and is traditionally used as a spring tonic, its therapeutic properties coming from the roots as well as its stems, seeds and leaves.

So why not don a pair of gloves this spring and collect young nettles in their prime?  Pick the tips from an uncontaminated area where no spraying has taken place and wash them thoroughly. Cooking destroys the stings, and produces a tasty vegetable and nutritious soup, or a side dish of greens similar to spinach, with an earthy green taste. Nettle can be used in many other dishes such as casseroles, or used as a pesto or cordial.

Nettle tea is also a favourite and is very refreshing. Simply add water to your young nettle leaves and heat to a near boil. Use about two cups of water for a cup of leaves. You can make the tea stronger by steeping longer or weaker by adding more water. Once the water is near boiling, reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes.  

Nettle’s protein content rises when dried. If you want to use nettle through the winter then gather the leaves in spring, bag up and freeze. You can also store the seeds in a jar to provide a crunchy topping, but harvest the whole nettle and dry before removing the seeds, and store them in a dark cool place.

Why is nettle so nutritious? The amazing nutrient density of this superior green plant is due to its shady growing position in rich soil.   Nettle leaves contain significant amounts of chlorophyll and high amounts of protein, together with an impressive list of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and things you may never have heard of, like carotenoids, polysaccarides, fatty acids, lignans, phytosterols and flavonoids, but which are all essential for good health. Nettles are rich in zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, contain more iron than spinach and are a high source of vitamin C which aids iron absorption, helping to combat anaemia.

Nettle’s nutrient profile means it can support human health in a variety of ways; it nourishes, strengthens and balances many functions of the body and supports its organs and systems including, liver, kidney, immune, hormonal and cardiovascular health, helping to cleanse the body of waste, purifying the blood and helping the body resist infective bacteria including those responsible for recurrent urinary tract infections.

Nettle can decrease the inflammatory response as well as improve blood flow and pain responses.  These effects can help to reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis, gout and other soft tissue conditions such as bursitis and tendonitis. We all know that being stung by nettles can cause a swollen itchy rash such as hives, but amazingly when eaten nettle can also help hives. Freeze-dried nettle leaf  has also been used for dealing with hay fever, asthma and other seasonal allergies.  

Nettle has also been used as a hair and scalp treatment for centuries to promote hair regrowth, as well as reducing dandruff and scalp conditions when used as a rinse.