Harvesting and Drying Stinging Nettle

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NOTE: I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling! Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!

[@ssstults999]

I'm going back to old videos now and then to review things. It's interesting to look back at your knowledge 7 years ago vs today. You've learned so much and is very inspiring to me, Heidi. I'm so glad you keep these videos on here. Thank you for sharing all these years ❤

[@EvelynEvelyn00]

You should always pick your herbs in the midday or afternoon when it's very sunny (and dry) and about three days after the rain. There shouldn't be any moisture on the leaves or flowers when you pick them. If the plants are wet (from the rain or dew), they will spoil more quickly and lose its quality. I noticed you washed your nettle. I have read you should never, ever wash the herbs you plan on drying (both flowers and leaves - anything above the ground). Just gently remove the excess dirt with some kind of a brush. This goes for drying the herbs naturally, I'm not sure about the dehydrator but I suppose the rule would apply to it as well. Also, as I mentioned below in a reply, you should never dry your plants in the sun (that way they lose its color and lots of nutrients). Dark, dry and warm places with lots of air flow (preferably somewhere drafty) are ideal. The only parts of the plant you could dry in the sun are the roots. Those are some kind of general rules of picking and drying plants. You said you are still learning about it, so I thought I should share some info. I hope it will be useful to some of you who are reading it. Best regards! :)

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you for your addition! I did not wash my nettle, I simply rinsed it off to get any loose dirt, bugs and manure off of the leaves. I am not into heavy washing of herbs myself. Now that it has been almost a year since I did this video, I am actually ready to harvest again but around here where we get up to 160" of annual rainfall with most of it at this time of year, you HAVE to harvest whenever you can and avoiding moisture on the leaves during harvest would mean it would never happen. So we do what we can where we are at working around the weather as much as possible. IT has been raining nonstop for days but at this very moment, the sun is out and it may only last an hour so I will go out and harvest what I can right now as it could be days before we get this bit of sun again.

[@mareegeorge8641]

Thanks for your information I have also heard that you should not wash them x

[@mikkimik6681]

I have heard to harvest in the morning when they are full of energy and only the top three group of leaves.

[@tennesseegirl1215]

I do have thyroid issues, have been medicated for 10 years. I saw you and Mr Rain were set free by using herbs, you have motivated me to do it, so I am getting these plants together to start my natural treatment. I am so thankful I found Rain Country, you are my new favorite channel. I can't express my gratitude enough for all you share, I have just got started watching your older videos, you cover so much diverse info, I just keep watching, thank you God Bless

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you so much and I am just thrilled that you are gleaning something useful from us! That means a lot and knowing such things keeps us doing what we are doing here on youtube!

[@TheCrazeenana]

I’m a newbie but I’ve been binge watching your videos. I’ve been praying to get off my thyroid meds due to low thyroid. Thanks for helping with that. I have some from seed but ordered plants Just received mine yesterday. I have noticed if you turn the branch around the other way and pull the leaves they come off so much better. I was pulling leaves off a tree branch. Made it so much easier. Hopefully it works 😄

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This video is old and my nettle is SO small there! That thumbnail photo almost makes me laugh. It is now a very thick large patch and gets 8 feet tall!

[@nourishingmomma]

I love how you say stingin’ nettle! I always learn things I wasn’t expecting to learn from your videos. Thank you Heidi!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you! :D

[@AcornHillHomestead]

I got my S N seeds from you. My patch 3 y/o is finally thickening up so I can harvest. I also tossed a bunch of seeds at the back of our property along with mullein. Ive had both a new Nesco and a used one 6 years ago. Still going strong!! Now that Im foraging wild plants they are a big help. I keep them in my shop outside of the house to keep my kitchen clean. Really enjoying saving the dehydrated plants and making tincture.

[@kathycoblentz4852]

I would love it if you would put together a cookbook of all your blends and teas! I would buy it for sure!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am considering putting a book together in the future, but it may be a ways out yet :)

[@jfrederick71]

Every time I’m looking for information on something you pop up! I love it! I’d like to harvest and dry stinging nettle to add to my dogs diet. I’m behind as I think I’ve missed the wild crop up here in New England. I had no idea I could buy seed, which I will now do. As always thank you Heidi.

