For those interested in foraging but new to it, here's a plant that is east to identify - if it looks like the pic above and stings you,when you rub against it, you've got it!
Nettles (Urtica urens) are around in abundance in many a #hivegarden in SA at the moment. They're chock full of vitamins and minerals, have a high level of protein, are a prebiotic and have an antihistamine in them. The whole plant supports kidney function. The seeds are so good at it that they are used by herbalists to rebuild damaged kidney cells.
Nettle root is a boost for men too. They contain a compound like testosterone.
You can pick the plant and dry Nettles for use later on, tincture them, add it as a leafy green to meals and some folks make Nettle pesto - the uses are endless!
Don't worry, abou6 eating the stings, once the herb is put into hot or very cold water, the stings are disabled and you wont get stung anymore.if you do feel irritation, squish up some stems and apply the liquid to the affected area - it's the antidote to the stings!
Some of you may have seen that I've been writing a series of posts about herbs and making herbal remedies at home. I want to share what I know of this topic so that, as the world gets crazier, folks will have other avenues of medical care, namely those of themselves and their community. If you look back over this blog, you can see heaps of info on the topic, plus loads and loads of posts on herbs and using Australian bushfoods from a white perspective. If you haven't been around on in the @hivegarden and @naturalmedicine communities for long, you may be interested in looking back. There's w-a-a-a-a-y too much there for me to repost and the Hive system doesn't let you vote on old posts so, if you're happy with what you find, I believe that there is now a tip option...
