Nettles and Oat Straw ~ Good for Everyone Infusion!
Oatstraw ~ Avena Sativa
This is the plant of where oatmeal comes from. It has a high content of vitamin B, vitamin E, and calcium and minerals. One cup has 300 mg of calcium! Who said you need milk?
This is extremely good for nerve issues, anxiety and underlying enduring deep depression. It is used for it's calming effect, on the skin as well, and used for those with insomnia, low energy, addictions, weak bones, skin problems, heart problems, hot flashes and so many more related issues. It's properties have the potential to stablize blood and repair and rebuild the myelin sheath, which is the protective coating material around our nerves. It is essential for healthy nerve function and is broken down over time due to stress and toxins. Overtime with use of this one will experience increased emotional flexibility, assists people with trauma, and is particularly good for those in high thinking fields that tend to burnout- doctors, lawyers, students, etc. it has the unique ability to calm us while also assisting in focus and attention.
It is generally made as an infusion- pouring hot water over the plant- generally 1 tsp for every cup of water. For a more medicinal version, use 2 tsp for every cup. Steep 20-40 minutes.
If you have a SEVERE sensitivity to gluten, then you should start with small amounts of this. Generally people do not have an adverse reaction to oatstraw as they do to foods with a high gluten content.
Nettles ~ Urtica Diocia
This is commonly known as the stinging nettle plant. Some of you may have experienced the unpleasantness of this if you have encountered it in the wild and been stung! This plant is a great antihistamine, with a very high content of chlorophyll, iron, vitamin C, vitamin K and flavonoids; just to mention a few. It acts like a multivatamin and will adapt to your bodies unique needs over time.
It's properities include being a diruetic, astringent, tonic and is highly nutritious and reduces inflammation. The leaves are great for eczema, and internally to regulate blood pressure, urinary tract infections, digestion, hay fever, metabolism, allergies, bronchitis, ADHD, pregnancy, kidney functioning, and so many more. The root is good for enlarged prostate, frequent urinary tract infections, and the seeds as an oil for the hair and scalp.
Fresh tinctures are good for asthma and allergies, and the leaves can be cooked into food just as you would use any other green. Most commonly taken as a tea, an infusion or 1 tsp to 1 cup of water- though much more can be taken throughout the day.
An excess of the root should not be used as an allergy could be formed. Generally the leaves are most commonly used.
The combination of nettles and oatstraw is widely used as a go to for all people for all ailments. Try it out!
For a more NUTRITIVE infusion, try this:
Procedure
- Boil one quart of water
- Place one cup dried nettle leaves in a clean one quart jar
- Pour the recently boiling water over the leaves. When the jar is 2/3s full, stir the leaves thoroughly with a clean spoon. Then continue to fill the jar to the top.
- Cover the jar.
- Wrap one or two kitchen towels around and over the jar for insulation. (optional)
- Allow the infusion to steep for 10 to 12 hours or overnight. (Be patient.)
- Remove the towels from around the jar.
- Pour the nettle infusion through a fine mesh kitchen strainer or cheese cloth to separate the liquid (now a rich green color) from the leaves.
- (I take a spoon and press the leaves into the strainer to extract as much of the good nourishing liquid as possible.)
This nettle infusion recipe makes about 3 cups. You can safely store 1/2 of it covered in the refrigerator for the next day if you prefer. You can generally drink one to two cups per day. Nettles are not a drug or a quick fix. However with regular use over time the nutritional benefits really build.
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