Each week I will highlight an herb. I'll give you information on some uses and properties of each herb. This week we will discuss Nettles Nettles- Urtica diocia Parts used-mostly the leaf Nettles helps reduce water retention, is excellent for PMS symptoms, great source of digestible plant iron ( good for anemia) and is rich in calcium, vitamin A and chlorophyll. Known to many as Stinging Nettle- for centuries the sting of fresh nettle leaves were used to flog ( to hit with the the leaves or stalk of the plant) arthrithic patients in the areas of inflammation. There is formic acid in the the tiny hairs found on nettle leaves. (Formic acid is also found in the sting of bees and ants.) These stinging hairs agitate the skin instantly upon contact, but the counter effect produced from the plant alleviates the pain and any blockage. I experienced this personally at an herbal seminar in California this past spring. I took an herb walk and there was nettle growing in the garden. My neck was killing me! I asked a fellow seminar attendee to flog my neck with the nettle…..It stung horribly…but afterwards my neck felt great! Fresh Nettle leaves can also be lightly steamed and served with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoned to taste. When I am experiencing any kind of urinary related discomfort such as lower back pain ( kidney), I always make a cup of nettles tea. So try nettles. Great as a daily tea because of it’s high mineral content. Nettles or any other loose herbs you purchase should be organically grown or at the least wild-harvested. Don’t settle for any substitutes, exception, or excuses. You don’t want herbs sprayed with chemicals and poisons because they will lose their medicinal value.If you would like to purchase organic nettle or other organically grown herbs please contact me. info@edenspathway.com