Stinging Nettles Soup

 Growing up Nettles has always been apart of our family’s FARMacy. We’ve used nettle for just about everything,from breastmilk production,to help increase iron levels,

arthritis, joint pain and swelling. Nettles has been used in many Sunkissed households for generations. Here’s to of my favorites go to ways of getting all the benefits nettles has to offer. 

Nettles Soup

Whatcha Need: 

5 cups nettle tops

1 tablespoon oil

1 teaspoon butter

1/2 cup chopped shallots

1/2 cup chopped celery

1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

4 cups veggies stock

2 bay leaf

1 teaspoon thyme 

Dash ground black pepper and pink himalayan salt

1 1/2 tablespoons key lime juice

1/4 cup almond milk 

How it’s Done: 

1. Bring 8 cups water to a boil. 
2. Add chopped potatoes. 
3. Cook until tender but not mushy. 
4. Add nettles and cook for 3-4 minutes long. 
5. Strain potatoes and nettles. 
6. Then add all your ingredients to a food processor or blender. 
7. Purée until smooth(I like a little chucks in mines). 
8. Cook mixture on low for a few minutes. 
9. Service warm and enjoy!

Stinging nettle grows wild in temperate regions throughout the world. This dark green nutritive herb has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, but the leaves and stems have tiny hairs coated in an irritating substance. Accidental contact can result in a painful rash that lasts for hours. Nevertheless, the entire plant serves as a food and has medicinal purposes and has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times. Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain and a host of other issues soaking nettles in water for ten minutes removes the irritants. Here are 12 evidence-based benefits of stinging nettle.

1. Improve Urinary Tract Health

Nettle root helps maintain urinary tract health or relieve the prostate swelling and discomfort associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia or BHP. Nettle reduces prostate swelling by interrupting the conversion of testosterone into estrogen and increasing levels of free testosterone in the bloodstream. The diuretic effects of nettle assist in flushing out the bladder and urinary tract to prevent infection and kidney stones.

1. Treat Skin Conditions

Dried nettle leaves mixed in a tincture or cream can treat acne and other blemishes by reducing oil on the skin without scarring. The astringent properties of nettle treat eczema, insect bites, and chicken pox. A nettle oil or poultice applied to burns can relieve pain and stimulate healing while minimizing scar tissue.

1. Supply Amino Acids

Amino acids form protein, and the human body needs 20 amino acids to function properly. The body cannot produce the nine amino acids classified as essential, so they must come from food. Essential amino acids assist with energy production, immune system function, digestion, reproduction, and much more. Nettles are an excellent source of all nine essential amino acids.

1. Treat Arthritis

Nettle leaf poultices and essential oils relieve arthritis pain when applied topically at the joint. Oral consumption of capsules or tea also reduces arthritis and lower back pain. Nettles reduce inflammation by interfering with the production of cytokines -- hormones and proteins the body can produce in excess. Anti-inflammatory properties relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders such as gout, bursitis, and tendonitis, and enhance the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications.

1. Aid in Reproductive Health

The calcium and iron in nettle leaves increase production and flow of breast milk and increases the new mother's energy after giving birth. The plant's diuretic properties are also helpful during menstruation or in the months following pregnancy and delivery. Nettle has a stabilizing effect on hormone production, helping to ease the effects of fluctuating hormones before and after menstruation or pregnancy. Nettle tea contains potassium and often relieves muscle cramps or discomfort during menstruation.

1. Improve Cardiovascular Health

Nettle lowers blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, so they are wider, thus reducing pressure. Styptic properties of nettle encourage platelet aggregation to slow or stop localized bleeding and nosebleeds. Nettles have very high concentrations of vitamin C and iron for stimulating red blood cell production, which can treat anemia. The potassium contained in nettles is essential for healthy function of the cardiovascular system and the sodium-potassium pump process within cells that produces energy. Nettle tea often relieves muscle cramps or discomfort during menstruation.

1. Lower Blood Sugar

Nettle lowers blood sugar and augments insulin and oral medications that treat diabetes in a variety of ways. The leaves stimulate insulin production by protecting and encouraging the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. There is some evidence of increased insulin sensitivity associated with nettle supplements, and some studies observed slower digestion of carbohydrates. This former activity gives the body time to secrete insulin and break down sugars properly.

1.  Provide Allergy Relief

Nettle contains histamine as well as two neurotransmitters -- serotonin and acetylcholine. The combination of these three substances with the anti-inflammatory properties of nettles results in effective allergy relief. The best way to get this benefit is to take freeze-dried powders in capsules or steeped in hot tea. Nettles relieve symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, sinus congestion, and a runny nose without causing drowsiness or other typical side effects of antihistamine medications.

