The first plants to pop their heads out in spring are nettles and dandelions. Both are true powerhouses of nutrition and health benefits. Today, we'll focus on one delicious way to incorporate nettles into your diet: nettle soup.

To start, it's important to note that nettles should be harvested when they are young and tender. Be sure to wear gloves when harvesting, as the tiny hairs on the plant can cause a sting.

Did you know that the nettle's sting improves circulation and lymph flow in the joints? In the past, nettles have been used as a wrap around the joints. Roman soldiers even rubbed their bodies with nettles to beat the cold. Wow, right?

That’s the humble nettle.

What are the Benefits of Nettles?

Nettles contain vitamins A, C, and K and calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are also rich in polyphenols, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Vitamin A supports vision, the immune system, the reproductive system, growth and development, and supports the heart and lungs.

Vitamin C protects cells, maintains the skin, blood vessels, bones, and cartilage, and helps heal wounds.

Vitamin K helps make proteins which are needed for blood clotting and building bones.

It contains also calcium which supports bones, the heart muscle and nerves.

Iron, which is essential in making haemoglobin.

Magnesium regulates the function of muscles and nerves, blood pressure, and DNA.

Polyphenols protect tissues against oxidation stress which can cause illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation.

Isn’t this an astounding list of benefits for a plant nobody really likes and avoids?

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Nettles in Ayurveda

Ayurveda looks at the taste of our food and its qualities.

Ayurveda distinguishes between 6 tastes. The tastes influence the dosha in either pacifying or contributing to aggravating them.

Nettles have bitter, astringent and salty tastes. Their bitter and astringent tastes help to balance both Pitta and Kapha doshas, while their salty taste balances Vata dosha. This makes nettle soup a great option for anyone looking to balance their doshas and improve their overall health.

Their qualities are hot due to the sting of the acid-filled hair, which protects the plant. Apart from being hot, nettles are light and dry. These qualities are excellent for balancing Kapha dosha; the warmth balances Vata dosha, and dry balances the slightly oily quality of Pitta dosha.

What to make with Nettle?

Nettles can be used fresh or dried. In a dried form, they can be sprinkled into soups, for example.

Used fresh, they make great soup or vegetable dishes. They can be combined with potatoes, sweet potatoes or squashes.

Today, we'll focus on one delicious way to incorporate nettles into your diet: nettle soup.

In conclusion

Don't let the sting of nettles scare you away from incorporating this superfood into your diet. With this delicious and nutritious nettle soup recipe, you can enjoy all the benefits of this amazing plant all year. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you!

Enjoy trying this dish and please let me know on Instagram, Facebook or even good-old email how it went.

I love hearing from you! 

Katja x

P.S. If you like to learn more about season living with Ayurveda, and how to cook delicious, nourishing meals, head over to the Back to Balance Course for more information and hop onto the Waitlist.