Nettle seeds from the female plant are a such powerhouse of health benefits in the same way as the leaves but the seeds have some added benefits. They are a natural source of vitamins, minerals & essential fatty acids & are often used to support overall vitality & boost energy levels.
The seeds contain serotonin, making them a great tonic & pick me up. Add a teaspoon each morning to your brekkie for a little boost.
Nettle seeds are considered an adaptogenic herb that helps to support the adrenal glands & endocrine system.
Making it a wonderful addition for people who have adrenal fatigue, are burnt out, fatigued, stressed or run down.
An adaptogenic herb is a herb that helps our body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue & overall well being by recalibrating itself back to its normal function.
How to identify the female nettle from male:
photo 1:
The female nettle plant which is what you want to harvest the seeds from in photo 1 above, has seeds strings that droop down & are usually fuller looking.
The male nettle plant in photo 2 below has thinner seed strings growing outwards.
Photo 2:
To harvest:
Harvest when seeds are still green, from June to August.
Cut the top third off each nettle stem (wearing gloves).
Lay on a flat sheet of parchment paper to dry.
When the leaves have dried & turned crisp, place a steel sieve over a bowl & rub the seeds off into the bowl (wearing your gloves again).
Warning: wear a mask ( an old cloth covid mask will do) if you are rubbing a lot of seeds as the airborne seed dust may be itchy.
Toasting the seeds will remove any of the potentially irritating crystal hairs & bring out a lovely nutty flavour. But I love them raw too. Store in a clean dry jar & use daily for a wonderful nutritious addition to your diet.
Add them to your food as you would with any seeds. Sprinkle over a salad. Mix into bread dough. Over your porridge. In a smoothy…..
