Mar 14 2009
Stinging Nettle Eating Competition is not such a Bad Thing!
I have spent most of my years living in the Everglades in Florida becoming very familiar with the plants that grew in the area, learning about what is safe to eat, plant and even touch! I think that it’s important to know these kinds of things, especially when you spend as much time outside exploring as I do. When I moved further north early last year, I had to become familiar with the plants that grow in this area. Although, I’m only 4 hours further north and still in Florida the differences are many!
One of the new species that I ran into (literally) is called the stinging nettle! OUCH! The stinging nettle is actually a beautiful plant that produces pretty white flowers, but it also a very protective and angry plant, as well! Kind of like a jellyfish! Very nice to look at, but it’s a good idea not to play with it!
Since this was a new plant to me, I did some research and found out some very interesting information about the stinging nettle.
One of the first things I found out, is that in Marshwood, Dorset, in the UK there is an annual Stinging Nettle Eating Competition. I’m not kidding…check this out…
Humans can be insane!
More importantly, I researched and found that these angry little herbs have health benefits! Apparently, the stinging nettle can be used as a diuretic, to treat anemia, it helps in the treatment of arthritis, respiratory and urinary problems and it decreases the risk of eczema and other skin disorders…but wait that’s not all…! The stinging nettle can also be used in asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis treatments AND it protects us from hair loss!
If used in tea from: pour 2/3 cup of boiling water over 3 - 4 tsp of dried nettle leaves or dried root and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Drink three to four cups a day. You can make an infusion with fresh nettle leaves. Always make sure to drink additional water along with the tea.
I guess maybe these “stinging nettle eaters” could be on to something…
~Wind
