Earth: Nettles Dance Party!

These Nettles can be found swaying in the breeze in the field behind Sister Sage Herb Farm. If you hang out with them long enough, they may just invite you to the dance - and wow do they have some moves! Nettles- Urtica dioica, AKA Stinging Nettles are so named for the tiny hairs on their leaves and stems. Their roots, leaves, stems and seeds are all used in plant medicine. Many cultures use the inner fibers of the stems to make cloth or rope that is strong and durable. In the spring, as they drink up the clean, nourishing groundwater, Nettles will pop their bright green spiky leaves up in search of the sun. Our patch extends all the way to The Great Pine Tree where they grow wide and turn a darker shade of green. They share the space with wild roses, ferns and hummingbirds. As the weather heats up, they stretch up and stake their claim. By the end of Summer they can grow as tall as 6 feet (about 2 meters) with very strong stems. Usually nettles "Season" is about March 15-June 15 at our farm. I love to cook with the tender shoots of nettles leaf in early spring, and I dry out the wide leaves to make tinctures or dried nettle tea throughout the year. I learned from some 8-11 year old's how to fold up a raw nettle leaf so that I can eat it without stinging myself! No need to plant the seeds of Nettles, just make sure the habitat around your patch is clean and harvest with care. Gratitude for the clean water and ecosystem that feeds my Nettles’ patch! Music produced by Sister Sage Herbs Recorded, mixed, and mastered by @fendelmarc Special thanks to KFresh for the drum sample!