🌿 Nettles
Stinging Nettles, yes those horrid little plants that sting like hell, I’ve lost count how many times I have been stung. The sting is their mechanism to deter herbivores eating them such as rabbits, deer and sheep. Stinging Nettles are actually a powerhouse plant well known for its nutritional benefits for both us and our horses. Nettles are often dismissed as a pesky weed, but they actually offer a wealth of health-supporting properties when prepared correctly.
🌿 How Nettles Sting
The leaves and stems of stinging nettles are covered with tiny, hollow hairs known as trichomes. These trichomes are tipped with brittle silica. When touched, the fragile tips break off, transforming the hairs into sharp needles that can penetrate the skin. This action injects a cocktail of chemicals into the skin, leading to the characteristic stinging sensation. Once you have been stung they release a mixture of irritants including Histamine (causing itching and inflammation) Acetylcholine (enhances pain sensitivity) Serotonin (contributes to pain and discomfort) and Formic Acid (induces a burning sensation). Once stung grab yourself a couple of Dock Leaves and rub onto the stung area, although there is not scientific evidence to support Docks relieving the sting, for me, this works every time.
🌿 Benefits for Humans
Nettle is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Anti-Inflammatory and Joint Support
Nettle’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Studies suggest that nettle can reduce joint pain and improve mobility, especially when used alongside conventional treatments .
Allergy Relief
Nettle acts as a natural antihistamine, helping to mitigate allergy symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion. Its ability to block histamine receptors makes it a valuable ally during allergy seasons .
Urinary and Prostate Health
Traditionally, nettle has been used to support urinary tract function and prostate health. It may help alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by reducing inflammation and supporting hormonal balance .
Skin and Hair Benefits
Applied topically or consumed as tea, nettle can improve skin conditions like eczema and acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it may promote hair health by stimulating the scalp and reducing hair loss
🐴 Benefits for Horses
Nettle is equally beneficial for equine health, offering a range of advantages when incorporated into their diet.
Nutritional Support
Packed with vitamins and minerals, nettle supports overall health in horses. It contributes to strong bones, healthy skin, and a shiny coat
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Nettle’s anti-inflammatory properties can aid in managing conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness in horses, improving their comfort and mobility .
Respiratory Health
Nettle may help alleviate respiratory issues in horses by acting as an expectorant and reducing inflammation in the airways .
Skin and Coat Enhancement
Regular inclusion of nettle in a horse’s diet can lead to improvements in skin conditions and promote a healthier, glossier coat
🍵 Nettle Tea Recipe
Harvesting Fresh Nettles:If using fresh nettles, wear gloves to avoid stings. Harvest young leaves before the plant flowers. Rinse thoroughly to remove any debris.
Boil Water:Bring the desired amount of water to a boil.
Steeping:Place the nettle leaves (10-12 fresh or 1 tablespoon of dried but add the dried nettle to a tea infuser) in a teapot, cup or heatproof container. Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
Infusion Time:Allow the tea to steep for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger infusion, you can let it steep for several hours or even overnight.
Strain and Serve:After steeping, strain the tea to remove the leaves. Serve hot, or let it cool and pour over ice for a refreshing cold beverage. Add honey, lemon, or other herbs like mint or lemon balm to enhance flavour, if desired.
Although I did give the Nettle tea a go I wasn’t impressed with the taste so I added some peppermint tea and honey and the taste was much better. Do you drink nettle tea or feed nettle to your equines? Let me know
