The Health Benefits Take The Sting Out Of It

Most of us never forget the wrath of a stinging nettle. Growing wild in almost every patch of grass across the country, many strolls through the fields in our youth inevitably ended up with someone yelping in agony when stung by a hairy nettle as everyone else scrambled to find a neighbouring dock leaf to soothe the pain.  Luckily there was nearly always one nearby.

Interestingly nettles actually have plenty of health benefits dating back for centuries, particularly when cooked or steeped in boiling water & drank as a tea. With vitamins and minerals, nettles are said to have an abundant amount of antioxidants.  They may also lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and ease hay fever symptoms as well as being a good addition to a detox regime. Many tea brands now produce some delicious nettle blends that are widely available in supermarkets and health shops.  Personally I like Floradix and Clipper brands. Find out more about the benefits on BBC Good Food.