1. Stimulate Healthy Hair

Taking nettle capsules and tea internally can prevent hair loss and stimulate growth at hair follicles. Massaging the scalp with nettle oil is an effective treatment for dandruff. The silica and sulfur in nettles promote shiny, healthy hair and may preserve pigmentation. When used as a regular rinse with cool water, this can reduce the appearance of gray hair.

1. Boost the Immune and Skeletal System

The nettle plant contains flavonoids, carotenoids, and several vitamins that act as antioxidants, which strengthen immune cells and stimulate T-cell activity in the immune system. The extensive variety of vitamins and minerals in nettles provides important components for immune system function that can be ingested easily through a daily cup of tea or freeze-dried powder capsules. Calcium, magnesium, and iron combined with vitamins D and K strengthen bones and teeth while enhancing clotting factors in the blood. Many compounds in the nettle plant increase free radicals, which protect and extend the life of cells in the immune system and throughout the body.

1. May Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Up to 50% of men aged 51 and older have an enlarged prostate gland. An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Scientists aren’t sure what causes BPH, but it can lead to significant discomfort during urination.Interestingly, a few studies suggest that stinging nettle may help treat BPH. Animal research reveals that this powerful plant may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — a more powerful form. Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extracts help treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects. 

However, it’s unclear how effective stinging nettle is compared to conventional treatments.

1. Stinging Nettle and Breastfeeding

Stinging nettle is believed to stimulate milk production and increase the supply of breast milk in breastfeeding mothers. It is generally considered safe to begin taking nettle immediately after giving birth, and it can be continued for an extended period of time.

Contains Many Nutrients

Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including...

• Vitamins: Vitamins A, C and K, as well as several B vitamins
• Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
• Fats: Linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
• Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
• Polyphenols: Kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids
• Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein, luteoxanthin and other carotenoids

What’s more, many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body.

Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against damage from free radicals. Damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases. Studies indicate that stinging nettle extract can raise blood antioxidant levels

Stinging nettle may offer other potential health benefits, including:

• Reduced bleeding: Medicines containing stinging nettle extract have been found to reduce excessive bleeding, especially after surgery 
• Liver health: Nettle’s antioxidant properties may protect your liver against damage by toxins, heavy metals and inflammation 
• Natural diuretic: This plant may help your body shed excess salt and water, which in turn could lower blood pressure temporarily. Keep in mind that these findings are from animal studies 
• Wound and burn healing: Applying stinging nettle creams may support wound healing, including burn wounds 

Roasted Watermelon Seeds

 Oven Roasted Watermelon Seeds Recipe

Watermelon seeds are fiber dense and can be roasted like pumpkin seeds. Enjoy this yummy easy healthy snacks! Another of our favorite ways to eat these are with cayenne pepper and cinnamon on our as well. It’s really versatile🍉!

Whatcha Need:

Watermelon Seeds

How it’s Done: 

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Toss washed and dried watermelon seeds in olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Place on a baking sheet and roast seeds for 15-20 minutes.
4. Cool on paper towels and enjoy with soups, salads or just nibble as a snack.

And if you’re into magick like I am there is also a magical link to watermelon,fertility,and clearing blocked chakra’s!!!! Lol so in other words eats lots of watermelon(with dem seeds)all season.

Watermelon really is in my opinion a superfood! When I was a little girl I use to get summer migraines. One of my mother’s go to ways to help me was making me eat watermelons or juicing them and rubbing peppermint oil on my temples. Always worked like a charm! 

NarrowLeaf Plantain Pizza

 Here’s one of the many ways we use Moma Earth’s Beyoutiful bounty and blessings. Pizza! Yes ya heard me right P-I-Z-Z-A!!! This is our NarrowLeaf Plantain Pizza🤪!

NarrowLeaf Plantain,like dandelion,is a healthy, hardy weed as ubiquitous in the city as broken glass.You know what it looks like,but you might not have known the name. Plantain has a nutritional profile similar to dandelion that is,loaded with iron and other important vitamins and minerals! The leaves are tastiest when small and tender,usually in the spring but whenever new shoots appear after being cut back by a lawnmower. Bigger leaves are edible but bitter and fibrous.The shoots of the broadleaf plantain,when green and tender and no longer than about four inches,can be described as a poor-man's fiddlehead,with a nutty,asparagus like taste.

Pre-made pizza crust(store brought or homemade)

4 Vegan style sausages(cut or diced)

1 small onion, chopped

1 can(15 ounces)tomato sauce(we usually use what we can throughout the year)

3 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 medium green pepper(diced or sliced)

2 cups narrowleaf plantain(chopped)

2 cups vegan or regular cheese(if not vegan)

Assemble pizza add all the love and goodness in. Pop in the oven for 15-20mins at 350 or until cheese is bubbly. Allow to cool for 3-5mins. Cut! Serve! Enjoy! Goes REALLY well with our Dandelion/Curly Burdock Soda😜!!!