[@lindamiller6629]

Heidi, I read that burdock always grows around nettle, and i have found that true on our property. Burdock leaves are a remedy for the sting of nettles. So I always grab the nettle with my gloved hand and then wrap around a burdock leaf so that if I get stung once in house I have the antidote. Now I find once i get my nettle wet that it doesn't seem to sting my bare hands anymore although I'm careful to not touch the tips of the leaves.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I remember hearing that before. I was also wondering if plantain would work, I know it works great on wasp stings.

[@billyandrew]

Never tried plantain, but burdock or dock os nature's balance and, more often than not, grows within thirty feet of stinging nettles.

[@bevfitzsimmonds3382]

We rarely have dock here, but l have tried chickweed, which usually grows near/with nettles, and it has brought enough relief to keep on gardening (had to apply a few times)..use any port in a storm! Sometimes when you reach forward, there's a sneaky gap between your sleeve and even the longest glove! 🥴 Bev, in South Australia 🦘🌱🌱🌱

[@marieschieler1914]

For our anniversary we went to one of our favorite places for dinner. The do seasonal food and locally source their menu. Stinging nettles was serviced with ozark mushrooms and chicken. It was so good!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Though we rarely go out to eat, I would LOVE to have a place like that around here! That sounds amazing!

[@chrisdeecaregiver2]

Hi Heidi, Thank you for all of your videos. You are always a wealth of good, reliable, information. I have nettle growing wild in my yard which I've tried to eradicate for years (who knew?) but then I found out that there is a specific butterfly (sorry I forget the name )who relies solely on stinging nettle. So after I learned that, I stopped trying to eradicate the nettle. Now I'm finding out how good it is for us. I can't wait for more of your videos. Peace and blessings!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you ChrisDee!

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Monarch butterflies rely solely on milkweed.

[@CogHillFarm]

Thank you for this...I have a nettle patch I planted years ago, but originally I planted the nettle for compost tea, but have been looking & trying other ways to use it, & this is just perfect! Thanks Heidi!!-Jason

[@CogHillFarm]

Oh, & it will branch out....I wack mine back all the time when I make compost tea & it branches out & gets thicker!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I figured it would but am happy to know I am right! Thanks Jason :D

[@janiceseigler6317]

Heidi, I am very intrigued with you using stinging nettle. Here in Georgia, it grows like crazy. I confess that I have always pulled it up etc to get rid of it. I guess from my childhood days we would go barefoot in the summer and step on the plant or just brush against it causing a horrible itch which led me to dislike the plant. I really am interested in watching to see how you use it. Also, when someone talks about the different tea that is made with the herbs if just goes over my head. The only tea I have drank is the usual sweet tea here in the deep south. I have so much to learn about all these herbs you are growing and drying. I can see me now trying to save all the stinging nettle plants in my yard that I always hated. lol

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Haha! You just might as you learn how beneficial to your health they are! I am still learning all the wonderful things about them and use them in as many things as I can :D

[@mirandaneizer3605]

I have a huge patch of nettle naturally growing in my yard. Last year I was trying to get rid of it, but then I found out how useful it is. I'm planning on harvesting and drying it this year! It's good for humans, and animals. It's great for mama rabbits who need a boost while nursing.

[@Samt1958]

You are my type of woman!!! Using solar for your dehydration. I'm just starting with nettle, got great info from your video. Thanks also for the links, God Bless my sister!

