I have grown up surrounded by Nettles. I remember trying to heal the tingling stings by reaching for the docken leaf, as we called it and singing, "Docken in Docken out, Take the sting of the Nettle out" (perhaps this little ditty inspired my own song writing later on in life). Covered as we regularly were in the little white bumps from being stung because hiding or catching someone in "tig" was way more important, I grew up believing Nettles were something to be avoided.
It's only this week that I considered gathering up some of these gorgeous, vibrant, self assured plants and using them in my home. It seems so strange to me that I have never really known anyone here in Northern Ireland to do this. I know they do of course, but they appear to be the exception. It occurred to me that with the trajectory life seems to be on, being "encouraged" as we are to keep our focus on the treadmill, whole chucks of beautiful, healing, real knowledge could disappear with this generation.
So I caught a grip of myself and, encouraged by beautiful life affirming conversations with @clareartista, I picked some full, bright, brimming with confidence Nettles. There were so many I didn't know where to start.
The first place I got stung was my backside, which is hardly surprising. Then my ankles, but I continued on as I was loving the connection with the plants. It was important to me to ask permission and give thanks with each snip. Having read, "The Secret Life of Your Cells", by Robert B Stone many years ago, I knew these beings knew I was there and what I was up to.
I got some strange looks. Some people felt drawn to have a conversation about my antics. Again I find it hard to believe that we have been educated out of knowing the abundance that surrounds us. I hope some of those that passed me might feel inspired to have a go at something similar. This is how it returns. Slowly and simply while smiling.
I fashioned a contraption in my messy shed using some bits and bobs. I feel really proud of myself when I do things like that. It looks ridiculous and wonderful at the same time. I decided it would be too difficult to tie the nettles in bundles with gloves on , so I went about carefully lifting one at a time and setting them gently together.
I didn't notice being stung at the time but for the rest of the day I had a tingling sensation in my thumb and forefinger. It was actually quite pleasant. It's amazing how we can be conditioned to believe a certain sensation is painful.
Although this process has been lovely in itself I do have some plans for these beauties. Tea and pelvic steaming were my first inclination but since looking into the power of nettles I found I can use them on my hair, to ease flu, chest pains and throat issues, to reduce inflammation, to purge, protect from dark magic and spiritual betrayal and to attune to my inner warrior and protective guides. So not bad for a mornings gathering.
I've never done this before and I don't know what to expect but I have loved reconnecting more deeply with the medicine of Gaia.
Blessings Everyone