Whole foods that are rich in minerals are often more effective than isolated mineral supplements.

Lunch Hour Lesson #42

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Today I want to talk about a food that is one of the best sources of balanced minerals and trace minerals that you can find.

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It is called nettle leaf, and sometimes is also referred to as stinging nettle, although don’t worry – if you buy the dried herb there’s no sting to it.

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Speaking of minerals, having a good balance of all the different minerals in your diet is very important for many body functions, one of which is contracting and releasing muscles appropriately.

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Before I share how to make a nettle Infusion, I want to mention that it’s not just effective for cramping – that’s just what I have found it to be so useful for. But it also:

  • is a wonderful source of folate – do you always enough leafy green vegetables? Nettle infusions can make up for a lot of that.
  • increases energy and stamina and lowers stress by nourishing the adrenal glands
  • strengthens bones and can improve bone density
  • supports the kidneys and urinary tract
  • has anti-histamine properties
  • is safe for all ages and stages of life, including pregnancy and nursing

RESTART® Snip

Give yourself the gift of doing nothing other than being present in the moment.

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For these benefits and more, I recommend incorporating nettle leaf, made into an infusion, into your diet.

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Now, what is it, really? An infusion is like a very potent tea, and is more effective than taking the herb in a capsule, because it uses a full ounce (or cup) of the herb to one quart of water.

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Nettle especially benefits from being prepared as an infusion, because it takes a lot of the herb to show real benefits. You’ll get more bang for your buck this way than purchasing nettle leaf in tea bag form.

How to make a Nettle Infusion:

Step 1: Gather Supplies

  • one pound bag of organic nettle leaf herb
  • two 1 quart glass mason jars with screw-top lids
  • a fine wire strainer
  • wide-mouth funnel (optional)

Step 2: Make the Nettle Infusion

  • Get out one of the 1 quart glass mason jars.
  • Boil 1 quart of filtered water.
  • Measure 1 cup of the dried herb, and pour it into the mason jar.
  • Pour the hot water carefully over the herb and stir it gently.
  • Cap the jar and let it sit for 6-8 hours on the counter.
  • Strain the herb out into your second jar and save the liquid. This is your infusion. Compost or throw out the leaves.
  • Store the infusion in the refrigerator and drink it over two days. Don’t let it sit longer than two days; just make a fresh batch.
  • The infusion tastes mildly leafy; you can add fresh mint while brewing if desired.

Weekend Tip

Mountain Rose Herbs is my favorite company from which to order loose herbs in bulk. I would recommend purchasing the North American Nettle Leaf for a mild and tasty infusion.