[@valerieescabi6104]

Hi Heidi, God is good all the time. Hallelujah.💖💖💖

[@sherryk30]

Heidi, i am getting ready to harvest my spring nettle and did a search to get handling tips and there u were!! I have an herbalist acquaintance who harvests hers with bare hands😨 she truly has a connection with the plants to start with but she said if u grab straight down, pick it up and then drop it in a bowl or whatever. She says that u get stung when you move side to side on the surface of the leaves. I'll just stick with suede work gloves, thank you!! Quick recipe for an awesome tasting drink: 1 gallon spring water, 2 tbsps. dried Hisbiscus, 2 tbsps. dried nettle, raw honey to taste. This makes a delicious punch like tea! My grandson calls it "healthy Hi-C" and it really IS full of vitamin C!😊

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This video is a couple years old and I have since handled nettle bare handed but when harvesting, I still like to wear gloves to save time of having to be very careful. I have even eaten raw. I actually have a more updated nettle video coming out in a couple of weeks, uploaded and ready to publish according to schedule :)

[@lindamiller6629]

Also, Heidi, I had friends who would fold the stinging tips of the leaves inside the leaf and actually eat it raw. It never stung them. I never had the nerve to try that.

[@countrygalinthecity]

We were blessed to buy a place that had this growing rampid back by the barn....your doing just fine harvesting...you can't kill that stuff...I tryed before I realized what it really is😀

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am looking forward to do this again this year, I always get my best harvest off it in the spring.

[@charlesbale8376]

Really helpful, thank you.

[@Mmbohn1]

I have a similar dehydrator I purchased back in the early 80's. I love it! I'd also be interested in your dried greens blend. You use things I wouldn't have even thought of!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It really is a great dehydrator, I know people love the fancy brand name but this one has served me so well for so long, I just do not see the need for the other.

[@vickilee771]

Thankyou 💚💚💚

[@TeeFlory]

Thank you, love and prayers!❤

[@BarefootInAK]

Oh dear! Thank you! I found a huge patch and I’ve finally been able to pick, and the brake bleeder! Yes! Again, I thank you! Much 💚

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You are so very welcome!

[@lisabooker6405]

Just watched this, dandelions and goji berries! You're on a good roll. I'm pretty proud of myself. I got out and planted beans, tomatoes, parsley, oregano, sage, cilantro, Basil, poppies, sunflowers, lavender, marigolds, bachelors buttons, calendula and some lettuces. I still have more to do but I got all that done yesterday and paying for it today. I know I should do smaller ventures but once you get on a roll it's hard to stop. It worked out anyway cause we got a nasty storm last night and been raining heavy all day. So I'll take advantage and rest today so I can go again tomorrow. I'm so excited. Now I gotta pray my husband can keep it all up after my surgery! 🙏🏼 Please just keep me in your prayers. Hugs and love to you and the family.thanks for sharing. God Bless. ~Lisa

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I hear ya' on that, I am the same way about finding it hard to stop. Hope you are doing better now today. Sounds like you have a lot going on with your garden and that is wonderful! Will be praying Lisa

[@lawrencelawrence3920]

I use the sun to dry the nettle in the solar dehydrator, then I put the dried nettle into a blender to powder the stems and leaves.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

When we have plenty of solar power, one can say we use the sun too! haha! I also use our wood stove for drying but I do not prefer to powder, I simply crush all my dried herbs. This is an old video, crazy how small my nettle was back then. It is huge now and I get tons. When I allow it to grow, it gets 6' tall now, not exaggerating either.

[@lawrencelawrence3920]

@@RainCountryHomestead the solar dehydrators that I built are 6 feet high and 7 feet long so they hold alot of nettle and on a hot day it may take only a few hours to dry. The reason I powder the nettle is because I can put alot into a jar.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@lawrencelawrence3920 Yep, I have powdered a few things for that reason. Just did that with some orange peel. I just do not like to use all my greens and herbs powdered, I prefer adding them to my meals as flakes. I have also powdered some dried zucchini as it blends well in many things including breads of all kinds. I have even used it in making hamburger buns. As far as drying directly in the sun, well, that is not always doable here as we do not get enough sun for that to work and when we do our humidity is to high. That is why electric dehydrators work better for us

[@kimberleemonroe2255]

Once again I just love your channel! You are so down to Earth and so full of amazing information! You inspired me to make my first marshmallow tea and their is no stopping me now!😂 Thank you!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Wonderful! Thank you Kimberlee!

[@kathryngagne5813]

Thanks Hedi! Glad to see you got some sunshine :) God Bless- Kathryn

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, it has surely been nice! Patrick has been able to get more done on the chicken coop and we just got some chicks yesterday so I am very excited!

