The stinging nettle. Medicinal plant

The stinging nettle is a true miracle herb and is also known as the queen of plants.

With its stinging hairs, stinging nettle is always easy to recognize. Especially when you touch it from above, you know that it is stinging nettle. It grows to a height of 50-150 cm and likes to grow where people live, in gardens, along paths and on embankments. The stem is square and the leaves are on stalks and are roughly serrated. The nettle is a versatile healer and can contribute well to a balanced diet. Even in ancient times, Pliny recommended young nettle plants as a vegetable. Even then, they were used to treat ailments such as pneumonia and ulcers. In the Middle Ages, nettles were used to relieve asthma and the seeds were said to have a fertility-enhancing effect. They are still used today as an aphrodisiac! The invigorating seeds can be harvested from July to August. When dried, they also provide a valuable source of protein for the winter. They also contain a whole range of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Pure energy! They can be added to muesli, sandwiches, soups and salads. They also taste very good mixed with bee honey.

Nettles contain 40 % protein, which is more than in popular vegetable protein sources such as soy. It can therefore serve as an important source of protein for vegetarians and vegans in particular. Stinging nettle is also popular in veterinary medicine; it stimulates milk production, for example, and is an important food plant for many butterfly species.
The stinging nettle is a wonderful fertilizer plant. Potatoes and tomatoes thrive excellently on its manure. Nettles under fruit trees improve the harvest. If it is in the way, the nettle can easily be plucked out or mown and placed around the trunk as a gentle fertilizer.

Nettle tea helps with mildew, fungal infestation and lice on plants. If the nettle grows in the vicinity of medicinal herbs, these produce more essential oils. Stinging nettle is also an indicator plant for nitrogen-rich soil and likes to grow in fertilized soil.

Its ingredients are:
Chlorophyll, iron, protein, flavonoids, folic acid, potassium, silicic acid, linoleic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, mucilage, vitamin A, vitamin C.
Nettles also contain acetycholine, which promotes muscle mobility and the rapid flow of thoughts.

Nettle spinach:
Pick young nettle plants (or only the upper shoots of older plants), wearing gloves if necessary. Cut into small pieces.
Chop 1 small onion and sauté in oil. Add the nettle and fry briefly.
Pour in a little water or milk and simmer briefly. Squeeze in 1 clove of garlic.
Season to taste with cream, salt and pepper.
This spinach tastes particularly good in a fresh omelette.

Nettle spaetzle:
500 g flour, 2 - 3 eggs, approx. ½ l milk or water, 2 tsp salt, scalded, finely chopped nettle leaves.
Mix all the ingredients into a dough. Pass through a sieve into boiling water or form small dumplings. Strain and toss in hot butter. Sprinkle with cheese to taste.

Tea to purify the blood:
20 g elderflower
10 g nettle leaves
10 g strawberry leaves
10 juniper tips
Mix the herbs, brew with hot water and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. This tea helps to regenerate the blood.