Home March's challenge is to pack one item each day in a Survival Bag, in order to be prepared for an emergency.
Pack an emergency blanket!
Australia has sorely been tried with fire and flood over the past couple of years to an extent that we have not previously known. A few days ago, as hubby and I drove from Toowoomba back home to the Sunshine Coast, a 4 hour trip, we were turned back by flood-waters to find an alternate route home. It took us 8 hours to get home. If we had been trapped between two rising rivers, the only emergency supply I had was a blanket, but fortunately we arrived home safely to sleep in our home comfort.
My emergency blanket is a tube of "foil" which hubby bought at a local farm produce store, for $1 a metre, supposedly to protect our big bunch of bananas from the bats. But it was not good for that job, because it made the bananas sweat, and they were going mouldy.
I actually used my emergency foil blanket last night, curled up to sleep in my 2 metre long $2 tube of foil! It was not so ideal without an inner sheet, so tonight I will try it out again - inserting my camping sheet, which is a large piece of silk that I sewed into a sheet-bag for a hiking trip some years ago.
Curled up inside my emergency foil blanket my body heat loss should be minimised.
During a hot day, I could use my "coil of foil" to create shade by suspending it from a tree branch.
Garden NETTLE
One of my neighbours, Peter, came to see how our big bunch of bananas was developing, and I saw him jump. Oh, never mind, Peter, that was just a nettle that stung you! They are happily growing in a big pot as a companion plant to some strawberries, under the umbrella of the dwarf banana plant.
A common weed with an incredible array of beneficial properties!
Benefits of Nettle plant
It can be said about nettle that it is one of the wonder plants that nature has gifted us with. It is renowned because of its astringent, expectorant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic properties and as an important source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, C and E, iron, calcium, phosphates and minerals. All these qualities recommend it as a powerful remedy against hepatic, arthritic or rheumatic conditions, and as an adjuvant in treating allergies, anemia and kidney diseases.
Description of Nettle plant
In historical terms, it seems that nettle (Urtica Dioica) has been used since prehistoric times. In Denmark, a tissue of this plant was found in a tomb dating from the Bronze Age. There is evidence that in the Neolithic era, the nettle's stem has been used to make strings. It is also a known fact that Caesar's Roman troops brought nettle from England. Because of the uncommon properties of nettle fibers, it has also been used in the textile industry; for example the uniforms of the German army during the First World War were made out of nettle.
Properties and benefits of Nettles
Nettle contains a great number of amino acids, glucidic substances, amines, sterols, cetones as methyl heptenone, acetophenone, volatile oil, fatty substances, sitosterols, formic and acetic acid, panthotenic acid, folic acid, chlorophyl 0.3 - 0.8, protoporphyrine and coproporphynine. It also contains vitamins C, B2 and K, beta-carotene, Ca, Mg, Fe and Si salts, phosphates etc. Because of these compounds, the plant has anti-anemic, anti-diabetic, haemostatic and diuretic properties.Mixtures and treatments
Perhaps the most well known property of nettle is that it stings. It is said that if it hadn't been so, the plant would not have lasted through time. As a matter of fact, the Swiss priest, Kunzle, shows that nettle would have been destroyed by insects and animals by now, had it not defended itself by stinging. However, folk medicine has proved the usefulness of this property: fresh nettle leaves placed on the skin, and especially on the kidney area (a practice named urticaria) induces a stinging and burning sensation, with the effect of easing more profound rheumatic pains.In the present we can enjoy all benefits of this wonder-plant through the various brews and recipes. Here are some of them:
Nettle tea
Nettle tea it cures diseases and inflammations of the urinary system, and also urinary retentions. It has a slightly laxative effect, being recommended in depurative remedies. For hepatic, biliary diseases as well as for conditions of the spleen, the treatment with nettle tea will last for a number of weeks. Nettle tea can also be of great help to those who suffer from diabetes, because it leads to the decrease of blood sugar and implicitly, of the glycemic level. It is useful in eliminating viruses, and bacterial infections. Preparation: the tea can be prepared through soaking the fresh or dried leaves in boiled water. This method allows the retention of active substances.Nettle infusion
Washing the scalp with nettle (leaves or roots) infusion helps regenerate, grow and thicken the hair. Preparation: to prepare the infusion, mix 60g of finely crushed nettles with two and a half cups of water. The mixture is boiled, and then covered for 10 minutes. It can be consumed either hot or cold.Nettle tincture
It eliminates dandruff and leaves the hair silky. Moreover, this strengthens and revitalizes the hair. Preparation: leave six-seven fresh leaves or two spoons of the dried plant to macerate in half a liter of alcohol for ten days. The mixture is then used to rub the hair root.
