4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an interesting herb! I was only vaguely familiar with “stinging nettle” prior to reading this, but now it's a go-to any time I start seeing signs of respiratory imbalance. This is a cabinet keeper for sure!
So why this book? Having easy access to multi-purpose healing plants can be a game changer for our natural health practice. Although it's often seen as a nuisance weed, it is rich in essential nutrients that support various aspects of both your mind, and body. And spiritually, connecting with nature through foraging or preparing nettle-based remedies fosters a deeper connection to the earth and a more mindful way of living.
The Review:
🌿 The author has several decades of experience for growing and using nettle - for everything from culinary and medicinal to cosmetic and household uses.
🦄 The book starts with a bit of history, use in folklore, and Biblical references. Then it goes into growing, harvesting and foraging, as well as types of nettle you can find in your area. (A special note that dead nettle and white nettle are not related to the Urtica family, as they are related to the mint family - so read this section before buying!)
👩🏻🌾 I was fascinated to learn that it’s such a great garden companion plant, acting as both a beneficial fertilizer and natural insect repellant. Also interesting to learn about its preservative benefits, and use in textiles and natural dyed yarn.
💊 The medicinal chapter covers both external and internal benefits for such a vast array of ailments like bone health, arthritis, respiratory, blood sugar, digestion, immune system, kidney, liver, gall bladder, detox, hormone regulation, and much more! It includes a variety of recipes for teas, tinctures, juices and capsules. I am very curious to try some of the teas!
🧖🏻♀️ The cosmetic chapter covers use for skin and hair to help balance oily conditions, curb appetite and acne, and deter fungal and bacterial growth. It offers recipes for beneficial face masks, foot soaks, shampoo, compresses, etc.
🍲 The final chapter is dedicated to cooking with nettle, complete with a nutrition chart and almost 50 recipes ranging from breakfast and entrees to baked goods and beverages. Even if you aren’t much of a chef, the nettle wine or beer might grab your attention.
Storey Publishing has brought yet another great educational topic to the world, laid out in a bright and colorful spread with an easy-to-follow format. I knocked off a star for writing, as I t felt a bit choppy and less passionate than I prefer for such topics. But overall a great informative read and I was surprised to learn of such a wide variety of benefits of this little plant. I’ll for sure be looking to add this to my medicinal and vegetable garden!
Thanks to NetGalley, Storey Publishing, and Brigitte Mars for providing me with a complimentary ARC to review!
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