{"id":1346,"date":"2024-05-21T11:24:08","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T10:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ninetoalive.co.uk\/?p=1346"},"modified":"2024-05-28T17:31:12","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T16:31:12","slug":"be-nice-to-nettles-week-2024-why-nettles-are-so-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jusmedia.co.uk\/ninetoalive\/2024\/05\/21\/be-nice-to-nettles-week-2024-why-nettles-are-so-important\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH: Why nettles are so important"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

‘Be Nice to Nettles Week’ raises awareness of the positives beyond just the irritating sting a nettle gives you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is currently ‘Be Nice to Nettles Week’ in the UK<\/a>, which lasts between the 15th May to the 24th May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nettles play an important part in the environment and have many unknown interesting facts about the infamous plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kim Walker, one of the founders of Handmade Apothecary<\/a>, has the lowdown on all things nettles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said: “Nettles are massively abundant and like to grow in disturbed land around humans. They have been there for us throughout history to provide food, fibre and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We need to appreciate them not only for what they have done for us, but also the supportive role they play for a healthy ecosystem. It is also great that weeks like this exist to change our minds – instead of weeding them out, embrace them!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kim Walker doesn’t just forage and use nettles, all outdoor plants have great properties to use.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Foraging for Nettles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When foraging, Kim told us why it is important to be aware; particularly when picking up nettles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“If you ‘grasp the nettle’ firmly and quickly, it is possible to forage it without getting stung too much,” Kim said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This is not recommended for the faint hearted or sensitive though because any hesitation could leave you stung!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is suggested to use dock leaves to soothe irritation when you have been stung by a nettle. We asked how much truth is in this common belief?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I learned a useful tip from the herbalist, Monica Wild, a few years ago. The base of the dock leaf produces a soothing sticky gel, a bit like Aloe Vera and it helps with stings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I have never found the leaf itself useful. If the gel isn’t available then use ribwort plantain or nettle juice itself.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Nettles also provide many other medicinal benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The leaf is rich in iron and calcium, great for those with osteoporosis and it is a great supplement for vegans who may struggle for sources of iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Skin conditions like weeping eczema can be treated by the leaf’s infusion.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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