Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Pendle, where rolling hills meet verdant meadows, lies a sanctuary of healing and connection: Pendle Plant Craft. Founded somewhat serendipitously via a Facebook status,…
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Pendle, where rolling hills meet verdant meadows, lies a sanctuary of healing and connection: Pendle Plant Craft. Founded somewhat serendipitously via a Facebook status, it quickly evolved into a community of friends sharing a passion for nature’s wisdom. Pendle Plant Craft represents a journey of collective discovery and resilience—a collaborative effort to honour the wonders of the natural world and share its gifts with current and future generations.
Pendle Plant Craft is a beautiful thing to feel part of, more than just a community, but a living testament to the transformative power of nature. Born from personal quests for healing and self-discovery, it has attracted many who seek symbiosis with our surroundings and each other.
Embodying a deep reverence for the natural world, Pendle Plant Craft fosters holistic well-being through workshops, walks, and gatherings, empowering participants to reconnect with the healing power of plants and forge connections that transcend physical and emotional boundaries. Success stories shared by participants underscore the profound impact of Pendle Plant Craft on both physical and emotional well-being, serving as a testament to its mission of nurturing harmony between humans and nature.
Excited to have the opportunity to contribute to Garden Folk, I’m eager to explore a plant often overlooked—Nettles. Undoubtedly, my favourite plant, I’ve spent entire workdays passionately discussing the uses and benefits of nettles, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of all there is to say about them.
At first glance, the stinging nettle may seem like an ordinary and unappealing weed, with its serrated leaves and delicate hairs concealing a potent sting. Yet behind this perhaps unattractive exterior lies a treasure trove of medicinal, culinary, cultural significance and value. Nettles, with their microscopic hypodermic needles containing formic acid, deliver a memorable sting upon contact. While this sting may evoke memories of childhood mishaps, nettles actually possess remarkable therapeutic properties that have been harnessed for centuries.
They have long been revered for their ability to alleviate a diverse array of ailments, from hay fever, rheumatism and arthritis to urinary and prostate problems. The practice of urtication, deliberately exposing oneself to nettle stings, has roots in ancient healing traditions and continues to intrigue modern researchers. They harbour a wealth of bioactive compounds, including serotonin, histamine, and various phytochemicals with potent medicinal properties. While it’s true that some individuals may experience a reaction to the sting, everyone I’ve known to explore the potential of urtication, provided they were willing to endure the sensation, has reported back positively, expressing newfound enjoyment in the feeling it provides after time. This experience also underscores the lesson in unlearning and recognising the influence of our cognitive biases.
Recent scientific discoveries have shed light on the neurochemical composition of nettle venom, which includes serotonin and other neurotransmitters known for their mood-enhancing properties. This unique synergy of nature’s medicines offers not only physical relief but also serves as a soothing balm for the mind, aiding in anxiety management and providing respite for those struggling with self-harm urges. This effect is akin to the ice cube method, a technique utilised for similar purposes. However, what sets the sting of the nettle apart is its multifaceted benefits. While the ice cube method may provide temporary relief, the sting from the nettle could be at least as effective, if not more so, and delivers a host of additional benefits that the ice cube method misses out on. This is something I believe could and should be much more widely known
Delving deeper into the anatomy of the stinging nettle reveals a wealth of medicinal and nutritional benefit.. The resilient roots, rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, promote testosterone circulation, enhance male vitality, and potentially manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) . Above ground, the heart-shaped leaves unfurl packed with essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
The seeds, bursting forth as seasons shift, offer the highest concentration of nutrients and minerals, vital for energy and resilience. From supporting adrenal function to enhancing overall vitality, nettle seeds provide a wide range of wonderful attributes. A small handful can really give you a boost of energy. Nettle stems, tall and sturdy, epitomise resilience and adaptability, finding utility in various applications, such as textiles and cordage. Notably, they share similarities with hemp, suggesting their potential contribution to sustainability in a wide range of material-making and construction endeavours.
Nettles aren’t just beneficial for humans—they play a crucial role in enhancing the health and vitality of garden ecosystems. As companion plants, they provide numerous benefits to neighbouring cultivars, including improved soil fertility, enhanced pest resistance, and increased nutrient availability. When planted alongside vegetables and herbs, nettles act as dynamic allies, attracting beneficial insects while deterring pests.
Furthermore, nettles can be utilised to create nutrient-rich fertilisers. By steeping nettle leaves in water until fermentation occurs, gardeners can produce a potent organic fertiliser known as nettle tea. It does however, have rather an unpleasant odour that we should be aware of and avoid using indoors. When combined with other nutrient-rich plants such as Comfrey, nettle tea becomes a powerhouse of bioavailable nutrients, promoting robust growth and resilience in garden crops.
Nettles hold a special place in my heart, not just for their myriad uses and benefits but also for the lessons they impart. As I share their wonders with others, I’m reminded of the endless learning and unlearning that comes with foraging and connecting with nature. As stewards of the earth, paying attention to the lessons of the nettle cultivates a deeper appreciation for the interconnected web of life that sustains us all. I believe that learning about nettles also serves as a gateway to understanding foraging in general.
The Nettle
In fields of green, Urtica Dioica reigns,
A plant of wonder, where knowledge gains.
Its leaves like needles, sharp and keen,
Teaching lessons yet to be seen.
On walks we wander, minds astir,
With nettles, there’s always more to confer.
From cancer’s grasp to savoury delight,
Nettles offer gifts both day and night.
Phytonutrients whisper secrets untold,
In nature’s language, connections unfold.
Foraging etiquette, a lesson learned,
In nettles’ embrace, wisdom earned.
All sciences once deemed divine,
Blend with nature’s rhythm, intertwine.
In the nettle’s vibrant hue,
A bridge to understanding, anew.
In Garden Folk’s embrace, this tale we share,
Of nettles’ magic, beyond compare.
Let our voices be heard, let us feel seen,
Let our hearts ignite.
For nettles, the guardians of nature’s light.
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