Nettle juice
For hypertension drink half a glass right before the most important meals. It has the effect of regulating arterial pressure and straightening blood vessels. In case of renal insufficiency, one glass of nettle juice per day should be consumed in the morning after waking up. The diet lasts for 20-30 days. In case of anemia and demineralization - consume one-two glasses of nettle juice for two weeks. Preparation: gather the nettle leaves and stem and put them into the fruit juicer. The paste is then filtered and the resulting juice is kept cold in the refrigerator in dark colored bottles.Root powder
Follow a 60 day treatment against frail, dry hair, during which half a teaspoon of root powder is administered three times a day on an empty stomach. Preparation: the dried nettle roots are finely crushed using an electric coffee grinder.Nettle helps strengthen the immune system, annihilating the predisposition towards colds. Anemia, fatigue, exhaustion and other effects of stress can be fought if we add nettle, rich in iron and mineral, to our daily nutrition or to the periodic remedies we undergo.
http://www.liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants/nettle.html
Nettle has been a survival food used during war-time.
Nettle Fibre, is like hemp or flax,, but is considered to be more durable.
Nettle Fibre was used for making waar-time gas masks & uniforms.
Nettle was also used for making paper, fishing nets, sailcloth, rope, sacking, tablecloths, bet sheets, starch, sugar, as a protein supplement & for making ethyl alcohol!
Nettle was also used for making paper, fishing nets, sailcloth, rope, sacking, tablecloths, bet sheets, starch, sugar, as a protein supplement & for making ethyl alcohol!
Vitamins: A essential for protein digestion, fighting infection & building the immunine system, B,
C protecting against excessive acidity in the body, you require more as you age,
D for muscle function, the nervous and glandular systems, regulating all vitamin
and mineral metabolism, including the absorption of calcium, E 400 I.U. is the minimum required, K
Minerals:iron 41.8mg per 100 g, calcium 2,900 mg bone building, magnesium 860mg bone building, potassium 1,750mg with iron, transports oxygen & toxic waste elimination, phosphorus 447mg stimulates brain cells, selenium 2.2mcg, silicon 10.3mg, sodium 4.9 mg, zinc, 4.7mg, and high in copper protects the lungs from infection, chlorine aids digestion, silica which is readily absorbable, for cell rejuvenation, healthy hair, skin & teeth & protects against baldness, infection, poor vision, mental fatigue & nervous exhaustion, for formation of healthy red blood cells and blood circulation – deficiency often related to the formation of arthritic conditions, delays the ageing process by keeping cells healthy, sulphur builds strong nerves, assists oxygen transportation and purifies blood, chromium, iodine
Actions: astringent, antiscorbutic, tonic, circulatory stimulant, styptic pectoral, diuretic, alterative, hemostatic, expectorant, nutritive, digestive, nervine, refrigerant, hepatic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, galactagogue, anti-inflammatory, laxative, antiseptic
Medicinal Uses
*Many fascinating folklores. Even the sting can be an effective natural remedy for pain relief! One can beat areas of the body that are paining with rheumatism, arthritis, paralysis, sciatica, gout & lumbago with fresh nettle stalks! The irritation sends blood to the pained area, helping clean it of toxins and uric acid. (The plant’s active chemicals, acetylcholine & histamine, have no effect on unbroken skin, hence the need for beating the body, so sharp hairs on the nettle can act like a hollow needle) Roman soldiers (damp & cold), warmed their bodies & also used cut nettle for aching muscles, cramps and rheumatism after long marches. Used by early Olympians after games.
*Has blood-building chlorophyll, rejuvenates old cells, promotes growth of new cells, provides favourable intestinal flora, aids regular bowel elimination, benefits the circulation, provides pain-relieving properties, antiseptic action, has oxygen producing benefits, boosts energy, & tones strengthens and supports the immune system (try nettle tea for 4 weeks every spring).
*Serotonin helps depression, as a neuro-transmitter in the central nervous system.
*European research shows it has a very strong action to de-activate cytokines that perpetuate the inflammatory destruction of cartilage and bone. Nettle therefore helps to inhibit joint and bone destruction and slow the progression of the disease.
*Assists the body in taking oxygen to vital organs, major blood vessels and to every cell. Dr Samuel West says that most pain is caused by lack of oxygen, and that anything practical like deep-breathing, aerobic exercise and using herbs to assis with oxygen transportation to cells is a positive plus for good health.
*Vitamins A, C & E provide a rich source of antioxidants for protecting the body from free radical damage. Research shows that daily high levels of antioxidants protect against cataracts, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and slow the ageing process.
