Nettles
By Charlotte Branca
Nettles, best known for its sting, are a remarkable plant for healing. It is considered a tonic herb with no known toxicity making it safe for internal use for everyone of all ages. When using fresh nettles, though, you must be careful handling it since the leaves have a natural protection of stinging hairs, which cover them and can produce an uncomfortable skin rash. Once the leaves are dried this sting disappears. If you ever have the pleasure of coming into contact with this plant use gloves to handle it or you will never forget the experience. It has a variety of different healing properties and uses, but first on the list is its nutritional properties which make nettles a first class preventive medicine. It is very high in calcium, chlorophyll, iron, Vit. C, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein an sulphur. It is high in histamines, which make it essential for spring allergies alleviating such symptoms as sinus congestion and asthma. It is a great healer of the kidney from stones to infections. It also keeps the bowels regular by assisting digestion and increases absorption of organic minerals from the foods we eat. Nettles are also used for arthritis, back pain, and sciatica nerve pain. They are used in the treatment of hives to cleanse the blood, relieve the itch, and reduce the inflammation. Used both internally and externally it stops hair from falling out, promotes hair growth, and clears up dandruff. Lesser-known uses are for lowering blood pressure, killing germs, and healing wounds. It is such a great blood cleanser it is considered a must for spring-cleaning of the body.
Traditionally nettles are associated with the ability to dispel darkness. Used as a magikal tea nettles are good for releasing negative energetic attachments to the body and to lift the spirits clearing darkness and depression. Magically nettle can be used in ceremonies to remove a curse or send it back to where it came from. Dried nettles can also be sprinkled around the house to keep evil out and to send it away. Nettles can be held in your hand to ward of ghosts or carried with yarrow to allay fears. Wear nettles as an amulet to keep negativity far away. Nettle has also been used as a lust-inducing herb.
Nettle is ruled by the planet Mars and by the Earth element of fire. This gives the properties of heat and energy to this plant. These two elements create a plant, which should be approached with caution, or you could get burned. It is always best to remember that this is why we handle nettles with gloves on. Although fiery to touch the influence of Mars creates a tonic herb enhancing overall physical health and well being. On an emotional level the combination of two fire sources ignites and brings things, which need to be healed to the surface. There is no discernment here, though, between positive and negative emotions. If one has been suppressing anger then anger is what will rise to the surface to be dealt with and released. If joy has been hidden from view and kept under wraps then expect to discover this aspect of yourself. One thing is for certain, though, when this much energy is given towards healing one can expect great things to happen.
Nettle Hair Conditioner
Nettle is valued not only valued for hair growth, but also to add softness and shine to strands. When used as a final hair rinse, nettle may darken the color of hair. Therefore, do not use nettle as a hair rinse if you have light colored hair and do not wish to darken it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup purified water
4 tsps. Dried nettle leaves
1. Pour
1/2 cup of boiling water over the 4 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves.
2. Cover the nettle hair tea and let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Let the mixture completely cool. Strain.
4. Pour the tea into a large plastic container.
5. Shampoo and rinse hair normally.
6. Gently squeeze excess water from the hair.
7. Have a second clean plastic bowl available to catch the nettle hair
tea.
8. Starting at the roots, carefully drizzle the nettle tea mixture over
the top of your damp strands. Catch extra liquid in the second bowl.
9. Use your fingers to help the rinse penetrate your strands.
10. Continue to pour the nettle mixture over your stands, catching the
leftover rinse in the second bowl. When all of the rinse has been used,
take the second bowl and repeat the process until no rinse is left.
11. Do a quick final clear water rinse to remove any excess nettle tea.
Use cool water, if possible.
Copyright © Thyme For Health 2004