[@bevfitzsimmonds3382]

I have found that if l leave the nettles on my verandah in the shade for a few hours, or overnight, they wilt, and lose their sting! Any that do not wilt, will still sting you, so l turn the bunch over during the wilting process, to make sure l have no surprises. Too wilted, and they become too hard to wash, so l wash, shake vigourously, and then leave to wilt. Hope this is helpful! 😊🌱

[@gailelizabeth14]

I've never tried stinging nettle. Will definitely try growing it this year as I'm trying to expand my herb garden. I'm so enjoying the dehydrating videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Just make sure to plant it in a place that is out of the way so you are not as likely to brush up against it. I have it under a bedroom window so it also doubles as a bit of a security measure and the chances of me accidentally coming in contact with it are slim

[@brokeista3240]

Man I've got too many childhood stinging nettle memories to try keeping and harvesting it but it looks like you've really got it down!

[@gillianstapleton8566]

Never knew that about stinging nettle & thyroid… I’ve low thyroid it helped reduce carbs & taking Brazil nuts a bit … I have stinging nettle in the garden I was cursing now I’m going to be eating and making tea… I’ve eaten all the dandelions after watching your channel 😂

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Here is the video we did in 2018 on how we went off our thyroid medications we had been on for 15 years each, now 10 years off of them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqDNaIaeaduBfbs

[@niftythriftybits3727]

Thanks for sharing Heidi. Those stinging nettle leaves are huge compared to ours! I have a Nesco American Harvest dehydrator and have been very pleased with it.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It has really been a great investment for sure!

[@chick-a-bee-farm]

Just learned I can load my dehydrator much fuller than I have in the past!! A neighbor gave me a start of what she said was hops, but it’s nettle. Lol! Now I know what to do with it. 😄

[@kathrynsoper247]

American Harvester is the same dehydrator also. That was my first dehydrator which died last year after having it about 20 years.

[@brendahitchcock2760]

The only experience I have of stinging nettle is as a kid falling down into a patch. I still remember today 50 years later how much it hurt. Nettles use to be everywhere, but my grand kids can play outside all day and not get into them.It is good to know that these little stingers has good health benefits besides just stinging the fire out of you. LOL. Thanks for the information.

[@tracyheath6076]

When I first heard you say Brake Bleeder..... I had to rewind and make sure I heard you right. I said to myself,..... Say what? How cool is that?

[@OilysHumbleHome]

Wonderful tip on the break bleeder! Love it!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have found it works WAY better than using my food saver. Plus, no need for electricity to run it! haha

[@OilysHumbleHome]

Doesn't require as much storage space either

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Exactly! haha

[@kwakuamedor558]

Thanks for the powerful video..

[@semicountryliving3095]

Gosh thank you so much. New to your channel. So helpful for us newbies.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am always so happy to be helpful to others in some way! Thank you!

[@Wendyann1100]

Great video Heidi.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thanks Wendy :D

[@deniseview4253]

I weeded my flower bed one day. started pulling on a weed. it stung mg hands bad. Watching nature videos and finding out it's possible it's stinging nettle. I've left it to grow.

[@minutemanhomestead7214]

thats a neat trick with the brake bleeder

[@newsviewstoday5689]

Stinging nettle grow wild & abundantly on our farm here in Australia, I notice they thrive in damp partially shaded areas & are a much deeper green. I think you need more moisture & a bit of shade for them to be in their prime condition.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I can guarantee they do not need more moisture here in Rain Country where we get up to 160" of rain a year! haha! We have had a very wet spring this year too, likely wetter than normal. This is just the color nettle is in our area. :)

[@billyandrew]

They thrive best in rough terrain, like poppies, lillies, buddlia and so on do. The roots have to work harder, making the plant stronger.

[@earthn1447]

Next to most houses' foundations - harvesting here could expose you to pesticides. Many houses built 1960-ish to 1988 were treated with heptachlor and chlordane to prevent termites. Newer homes, too, are commonly treated with newer pesticides which also carry some concern. Good rule of thumb is to not grow or harvest edibles next to foundation....