*For fever, colds, phlegm & mucus conditions, bronchitis, neuralgia, hay fever, sciatica, lumbago, neuritis, arthritis & rheumatism, loss of muscle power and paralysis, tendonitis, backache, liver, prostate, kidney and bladder ailments, stones, stomach ulcers, (benign) prostatic hyperplasia, intestinal worms, to stimulate bowel action, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, correct blood sugar levels, diabetes, weight reduction, scurvy, rickets, iron deficiency, low energy, fatigue, & dizzy spells. For varicose veins, edema, depression, hysteria, mood swings, to strengthen the nervous and lymphatic systems, headaches, migraines, ulcers, stomach cramps, hemorrhaging, heavy menopausal problems including hot flushes, viral disease, to clean the stomach of undigested food, to strengthen the pancreas, thymus, thyroid, adrenals, in fact all the glands of the body; to increase virility, as an aphrodisiac, jaundice and for rebuilding a mother’s energy after childbirth.
of allergic response symptoms including hay fever, sinus & asthma. Helps stabalize the moist cells that line the mucus membranes.
*An arterial tonic Nettle stimulates arterial blood supply - helpful
for low blood pressure & other symptoms of inadequate blood flow in the body.
*Sometimes nettle is prescribed with rue: Rue is to the veins, what nettles are to the arteries. This will avoid a too-sudden change in blood pressure,
strengthening both vein and artery walls, and rhythms will be evened out.
*Tincture of nettle seed for goiter and to correct low thyroid conditions.
*Warm nettle tea lessens pain of an inflamed ear.
*Tea made from nettle seed clears polyps in the nose.
*Tea made with nettle seeds, subbed into the scalp is said to kill lice.
*Stimulates the thymus gland which has a number of important
roles in the body, including the manufacture of T-cells.
inflamed eyes and lids and as a skin toner for oily skin.
*Asthma old remedy: place dried nettle leaves on asaucer and set alight, with the rising fumes inhaled.
*Nettle tea has a deodorant and healing action on foul-smelling wounds – apply to boils, hives, chicken pox, inflammation, cuts, bleeding, psoriasis, burns, sunburn, infantile eczema, dermatological conditions, nervous eczema, acne and insect bites.
*Pulped nettle leaves make a healing compress bringing cooling relief to inflamed areas.
*Nettle ointment (made with leaves steeped in oil) can be applied to heal sores.
*Dandruff,falling hair, hair conditioner: rub into head a decoction
of the root – nettle stimulates circulation and brings blood
to the scalp. Use the infusion or a tincture as a hair conditioner.
Nettle Tincture dig the roots, wash, chop finely, put in a bottle,
cover with 38-40% vodka or whisky. Leave 2 weeks in a warm place. Strain. Rub the tincture in the scalp daily, or dip a hairbrush into the tincture and brush hair vigorously for a few mins. Some herbalists say nettle will bring back the natural colour of hair.
Nettle Shampoo Chop 2 handfuls of soapwort and place in a saucepan with 2 cups water. Simmer 5 mins. Take off heat & add a handful of chopped nettle leaves, 5 sprigs rosemary & stir.
Infuse for 10 mins. Strain.
Allow the infusion to get to the temperature that the feet can bear
and sit for 20 mins with the feet in a bowl of the infusion.
Culinary Uses
*Drink nettle juice – nettle is easily digested.
*Nettle Tea: Infuse 1 teasp of dried leaves or 2 heaped teasp. Chopped, fresh leaves (4 sprigs of stems & leaves 10 cm long) in 1 cup of boiling water; stir, steep 2-3 mins, sip 1 cup on an empty stomach ½ hour before breakfast, and sip 1-2 cups throughout the day. May add mint or lemon balm. DO NOT BOIL THE TEA. May combine nettle, mallow, slivers of fresh ginger & stevia. Herbalist, Maria Treben, says,
“Never could a malignant growth form if we drank nettle tea.”
*Grow nettles under a window to stop intruders!
*Drying Nettles: pick leaves before the plant flowers, pick after the dew has dried. Hang small bunches or spread on trays for ventilation, in shade. Rub dried leaves off stems, crush finely & store in moisture-proof containers, in cool dark place; for teas etc
Finely crush leaves into a powder; put in gelatin capsules take x3 capsules daily.
*Urticalcin is a homeopathic preparation of calcium, silica and nettle, recommended for the assimilation of calcium, and to promote healthy teeth, bones, nerves and muscles.
*Pick regularly for continual new growth, old leaves may be too fibrous, and some herbalists say that old leaves should not be used as they could damage the kidneys!
