The tale most associated with the stinging nettle plant is the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale The Six Swans. It’s a well-known tale of magic and love that has inspired countless re-tellings. I particularly enjoyed Juliet Marillier’s adaptation “Daughter of the Forest”. Add to your library
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to make myself a garment of plant fiber that I grew, processed, spun, and wove myself. Comes from reading fairy-tales from a young age, I guess. Which is why it’s always been nettles that I wanted to make it of. A robe of nettles would give me an unbroken connection to my… Continue Reading…
The stinging nettle has walked through history hand in hand with the human race. Traces of this herb have been found in the earliest of human habitation sites. It has been recognized as a potent medicine for much of that time. From the Leechbook of Bald, written in the ninth century, we find this recipe: A wound salve ; take heads… Continue Reading…
Nettles have been in the cook’s pot far longer than the cook has been in the kitchen. This recipe is one of the earliest recipes humankind was using. From about 6,000BC. Gather your greens. Wash them carefully. Ingredients: 1 handful of sorrel 1 handful of watercress 1 handful of dandelion leaves 2 handfuls of young nettle leaves chives to taste 1… Continue Reading…
Stinging nettle is a hardy perennial native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa and western North America.It spreads by both seed and rhizomes, which means it’s fairly invasive given the opportunity. It prefers moist rich soil in partial shade, but if there’s enough moisture, it will grow in full sun as well. Larger animals tend to avoid it due to its painful… Continue Reading…
