Spring is just around the corner – uh oh – that was quick!

I don't know about you, but for me this winter went rather quickly and I can already see hints of spring approaching. There is a distinct scent in the air, a vibe around town, people are more cheerful, the greengrocers has more variety of fruit on offer and – the WEEDS are going crazy in the garden already.

Some of those weeds aren't really helpful for anything (known to us, anyway), others however are major contributers to our health and wellness! Yes, yes, they are really NOTWeeds at all, but kind and generous plants that provide enormous health benefits, nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Two of the main players are Stinging Nettle and Dandelion. Pesky weeds at their worst, invaluable allies at their best.

Today I would like to talk a bit more about

Stinging Nettle.

This fascinating Herb is rich in Vitamins: A, B, C, E, K and carotenoids;
and Minerals: iron, silica, copper, manganese, potassium and calcium.
Nettle is a real powerhouse of nutrients which work together to deliver the health benefits on offer at a maximum rate.

For example Iron – I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this mineral. The vast majority of women lack iron in the bloodstream, but rarely know it because the body adjusts. So we get more tired – and make excuses (I am so busy, really stressed, new baby, just getting older, etc) and think it is perfectly normal for us to feel that way.

Other signs of iron deficiency are heavy menstrual periods (ironically they are one of the major culprits of causing iron deficiency in the first place, a nasty Catch 22), severe period pain, shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, feeling blah, low libido, weight gain, depression, and the list goes on.

We can get iron through our diet (sesame seeds, molasses, red meat, green leafy vegetables – to name a few) or buy iron supplements from the pharmacy.Both of these modes of intake require us to also take Vitamin C at the same time to enable the body to absorb the iron.

Who really has time to think of all that!

Enter Stinging Nettle which has it already all nicely packaged up for us – all we need to do is brew an infusion (like a tea, but brewed for 4-8hrs before straining) add sweetener (preferably molasses to add more iron to the mix) and drink it! Easy, huh?

The rich green colour and earthy flavour are reassuring that it is a lively plant with maximum health benefits, that mother earth has put here for a purpose other than being a nuisance! Stinging Nettle is also safe to eat (simply cook for 10 mins to take the sting out) and can be added to stews and soups. Pets also benefit from a little bit of the infusion added to their diet, it is perfectly safe for them to consume.

NOTWeeds has a blend on offer which boast the nutritious benefits of Nettle and Oat Straw – another nutritious herb which also has a soothing effect on that frayed nervous costume ;)

The NOTWeeds Nourishing Blend is available at NOTWeeds on Etsy and madeit.

Starting today, right through 'till the end of August, a 10% discount applies to the Nourishing Blend,

so do yourself a favour, get maximum nutrition in one cup of tea and boost your energy and vitality – so you can greet Spring with a smile and – literally – a spring in your step!