NETTLE

NETTLE (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens)-also known as Nettles or Stinging Nettle

Many of us have come across this seemingly annoying, prickly, weed-like herb in our gardens. I recall several years ago while living in Upstate New York I had my first experience with Nettle. It was Spring, and I was weeding my vegetable garden. Suddenly I began to erupt with these horrible welts all over my arms and legs. They looked like giant Chicken Pox! I ran frantically into the house to take a shower in order to remove the resin. Thankfully, the awful bumps disappeared quite rapidly after bathing, and I was so relieved.

Nettle is a perennial herb of the Uriticaceae family which generally grows in nitrate-rich soil. The root and leaves are used in herbal medicine. The leaf acts to decrease inflammation. It is quite useful for allergies, arthritis, and muscle/nerve pain (Sciatica). The root increases urine volume and flow which makes it helpful in cases of BPH (benign prostate hyperplasia). Though it will not reduce the enlargement of the prostate, it can relieve the accompanying symptoms of difficult urination.

This is a wonderful herb which is rich in things like Vitamin C, chlorophyll, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, silicon, boron, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It is used to nourish and strengthen the system. Now that Spring is soon to arrive, it is a perfect time to try this herb to combat those seasonal allergy symptoms. You can purchase Nettle tea in bags or dried Nettle leaf (preferably organic) at your local health food store. To make an infusion from the dried Nettle leaf, use 2 tablespoons in one quart of water and bring to a boil. Allow to steep in a container with a tight lid (up to 4 hours for maximum effect). If you brew the infusion, it will stay fresh for a couple of days. I sweeten my tea or infusion with stevia or honey.

Enjoy the benefits of this herb all year round!

Although Nettle has no known side effects, it is always best to check with your health practitioner if you have questions regarding possible contraindications. (Caution: do not harvest and use flowering Nettle for food or medicine).

CALCIUM

Calcium

Most people are aware of the importance of Calcium as a structural component of bones and teeth. In addition, it plays a vital role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, cellular processes, and enzyme activation.

Now the problem is, according to the National Institutes of Health, 30-50 million American adults are lactose intolerant. This translates to approximately 25% of the population. Lactose is the sugar component of dairy products. There also appears to be a genetic component: 95% of Asians, 60-80% of African Americans and Ashkenazi Jews, 80-100% of American Indians, 50-80% of Hispanics, and 15% of Caucasians are affected. Intolerance prevalence is the lowest among people of Northern European origin--only about 2%. Obvious symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, & bloating.

The good news is you can get plenty of Calcium from other foods. One cup of collards provides 357 mg (compare to 1 cup of yogurt at 415 mg). Kale, turnip greens, almonds, salmon, tofu, green beans, broccoli, black eye peas, and celery are a few good sources.

There is a virtual treasure chest of Calcium and other minerals in sea vegetables. Kelp contains 1093 mg of Calcium in just 100 grams! Dulse and agar-agar are rich in this mineral as well. Granulated dulse (296 mg) is easy to sprinkle on salads and rice dishes and add to soups. Kelp can be added to beans and rice during cooking. It can be hydrated and tossed into salads and other dishes. I encourage you to explore some of the other sea vegetables too; such as, arame (1,170 mg), wakame (1,300 mg), hijiki (1,400 mg) and kombu (800 mg). They are nutritious and delicious. To make a quick side dish, saute some onion, garlic, and grated carrot until soft and then add the hydrated sea vegetable. Stir for a minute or so to absorb the flavors and enjoy! Leftovers can be added to salads.

So I hope you will experiment with some of these nutrient-dense foods! Remember, avoid excessive protein which can leach Calcium from your bones. Keep caffeine to a minimum because it encourages excretion of Calcium.