Stinging Nettle
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Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), sometimes referred to as stinging nettle or simply nettle leaf is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. One of the most applicable plants used. They strengthen and support the entire body. Nettles can be sauteed, or made into pesto, soup, or added to your daily smoothie but, I love a nice cup of Nettle tea finished off with a dollop of honey. Nettle can provide an assortment of health benefits including; detoxification, improved blood circulation, skin health, heart health, anti-inflammatory, improved respiratory conditions, eases the symptoms of menopause and treat PMS.
Clearly, a cup of tea goes a long way to better overall health and well being.
WARNING: It is always recommended to introduce new foods to your diet slowly so that you may monitor how your body responds. While Nettles are an edible wild it is cautioned for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid the use of. When in doubt, always speak with a medical and/or nutritional expert before consuming.
In early Spring I clear the patch allowing the huge crop of Nettles to appear.
I try to harvest the Nettle first thing in the morning before the day’s temperature has risen and before the morning dew has evaporated.
Wild Violets
The Blue Violet (VIOLA SORORIA) and the Yellow Violet (VIOLA PUBESCENS).
The Blue Violets are commonly referred to as the wood violet, meadow violet, hooded violet and the wolly blue violet.
Violets are a short-stemmed herbaceous perennial with a glossy, heart-shaped leaf. The flowers with white throats sit atop the stem.
Violets are some of the first flowers each Spring and have a sweet, light fragrance.
They area great addition to a wild edible garden as well as being excellent for ground cover.
