Traditional wisdom suggests that Nettle “cleanses” the blood while simultaneously strengthening the walls of the blood vessels.
Blood Sugar Support: Nettle contains compounds that may mimic the effect of internal regulators, helping the body process glucose more efficiently.
Stimulating Circulation: Much like Ginger moves the blood, Nettle encourages “micro-circulation,” ensuring that nutrients reach the smallest capillaries in the skin and extremities.
Soothing the Joints: Used topically as a cream, Nettle helps “draw out” the acidic buildup in joints that causes discomfort, acting similarly to the Cabbage Poultice.
How to Prepare a Traditional Nettle Cream
This cream allows you to apply the mineral wealth of the leaf directly to the skin, where it can be absorbed into the local circulation.
The Ingredients
Nettle-Infused Oil: (Dried nettle leaves steeped in Olive Oil for two weeks, then strained).
Beeswax: To provide a protective barrier and solid texture.
A Squeeze of Lemon: To act as a natural preservative and Vitamin C boost.
The Method
The Melt: In a small glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax into 1/2 cup of your nettle-infused oil.
The Set: Once melted, remove from heat and add a few drops of lemon. Stir as it cools and begins to thicken into a rich, green cream.
The Application: Rub this cream into the soles of your feet (where those 7,000 nerve endings are!) or onto stiff joints before bed.
The Nettle Connection in Your Daily Toolkit
Nettle works in harmony with the other “Pantry Pharmacy” staples you have collected:
Morning: Your Lemon Water flushes the liver, preparing it to receive the minerals from the Nettle.
Evening: Apply your Nettle Cream to your legs or joints.
Overnight: The Olive Oil in the cream works alongside your Spoon of Olive Oil (taken internally) to support the body’s repair phase.
A Respectful Note on Gathering
If you gather fresh nettles, always use gloves! The “sting” disappears completely once the leaf is dried, cooked, or infused in oil. It is a humble plant that demands respect, but gives back “gold” in the form of vitality.
