Nature Provides Us Non-Addictive Pain Killers: Stinging Nettle

I actually just came across some wild Stinging Nettle recently as I was taking a walk in Battle Creek, MI. I didn't identify it, my sister did. I was looking at a totally different plant and almost missed it even though it was right beside me. She confirmed it's identity by recognizing that it looked like a mint shrub, but with needles. She then touched the needles and was greeted with a sting that lasted several minutes. Stinging Nettle is not particularly my favorite in terms of how it feels when dealing with it fresh- I hate the sting, but its so incredibly effective in relieving pain in the muscles and joints. I like to lay a fresh leaf on the area of soreness as it acts as a natural acupuncture, but It's sting is an acquired feeling for sure. I'm not sure if I can ever get used to it but I do value it's medicinal properties. I have learned to cope with uncomfortable and unfavorable feelings, tastes, smells, etc in my years of practicing herbalism. It really helps when you can remind yourself that its just medicine which is hardly ever pleasant even in the traditional sense. Going to the doctor and being prescribed their medicine almost never looks, feels, smells, or tastes good. You have to pick your discomfort preference.

Medicinal Properties Of Stinging Nettle:

-Anti-inflammatory

-Antioxidant

-Anti-bacterial

-Anti-microbial

-Analgesic

-Diuretic

This can be injected fresh or dry, however you will experience a sting on the tongue unless you fold the leaves over so that the prick is not facing the tongue before being chewed into a tolerable prick. Try is at a tea, salves, oil, poultice, or tincture. I find its best used topically but of course, adding enough to your diet will give healing properties from within over time as it settles into the blood stream. You will feel more immediate relief in the topical remedies.