Unlock the Healing Power of Seasonal Herbs: Stinging Nettles, Wild Bergamot, and Red Clover

As the seasons change, nature offers a bounty of herbs that can enhance our health and well-being. Among my favorites are stinging nettles, wild bergamot, and red clover, which are not only abundant in many areas but also versatile in their uses. I incorporate these herbs into my diet whenever possible, enjoying their rich flavors and health benefits.

Stinging nettles are particularly valuable for their high mineral and vitamin content. They are an excellent source of iron, making them beneficial for those with low hemoglobin levels. Wild bergamot is my favorite summer herb for making pestos. I even freeze pesto in small jars to enjoy during the winter months, helping to keep my immune system strong. Red clover is my go-to herb for making tea, which soothes menopause symptoms like hot flashes.

Let's explore deeper some of the benefits of these wonderful herbs and discover how you can incorporate them into your daily life.

Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica, Urticaceae):

Health Benefits:

Stinging nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. They are also a good source of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Nettles have anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate allergy symptoms, support urinary health, and improve joint health.

Nettles are a supreme blood builder and nourishing tonic. Because it is a food plant, it can be consumed frequently with less attention to dosages than many other herbs. With its high iron content, it is highly useful for iron-deficiency anemia. It can be consumed during pregnancy and postpartum to help with the extra nutritional demands, and it is especially helpful to rebuild iron levels after heavy bleeding during childbirth.

Nettles are considered one of the best herbs to take daily when feeling tired or depleted. I often recommend nettles with milky oats (Avena sativa) and tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) to support people during challenging times or extra workloads. Nettles can help rebuild reserves after a long or intense illness.

Incorporation Tips: Nettles can be used in teas, soups, and smoothies. When foraging, wear gloves to avoid stings, or purchase dried nettles from health stores. Cooking or drying neutralizes the sting, making them safe to consume.

Wild Bergamot - Bee Balm (Monarda spp., Lamiaceae)

Health Benefits:

Wild bergamot is known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It can aid in digestion, relieve cold symptoms, and reduce stress. The herb is also used to soothe sore throats and treat minor wounds.

The bee balms and bergamots are some of the most important medicines of Native American peoples. The leaves are a traditional culinary herb and are used medicinally to treat infections and digestive issues, such as gas and bloating. Many Native tribes also used various Monarda species to treat fevers, colds, coughs, flu, and respiratory congestion of the lungs and sinuses. Wild bergamot is useful in colds and flu, as it is antimicrobial, anticatarrhal, and diaphoretic (brings on a sweat to break a fever).

Incorporation Tips:

Use wild bergamot leaves to make a fragrant tea or add them to salads, sauces or pestos for a pungent, spicy flavor and aroma. You can forage wild bergamot in open fields and meadows or purchase it as a dried herb. Ensure proper identification before foraging.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Health Benefits:

Red clover is rich in isoflavones, which may help balance hormones, support cardiovascular health, and improve skin conditions.

It is often used to help ease symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It may also support bone health in postmenopausal women by improving bone density.

The isoflavones in red clover may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and increasing arterial flexibility. Red clover also is known for its blood-purifying properties. It supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and is sometimes used in herbal blends for liver and kidney health.

Incorporation Tips: Red clover can be brewed into a tea or added to salads and soups. When foraging, look for the distinctive pink-purple flowers in fields and grassy areas. Dried red clover is also available in health stores.

Herbal Tips:

• Foraging: When foraging, ensure you have correctly identified the herbs and are collecting from a clean, pesticide-free area. Use a guidebook or app to aid in identification, and forage sustainably by taking only what you need.

• Purchasing: If foraging isn't an option, many health food stores and online retailers offer dried herbs. Look for organic, high-quality sources to ensure the best benefits.

These are my favorite stores to by a good quality herbs:

https://mountainroseherbs.com/

Frontier Co-op on Amazon

Embrace the healing power of seasonal herbs and discover how they can enhance your health and well-being. Enjoy the journey of exploring these natural treasures!