Nettle foraging with the district aboriginal teamHerbal supports during covid-19

We acknowledge, respect, and honour the First Nations in whose traditional territories the School District operates and all Aboriginal peoples residing within the boundaries

of School District 8.

Our foraging trip!The District Aboriginal Team drove to Slocan Valley to harvest nettles on April 24th. The nettles were still very young, and only about 2 inches tall, so we let them be for another few weeks to grow and strengthen.

On May 21st, we returned to find the nettle patch flourishing! Most nettles were anywhere from 4-12 inches tall, healthy and strong.

We plan to dehydrate the nettles harvested today for teas for our Aboriginal Education classrooms to nourish us year-round.

April 24 2020 May 21 2020

Indigenous uses:Indigenous peoples have used stinging nettle since time immemorial. As we foraged, we discussed that the stems had been used for cordage, due to their strength and resiliency. The leaves can be gathered (using gloves) and dried for teas and medicine.

NativeTech: Native American Technology and Art says that “root and boiled leaf decoctions were used to soothe symptoms of rheumatism. A nettle tea helps to clear the lungs” and that “stinging nettle plants are used to produce a tan dye. Fibres from the plants are used in making string”

Medicinal properties Stinging nettle has a bountiful array of nutrients that include: vitamins A,C, and K,

calcium, iron, magnesium, all essential amino acids as well as polyphenols and

beta-carotene. These nutrients make stinging nettle a revered plant in both

Indigenous and Western medicines. Studies have shown nettle to be

anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic.

Nettle has been considered a nutritive food and medicine for thousands of years

among numerous cultures. Stinging nettle leaves have been used traditionally for

scurvy, anemia, arthritis, seasonal allergies, wound healing, and general fatigue,

as a diuretic and to stimulate pancreatic secretion.Stinging nettle tea has been

used historically as a cleansing spring tonic and blood purifier.

Nettles can be harvested in early spring through the summer in our area (Kootenay

Lake), and can be dried for use in teas, soups, baked goods, and herbal salves and

body products. Nettle leaf retains vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients after

blanching or dehydrating for storage.

Traditional ProtocolBefore taking anything from the land, it is important to follow protocol. We offered tobacco and prayer to the land and to the plants we were picking. A prayer that was taught to us by an Elder is that “from every one plant we take, may three grow in its place.”

Following protocol, we also foraged sustainably, only taking what we needed and leaving the rest.

Drying NettlesYou can dry nettles for use in different ways: lay on a tray or paper and air dry; hang to dry; or use your Grannie’s dehydrator.

Dried nettles is great for tea, making salves, and adding to your fall and winter soups for added vitamins and nutrients.

Your Recipes?Fresh nettles can be sauteed in oil with some spices or used to make soup. We tried a spanakopita recipe that used nettles instead of spinach.

Nettle is delicious as tea (dried or fresh leaves) hot or iced!

Have you tried nettles? What recipes have you tried?

Share out to the District Aboriginal Team.

Interested in plants, herbal medicines, and traditional knowledge?These our some of our favourite resources:

Books:

● Edible & Medicinal Plants of the Rockies by Linda Kershaw

● Sacred Plant Medicine: The Wisdom in Native American Herbalism by Stephen Harrod Buhner

● The Backyard Apothecary by Devon Young

Websites/Youtube:

● Grow, Forage, Cook Ferment

● Healing Tools and Methods with Gerry Oldman

● Indigenous Youth Wellness

● Blog: Indigenous Wellness Resources

Sources:● American Botanical Council:

http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume15/07July/FAM_Nettle.html

● Native American Technology and Art:

http://www.nativetech.org/plantgath/nettle.htm

Thank you for joining us!

We hope this slideshow inspires you to get outside with your family, and embrace the healing properties of the lands and

waters.