Nettle: The First Medicine of Spring
by Anna Caporael
Just as the days lengthen, the earth gently stirs and birdsong sounds out at daybreak, the first tender spirits of Nettle appear on the trails here at The Ground.
Nettle shares a panel of nourishment to fortify us as we emerge from our winter dreams.Whenever I work with nettle, the word, “tonic” is brought forward as acknowledgement of the plants willingness to restore vigor and well-being. What does it mean to be well nourished?
The Nettle offers your system iron, quercetin, phenolic acids, magnesium, calcium and silica. As a natural histamine reducer, the bright green plants arrive right on time. As a gentle yet powerful anti-inflammatory, Nettle allows us to temper the seasonal urge to create immediate and overly robust or heated, restless action.
Nettle asks us to nurture ourselves first, to care first, to build our bones and blood prior to effort. To align and adjust before we launch forward.
I invite you to brew yourself some nettle tea and connect with the medicine offered.
How to Sit with Nettle and Welcome the Opening of Spring
If using fresh nettle, wear gloves and boil 1-2 large handfuls in a quart of water for 15 minutes.
For dried nettle, boil 20 grams (2 Tablespoons) in 1 quart of water for 15 minutes.
Strain off some nettle tea to sit with while warm. Strain remaining and set aside in the refrigerator to have a half cup daily.
Sit comfortably with your nettle tonic. Feel the cup in your hands, allow yourself to be curious about the sensations you are experiencing. What is this warmth? Do I feel warmth anywhere aside from my hands?
Notice the smell. Where do you truly connect to your sense of smell? Is it in your nose? Your throat? Your pallet?
Sit in quiet connection with the hope Spring brings. Notice or imagine a sensation of gratitude radiating from your heart center. Notice if this gratitude is felt anywhere else in your body. Does this gratitude have a color? Do you feel gratitude beyond your body? Where?
Offer your gratitude to your cup, to the Nettle medicine, to the clean water.
As you are ready, begin to slowly sip your tea.
Notice how your body receives the medicine. Where does your body receive this medicine?
As you sip, notice if any messages or inclinations arrive. Take notes as you like to refer to later. Ask the Nettle if there are any messages for you at this moment. Sit in a space of receiving love, guidance and good medicine to restore your system.
Medical Disclaimer: The information offered in this article is intended for educational and reflective purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Nettle may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diuretics, and blood pressure medications, and may not be appropriate for everyone. If you are pregnant, nursing, managing a chronic health condition, or taking prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before adding nettle or any herbal preparation to your routine. Always source herbs from reputable suppliers and exercise appropriate caution when foraging.