*Use in soup, as a steamed vegetable, in stews, in porridge.
*Pudding: boil nettle leaves, leeks, onions or garlic, brussel sprouts & rice in a muslin bag.
*Beer: (a folk remedy for rhuematic pain & gout) similar to ginger beer
*Beer: (a folk remedy for rhuematic pain & gout) similar to ginger beer
*Nettle smoothie: leaves blended with fruit juice e.g. pineapple
*Steam leaves and add to potato mash & season with herbs.
*Nettle curdles milk, for rennet in cheese, junket and tofu making.
For rennet, boil some leaves in a small amount of water, strain, cool, add to warm milk.
*Nettle keeps produce fresh: dried nettle leaves can be used as packaging between layers of fruit, vegetables, & cheeses.
*Use instead of spinach and other greens – try with veges,cheese, rice or between fillo pastry layers.
*For a healthy treat on toast: Steam nettles, add several beaten eggs, stir, cook till set, serve on toast.
*Preserve young nettle leaves by placing in a glass jar, covering with a marinade
( ½ cider vinegar, ½ oil) Leave several weeks, then use the pickled leaves with
meats or veges, salads or on bread and butter. Sage & Marjoram compliment well.
*Herb Salt: dry nettle leaves & crush to a powder. Dry a herb mix e.g. oregano, marjoram & savory, crush to a powder, and mix with the dried nettle.
*Lamp oil: crush the tiny seeds.
*Yellow dye: make using alum & nettle roots, used to colour wool and other fibres. Roots can be used to stain hard-boiled eggs.
*Quick tasty soup: chop finely handful of leaves, steam 2 mins in small amt of water; add a packet of chicken noodle soup and water, steam 1-2 mins.
*Nettle & Potato soup: sauté 1 onion ub 2 tabso, butter till brown, add 2 large handfuls of nettle leaves, 2 large diced potatoes, 2 pints stock, 2 teasp fresh herbs, salt & pepper. Simmer till potatoes are soft, pouree, serve with a dollop of cream or yoghurt.
*Spring soup: brown 1chopped onion in 2 tabsp butter, add 3 lge handfuls young nettle leaves, 1 teasp fresh basil, marjoram & dill, 3 cups water. Simmer 3-4 mins. Blend till smooth. Clear soup: add tablesp. Fresh lemon juice. Creamy soup: thicken with cornflour mixed with a little cold water. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and decorate with fresh, chopped chives or parsley.
*Summer soup: Prepare as above, cool. Add 3 tablesp sour cream. Chop ½ cucumber into small cubes, also a tomato & 1 green pepper; add to soup, with 2 tablesp. of lemon juice. Chill before serving, garnish wih sprigs of fresh watercress. Deliciously refreshing!
*Animals thrive on nettles cut & dried like hay. Increases cows’ milk & chickens’ egg production, makes horses’ coats shine, nettle tea has helped dogs win ribbons, prevent fleas, ticks, itchy skin and de-worms (boil nettle leaves in whey).
*Garden plants like nettle tea fertilizer.Cut nettle stems, leave in a bucket of water 1-3 weeks to ferment (gets smelly!). Promotes plant growth and protects plants from disease & pests and strengthens cell structure. Burns leaves if too strong, diluted use as spray for powdery mildew, good for cucumbers & zucchinis. Spray weekly. Use it to stimulate compost. During drought, use as a spray to strengthen plants.
*Nettle Plant Tonic: Soak ½ bucket nettles, small handful of chamomile flowers, ½ cup seaweed concentrate in bucket of water. Soak 5-6 days. Strain. Dilute 1 part to 4 parts water, spray on plants; increases resistance to heat stress; a fertilizer.
*Nettle Spray for aphids: cover nettle leaves with water 1-2 days, strain, dilute 1 part to 4 of water. Add a little soft soap to help spray stick to leaves, spray late afternoon or evening.
*Nettle fixes Nitrigen in soil where it is planted. It benefits other plants nearby. Stimulates humus structure where it grows. Soil fertility increases with the increased nitrogen and micro-organisms accelerated.
Compliments tomatoes, grapes, cucumbers and root crops.
Increases pungency and essential oil by 20% in peppermint, sage & marjoram.
Notes from How Can I Use Herbs in my Daily Life by Isabell Shipard
Notes from How Can I Use Herbs in my Daily Life by Isabell Shipard
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| Some people are allergic to the nettle sting, so should wear gloves when handling them. |
May we all make plans for our safety and the safety of our families, and not be afraid of the sting of the edible, incredible nettle!
from Robyn
painting of robin by Brenda, my mum.