When Sage was seven we were foraging for ramps in the woods. He looked up at me with big thoughtful eyes and said, "Mama, we didn't need to bring a lunch along. Mother Earth feeds us!" Such a beautiful - and true - sentiment. Mother Earth does feed us. Free foods and plant medicines abound - if you know where to look and what to look for.
Today we're off the the woods again, to find more of my favorite spring food and medicine: Nettle. (Yes, one in the same to that pesky stinging "weed" that you curse on summer hikes.) Indeed, nettle is both food and medicine and we love it so. When cooked, pureed, or dried Nettle loses is feisty bite and becomes one of the best sources of nutrients and minerals out there, a brilliant detoxifier, and a vital anti-radiation remedy.
After a recent day of foraging Lupine told me, "Nettle is my friend. Mama, you should make me a new doll and fill her with nettle. Then when she wears out we can open her up and make tea."
Nettle is our friend. We'll be home with big sacks full by day's end for fresh eating, blanching and freezing, and drying for tea.
I'll share some recipes with you soon if you'd like.
Hugs,
Rachel