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#Doing4Self

#GrowSumthin

Fermented Garlic and Honey

Fermented Garlic and Honey 

1/2 cup fresh garlic 

1 cup localized honey

Clean 8oz glass jar with lid

Peel garlic cloves we like to crush a few. Add garlic to your clean wide-mouth pint sized glass jar. Pour your honey to completely cover the garlic cloves. Make sure all the gloves are coated with honey. Place the lid on the jar loosely,then put it in a cool dark place.Every day or so,tighten the lid on the jar and flip it upside down to coat the garlic cloves with honey. Loosen the lid again when you return it to the upright position. Do this daily. 

Within a week,you should see small bubbles start to form on the surface of the honey.

The honey garlic will ferment for about a month, but you can eat it at any time. The flavor will continue to get stronger over time, the garlic will mellow, and the honey will become much runnier. Store in a cool dark place for a year. Enjoy! 

Extras🤪! We love to add it to teas,smoothies,spreads, vinaigrette’s,and the likes! Great way to sneak a immunity boost to daily staples! 

 

Dandelion “Vegan” Burger

It may be the arch nemesis of a yard-savvy homeowner, but dandelions aren’t without their redeeming qualities. As a matter of fact, these “weeds” are commonly used in folk medicine, and have been for quite some time.

When people talk about dandelion tea, they are largely talking about one of two different beverages: an infusion made of the plant’s leaves, or one made of roasted dandelion roots.

Both are considered safe (so long as you haven’t sprayed your yard with herbicides or pesticides) and are used for a variety of purposes.

1. It reduces water weight

If you’re feeling bloated, dandelion tea could provide relief because it acts as a diuretic and increases urine output. One studyTrusted Source showed an increased urine output after two 1-cup servings of dandelion tea made from the leaves of the plant.

2. It Could Promote Liver Health

Dandelion root has long been held as a “liver tonic” in folk medicine. Preliminary studies suggest this is due, in part, to its ability to increase the flow of bile.

Naturopaths believe it means that dandelion root tea could help detoxify the liver, help with skin and eye problems, and relieve symptoms of liver disease. A 2017 study suggests that polysaccharides in dandelion may indeed be beneficial to liver function. 

3. It Can Act As a Natural Coffee Substitute

You may be able to find this product of pre-prepared dandelion root at your local health food stores, but you can also harvest and make it from your own non-insecticide-treated, lawn-variety dandelions.

The roots of young dandelion plants are roasted to a dark brown color. Then, after steeping in hot water and straining, it can be enjoyed as a coffee substitute.

4. Similarities Between Dandelion and a Weight Loss Drug?

A recent Korean studyTrusted Source suggests that dandelion could have similar effects on the body as the weight loss drug Orlistat, which works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme released during digestion to break down fat.

Testing the impact of dandelion extract in mice revealed similar results, prompting researchers to recommend further study on the possible anti-obesity effects of dandelion.

5. Dandelion Tea May Soothe Digestive Ailments

Dandelion root tea can have many positive effects on your digestive system, although much of the evidence is anecdotal. It has historically been used to improve appetite, soothe minor digestive ailments, and possibly relieve constipation.

6. It Could Have Future Anti-Cancer Applications

Recently, dandelion root has been studied for its cancer-fighting potential, and so far the results appear promising.

A 2011 Canadian studyTrusted Source showed that dandelion root extract induces cell death in melanoma cells without impacting non-cancerous cells. AnotherTrusted Source showed that it does the same to pancreatic cancer cells.

While the anti-cancer effects of dandelion tea haven’t been tested, the potential is positive.

7. It May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Paired with another herb, uva ursi, dandelion roots and leaves may help prevent urinary tract infections. It’s believed this combination works because of anti-bacterial compounds in uva ursi, and the increased urination associated with dandelion. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits

Sunni’s Delightful Dandelion Burgers

Whatcha Need:

1 cup packed dandelion petals and greens

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup quick cook oats

2 tablespoons bread crumbs

1 flax or chia seed egg 

1/4 cup oat milk 

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/2 cup yellow squash 

1/4 tsp turmeric 

1/4 tsp pink himalayan salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp fresh chopped basil

1/2 tsp fresh chopped oregano

Dash of black pepper

1/2 tsp cumin powder and cayenne pepper 

4 tbsp oil for frying

How it’s Done: 

1. In a large bowl mix the dandelion petals/greens flour,oatmeal,bread crumbs,and all the spices.

3. Add your flax or chia seed egg, milk, and onions and stir until completely combined. 

4. The batter will be very sticky.

5. Make bout 4-5 patties 

6. Add oil to ya pan fry in oil or butter on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side.

8. Remove from pan 

9. Add ya fixings(we like butter lettuce,tomatoes,red onions and pickles on ours

10. Enjoy 

#BackyardHealing

#Doing4Self

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