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Nettles!
This is one of my favorite times of year! The new late winter nettles bring me hope and inspiration. The coming of spring is upon us. The quickening time of Imbolc has come and gone, and the wells within the Earth are warming and bringing rise to new growth.
Mid February is the time where we begin to see the wane of Winter, and the beginnings of the quickening time of Spring. As we move closer to Spring Equinox, we notice the sun shine upon us a bit later, the temperatures begin to warm, the buds of potential glistening within the trees, and the appearance of new delicate leaves of springtime flowers and herbs. The reappearance of the plants is one of the most exciting times of year, and a time to begin to nourish ourselves with spring cleansing tonics to revitalize our energy after the winter months.
One of the herbs that really presents itself to us at this time of year is Nettles (Urtica dioica). Nettles are one of the most nutrient rich herbs we have available to us in the Pacific Northwest. They contain the highest amount of protein of any of the native plants in this region, and contain iron, trace minerals (seleninum, sulphur, zinc, chromium, boron, calcium), vitamins (A, B, and K), and chlorophyll. They are considered one of the best spring tonics because they cleanse our blood after the winter months of eating a diet rich in fats, provide us with renewed energy and clarity, and give us a renewed sense of ourselves.
The late winter and early spring leaves can be gathered using gloves. The small hairs on the stalk and underside of the leaf contain formic acid, and this is what can cause the stinging sensation and rash. So the best way to gather is using gloves, scissors/clippers, and a long-sleeved shirt. When gathering Nettles, harvest from an area that is free of any possibility of pesticide or chemical spray. Also, be sure it is an area where the nettles are growing in abundance, and make an offering of thanksgiving to the plant. The fresh leaves can be dried or used fresh. See recipes below.
Some easy preparations of Nettle are tea and vinegar.
Nettle Tea:
- Place dried or fresh Nettles in a quart container about 1/3 full.
- Boil water.
- Pour water into quart jar.
- Cover and allow to sit for 20 minutes to 4 hours, or even overnight. The longer the herbs steep in the water the stronger the infusion will be, and thus the stronger the medicine J.
- After steeping, strain off herbs from liquid.
- Add honey if you like and enjoy!
Nettle Vinegar:
- Tightly pack a quart jar with the fresh leaves and stalk (if you have it) of the Nettles.
- Pour organic apple cider vinegar over the Nettles and fill jar.
- Cover. If using a metal lid you will want to cover the jar with wax paper, then put the lid on to prevent rust.
- Place in an area out of direct sunlight.
- Shake several times a day, and add more vinegar as needed to keep the Nettles covered.
- After 2-3 weeks strain off plant material from vinegar.
- Compost Nettles, and place your vinegar in a nice labeled container.
- Use this on salads, in marinades, or take teaspoon before meals as a digestive aide that is rich in minerals.
Yay!!! Merry Meet Portland April 26 & 27 2014
Portland Plant Medicine Market Place Saturday February 8th
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Arnica
It’s beautiful and ready to harvest. So bright and sunny!
Springtime Harvest
Herbs are ready for your personal gathering pleasure. Come on over and gather what you need. Make your medicine in the magical gardens or take them home to dry. Prices vary and are based on weight. Freshly dried herbs are also available. Delivery available upon request 5$-10$ delivery fee based on location.
Currently available:
Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca: Flowering aerial tops 15$/pound
Arnica, meadow Arnica chamissonis: Flower 20$/pound
Lady’s Mantle Alchemilla vulgaris: Flowering tops 15$/pound
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis: Aerial tops 10$/pound
Marshmallow Althaea officinalis: Leaf 10$/pound
Thyme Thymus vulgaris: Aerial tops 12$/pound
Blue Vervain Verbena hastata: Flowering tops 15$/pound
Yarrow Achillea millefolium: Flowerheads 12$/pound
Figwort Scrophularia nodosa: Aerial parts 10$/pound
Oregano Origantum vulgare: Aerial parts 10$/pound
Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium: Aerial parts 10$/pound
Raspberry Leaf Rubus ideaus: Leaf 15$/pound
Coming Soon…
Betony Stachys officinalis: Aerial parts 15$/pound
Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum: Aerial parts 15$/pound
Bugleweed Lycopus americanus: Flowering tops 10$/pound
Comfrey Symphytum officinale: Leafs 8$/pound
Mullein Verbascum thapsus: Leaf 10$/pound
Calendula Calendula officinalis: Flowers 11$/pound
Gardens are located in Milwaukie. Contact Angela to arrange a time: angela.levan@gmail.com or 503.734.7143
Motherwort
Fresh and ready to harvest. She is beautiful!
