Nettle Seeds
Like the leaves, Nettle seeds are edible. They are known to be beneficial for the adrenals. They’re also supportive for depression, anxiety and mental fatigue. Many people talk about the immediate burst of energy they get after eating them.
Nettle seeds are an adaptogen and also highly anti-inflammatory. They’re often used to treat the kidneys and may even slow down renal failure. Also very supportive for the liver, the colon or any internal inflammation.
In short, they are full of nutrients that boost your immune system and promote well-being on many levels.
Harvesting
The seeds of the stinging nettle are enclosed in the fruit stalk that developed from its flowers.
You want the female seeds as male stinging nettles do not carry the seeds, the female does. Male nettles are often upright and with a less dense flower that contains pollen. It pollinates the female through the wind and produces tiny green seeds that will turn brown as it matures.
If you are collecting seeds, wait for the dry days before harvesting. Green or immature seeds are ideal if you want to use them fresh. But if you intend to store the seeds, wait until the seeds turn brown and already break loose.
Once you see the male and female together, it’s then very easy to know which is which, it’s a great bit of knowledge to teach your children and I’ll often on walks ask mine to tell me which is the female, I will eat some whilst on walks too for a little pick me up snack.
How to use
Nettle seed will give you an energy boost and help to put you in a cheerful mood.
For stimulating health benefits, take one to two spoons of fresh green or dried nettle seed a day (a standard heaped tablespoon is about 5 grams). You can chew up to 20 grams a day but many people find that just a teaspoonful is all they need. Try mixing them into yoghurt, a smoothie or add them to overnight oats.
Crush the seeds in a pestle and mortar, then infuse them in olive oil in a warm place for a week or two. This oil makes a nice healthy salad oil.
I also sprinkle in my gravy, salads, over roasted veg or I love them with eggs.
We’ve infused nettle seeds in our salt sets link at the bottom with all information on those.
Health Benefits
Highly recommend nettle seeds for people who are burnt-out, run down and low in energy.
Nettle seeds it turns out are great for skin and hair, and for supporting the kidneys and strengthening the adrenals. They are adaptogens ie they help you adapt to stress, and are loaded with minerals and trace elements.
As a food source, nettle seeds are incredibly useful. Nutritionally speaking, they contain:
Vitamins A, B, C, E & K
Disclaimer
Nettle is not recommended for use in pregnant and nursing women as there are no established studies to prove its safety.
Stinging nettle may interact with medications like blood-thinning drugs, diuretics, blood pressure, and anti-inflammatory drugs always consult your healthcare practitioner
