I know you’re thinking: she’s really gone off the deep end now hasn’t she? Yet if you love pesto, you’ll love this recipe.

Those annoying stinging nettles have fantastic health properties and once you realize how mineral rich they are, you may consider trying my recipe.

Nettles have been studied for their effects on prostate hypertrophy, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, constipation, headaches, pain, common cold, nausea, hypertension, osteoarthritis, diarrhea, rheumatic disease, hypertension, asthma, bleeding, respiratory problems, kidney disease, allergies, prostate cancer and urinary track problems.  Nettles also have antihistamine qualities, thus their use in allergies.

~My herbal teacher used to say that drinking nettles tea well before allergy season boosts your ability to fight springtime allergies.  I start drinking the tea in January.

Stinging Nettles are high in calcium, silica, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamins B, K, A, and C.  They are excellent detoxifiers for your liver and are protein rich.  Some say nettles are good for anemia and back pain.  Stinging yourself intentionally helps with arthritis and other pain as blood rushes to the area in response to the sting bringing fresh circulation.  Don’t be surprised if you develop welts if you intentionally sting yourself, these will go away in a day or two.  I recently sprained my ankle and intentionally brushed up against my nettles patch to help with swelling. (be warned, it does itch!)

Once nettles are steamed, juiced or pulverized, they lose their sting and are safe to eat.

Nettles Pesto Recipe

1 cup olive oil

1/2 c pine nuts or hemp seeds.  Hemp seeds are high in essential fatty acids and protein

6-8 garlic cloves         

1/2 c parmesan cheese

4 cups steamed nettles     Note: Only pick young nettles that have not gone to seed.

1/2 tsp sea salt

Add everything into a food processor or blender and process until creamy.

Enjoy over pasta.  My favorite is Quinoa as it’s rich in protein and gluten free.

xo