by Moggy
Surviving in a world that is in a state of upheaval means knowing how to heal yourself when physical problems arise...or better yet, how to prevent problems from arising in the first place. Any of the states in the Appalachian Mountain Range have a wealth of natural remedies growing in the forests that comprise this range, especially Georgia (Sosebee Cove in the Chattahoochee Nat’l Forest is a botanist’s dream come true) and North Carolina, as the Cherokee Indians have left behind what may be considered an encyclopedia of healing remedies.
To begin, let us explore Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). It is a nutritive..kidney ally..alterative, antiseptic, anti-diabetic, anti-rheumatic. Natural remedy for the pain of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis and bursitis..preventative of prostate problems.
Stinging Nettle is a wonder herb of nourishment and powerful enough to heal damaged tissue. Kidneys, lungs, intestines, and arteries are tonified, strengthened and gradually altered toward optimum functioning. The chemical constituents are mucilage, iron phosphate, potassium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and potassium chloride..and in the fresh plant, formic acid. The chemistry of this plant makes it extremely valuable as a therapeutic agent in inflammatory and catarrhal conditions. Organic iron phosphate is nature’s quickest and best remedy for all inflammation; potassium phosphate is the basic food for brain and nerves; and potassium chloride is nature’s masterpiece solvent of fibrin.
The anti-inflammatory substances join with the rich concentration of the minerals boron and silicon to help ease pain of the above diseases. The fresh leaves can be used raw and applied directly to the rheumatic pain area as they increase circulation and draw out pain.
For the purposes of men’s sexual health, the key ingredients are the sterols that lessen the action of DHT, the form of testosterone that causes the prostate to enlarge.
A cup or more of nettle tea taken daily relieves and helps prevent water retention.
HERBAL TEA:
Use two teaspoons of dried nettle leaves per pint of boiling water.
MEDICINAL TEA:
Use three to four teaspoons per pint of boiling water.
HERBAL INFUSION (for energy):
One ounce of dried nettle herb
One quart of filtered water
Place the herb into a quart jar and fill to the top with boiling water. Stir with a wooden spoon and add enough water to fill the jar to the top. Cover tightly and set aside to brew for at least four hours or overnight.
To use: Strain and squeeze the liquid out of the herb. Be sure to refrigerate your infusion, as it will go bad at room temperature once it is done brewing. Drink within 24 hours.
AS A VEGETABLE SIDE:
I steam a few handfuls of freshly picked Stinging Nettle (use gloves to prevent being stung) for about 15 minutes and top with a wee bit of butter.
IDENTIFICATION:
