Stinging Nettle

I resurrected a blog draft from April of 2019.  The only thing in the draft was a photo of wild growing stinging nettle.  The only thing I can think, is maybe I was sharing what it looked like?

Always do your research before foraging for this weed.  You can also buddy up with someone who is familiar with foraging and learn that way too.

I know I dehydrated some in the past for teas, and did you know that if you blanch them, you can ice bath them and freeze them for eating in future meals?

You do need to have very thick protective gloves on to harvest this medicinal weed.  It's prickly spines will leave a nasty, itchy rash on you if you do not.  Just ask my husband.  He was mowing in shorts one time, and brushed against some growing here on the property.  I had to lather him in chickweed salve. Chickweed is another weed to talk about when it arrives this spring/summer.

I wrote up a post about how I made a tea infusion for hair and nail health.  I don't make the tea infusion as often as I did back then, but it is a nourishing tea with oat straw.  You can do your own research, but the post can be found HERE.

Stinging Nettle  © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Migraine Relief Possibilities

Resurrecting a blog draft from May 1, 2019.  I don't know how I let so many drafts get buried, but it come in handy for entertainment this winter.

Here is the draft posted, but with an update.

Migraines are not fun.  I've had about two in my lifetime, and they were terribly painful and nauseating.  Youngest Daughter seems to get them too often, so I'm trying to make sure she is hydrated, exercising etc.

I did much research for topical treatments.  One we are trying is organic peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil, rubbed on her temples.  I also put it on her chest for her to inhale.

Topical treatment is all I'm researching, because if you've had a migraine, you are so nauseated you cannot drink teas etc.  

I read that a lack of magnesium can also bring on a migraine, so we keep almonds and pumpkin seeds on hand to enjoy weekly. 

I have known that peppermint, holy basil (Tulsi), and chamomile teas help reduce inflammation of  a headache, but I am just now learning that ginger, clove, and feverfew may work as well.  Feverfew is on my list to grow this year, as it did not work out last summer. * see note below

The change in weather can also play a part in migraines, sinus pressure etc.  I've noticed this myself.

I've also read that topically applying fresh pumpkin pulp cools the head and relieves the headache.  

The most recommended that I've read about, is feverfew for a migraine, but I have yet to try that with Youngest.  I tried growing it one year and savage raccoons raided my potted plants.  I never tried growing it again.  Maybe this year?

Have you had any good results with a homemade remedy for migraines, or even headaches?

Notes from 2024:

I grew feverfew again successfully one year, dehydrated it for tea.  It has been said that it relieves not only a fever but a migraine.  It worked too.  I am now learning it can relieve joint pain (maybe a salve?).

What are you growing for medicinal reasons this coming spring?

Migraine Relief Possibilities © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart