Nettles is good for increasing iron in blood and relieving allergies.
Nettles are an amazing herb that is rich in history, as well as health benefits. It’s probably one of my favorite herbs. The Roman soldiers liked it too; they actually brought nettles to the awareness of the Brits. The soldiers would slap their bodies with it, thus stinging to bring heat during the cold months of battle and marching.
Nettles are considered to be high in iron, more than spinach, and are used in blood building. I always prefer an herbal form of iron more than the rust version that is most commonly used in supplements.
It is rich in other minerals too, such as chlorophyll, calcium, silicon, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, chromium and the antioxidant flavonoid quercitin. Nettles strengthen the entire metabolism and are considered an energy tonic, even though it is mostly used for eliminating allergies because of its histamine properties. Nettles cleanse and detoxify the kidneys, while stimulating the liver. Taken regularly it can significantly help reduce allergies, asthma and eczema. And it can be beneficial in lessening symptoms of PMS and menopause. Externally nettle is added to shampoos, skin creams and made into teas.
My favorite company to order high quality, dried herbs through is www.goldenworks.us. All of the herbs they carry are cold stored and 100% raw. If you’re going to use herbs, make them the best.
Tinctures: Making Your Own
Of course it’s easier to just drive to your local health food store and purchase ready made tinctures, but some of us would like to make our own. It’s also much more cost effective and will save you hundreds of dollars especially if you use tinctures regularly.
The recipe is simple, and I include using loving care in all that I do, this includes working with herbs too. The highest quality herbs and highest vibrational thoughts make the best tinctures. If you wish to add an extra special energy begin on the new moon. It takes 4-6 weeks to make tinctures.
Using fresh herbs is normally best, but is not always available. If using fresh herbs, make sure they are organic, free of chemicals and pesticides. And if you choose to use dried herbs, it’s best if the herbs are organic too, and from a reputable supplier. The use of powder herbs is harder to strain and can leave debris even after straining. Start with a clean jar with a tight fitting lid and the herbs of your choice.
If using fresh herbs, do not rinse, and chop finely. Then put in the glass jar. Next, pour a good, strong grain alcohol (100 proof) or Vodka over the herbs, completely covering the herbal material. (You may substitute vinegar if you prefer; the tinctures will last longer in the alcohol).
With dried herbs you will need to add more alcohol over the next day or two since dried herbs absorb and expand. A good ratio for dried herb is 1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol, and with fresh herb 1 part herb to 3 parts alcohol.
After you have done this, cover with tight fitting lid and be sure to place a plastic bag between the lid and the jar. This will prevent rust contamination from spoiling your extract.
Shake well and place the jar in a dark place & allow the herbs to soak or macerate for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake every few days. The alcohol will extract the active constituents from the herbs.
After 4 to 6 weeks strain the herbs. Use a large sieve, strainer, press or potato ricer lined with fine unbleached mesh cloth or cheesecloth. Then pour into another large bowl or container. After you have done this grab the soggy herbal material and place in muslin, cheese cloth or another fine cloth and tightly squeeze the material to extract every last drop from the cloth. It may be needed to run the mixture through another strainer and muslin, if so, do it again.
The herbal tinctures left over that is saturated, is the strongest in terms of active medicinal constituents. Now funnel the tinctures from the larger container into smaller bottles with glass droppers, preferably amber bottles and store the tinctures in a cool dark place. Be sure to label them too.
Why do I prefer tinctures to dried herbs? They last longer, tinctures keep for 3-5 years! And you have just saved yourself a lot of money, while controlling the quality, purity, and being active in your own health.
What is a standard dose? 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times a day. Can you take too much? Yes, but it’s normally way more than a person could possibly conceive of taking. Most people don’t take enough, which makes it far less useful in the healing process.
With Nettles, as a standard maintenance, I take 1 dropperful two times daily. If I’m having severe allergy attack, I have taken 1 dropperful every hour, up to 8 doses. Always check with each herb you’re using for dosage, etc.. Keep a handful of good herbal books on hand.
Some of the information above came from both websites and books. I’ve listed a couple of websites. And below I’ve listed a number of books that you can order from Amazon.com if interested in learning more.
www.holistichealthtools.com/tinctures.html
www.kcweb.com/herb/tincture.htm
Using Plants as Medicine by Matthew Wood
Herbal Way to Natural Beauty for Men and Women by Jeanne Rose
Prescription for Herbal Healing, Easy to Use A-Z Reference by Phyllis Balch
Herbal Medicine, Revised and Updated
by Dian Dincin Buchman
The Herb Book by John Lust
The New Book of Herbs by Jekka McVicar
The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions by James A. Duke, Peggy Kessler Duke and Jamea A. Duke, Ph.D.
Book of Magical Herbs: Herbal History, Mystery and Folklore by Margaret Pichin and Michelle Pickering
Earl Mindell’s New Herb Bible by Earl Mindell
The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook by David Simon
Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Scott Cunningham
Peace, Love and Blessings,
Beth
A Special Thanks to You! I’m very fortunate to do what I love, and love what I do. And it wouldn’t be possible without you. So I’d like to say thank you for choosing me as your guide, coach, teacher, mentor and intuitive.
I love to teach and empower people to find a delightfully rich and productive path for maximizing nutritional support, removing emotional files while balancing the brain and developing spirituality. While you are living in strength and discovering your passion brings me great joy. Your faith helps me too when I may struggle. We are all on this road together, and I give thanks that I can help you through my gifts.
I will always do my best to bring you:
Trust in inner Strength
Being comfortable with Internal Wisdom
Activating Your Creativity
Find Your Passion and
Prosperity
Thank you for your amazing hearts,
Beth
Lastly, the artwork on my book cover I commissioned to have done. Bart Sharp did a phenomenal job creating such an incredible from my direction. And since I own the artwork and design, I have made it available to you through Café Press. You now can order a t-shirt, large mug, framed tile and note cards. Just click on this link now, or you can go to my website later.
In the near future there will be other designs that are heart filled and spiritually based.