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Interesting, however, I cannot allow myself to be concerned about that. With limited space, you do what you can, I have a lot of herbs growing up next to the house on different sides because I am making the most of every bit we have. I would still trust what I grow up next to my house better than what I can find in the store. Plus I am saving money, have a great amount of herbs, culinary and medicinal, growing on our little corner lot in a neighborhood along with fruits and vegetables.

[@lajuanabassett1298]

Awesome video! Thank you 💕🌿

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Lajuana :D

[@vickierusard7512]

Thanks a bunch.... very informative. Would love to know all the things you do with this green mix you make up.

[@ellenfisher6341]

Two things I use mine for is adding to green smoothies , stews & soups. For those who you want them to get their GOOD greens, but don't want them to know it's there, it's great! Sorry, I'm not Heidi - just learned so much from her!

[@vickierusard7512]

Wow l just found her / your video on what to do with all those green. Amazing..... thank you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Ellen :D

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Vickie! :D

[@jeffreypattie7150]

Ty4 very informative video..its a miracle drug u don't have to even pay 4

[@hsntrkmnturkiye5326]

Heidi, harikasın...💐❤️

[@countrygalinthecity]

Love my stinging tea 😉

[@ourislandacres6685]

You need to hop a ferry. We have about 5 acres of stinging nettles, a few raspberries too. We can't find a natural way to get rid of them. We might get a goat just for the nettles.

[@bonnielafayette6599]

❤

[@johnturner2014]

Hi, it's me again, John. I am about to go looking for wild stinging nettles. I hear they are good as an anti-histamine in a tea; plus they have the all important beta sitosterol that us men in particular need, especially as we age. I wanted to comment on what you noticed about how things aren't growing like they used to; and, I believe that it's because of what the government is spraying in the atmosphere in order to help cool the planet, so they think, but it has been revealed that the aluminum-oxide that eventually hits the earth changes the ph level of the soils and has effected many plants. I know; what in the world are we doing to ourselves! Only the Wonderful Creator and His Son can help us now. Have a Blessed Day!!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I agree with you on all that, it has been my suspicion as well but yes, we have to do the best we can and trust the Father with the rest :)

[@billyandrew]

Many gardeners are beginning to understand about chemtrails now, as their blue hydrangias turn pink, due to the shrub roots absorbing the aluminium.

[@srudie]

​@@billyandrewwow I wondered what was going on!

[@jon6322]

Can you still use stinging nettle if the plant is budding out?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I still do :)

[@BanDanaGramma]

[@marlacrabtree]

My stinging nettle stung the heck out of my hands even when the nettle was finished dehydrating. Im afraid to eat it because it will sting my mouth. Any ideas? It was perfectly crispy and dry. I used a cabelas dehydrator. Thanks😊

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It will not sting your mouth and if the nettle is fully dry, it is not stinging you, it is poking you. The venom is neutralized but the needles are still present. Please check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSokGewr9mod80

[@Esther-1914]

QUESTION for Heidi, I harvested some stinging nettle about a month ago, and now it's shot up again because of all the rain. This time it's bolting. Are flowers dehydratable along with the leaves? I could have a second harvest right now.💚💚🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Boy, now tiny my plants were back then in this old video. That whole area is so thick with them and they get 8 feet tall now and then some. Some say not to harvest nettle once it starts to flower as the chemical make up changes, I have read this in a few places but I know others continue to harvest past that. I mostly harvest in early spring as they are the first herbs to be ready, I like to get it done before all the other herbs that I dehydrate through the season are ready.

[@Esther-1914]

@@RainCountryHomestead Thank you so much @Heidi. I appreciate your input. I won't harvest anymore of it this year. I'm well-stocked as it is right now, with two years worth of it. Beautiful, especially considering it was a "gift" in our garden, when I discovered it early two springs ago, on my first visit to the garden. There it was, about four wild plants. How it got there is beyond me, but I'm grateful for the surprise because I was wishing for some! Have an awesome week!😃👍💚💚🌿🌿🌿~Esther from BC, Canada

[@derekfrost8991]

great stuff. I boil them to eat, then use the juice to make beer.. :)

[@lifebeginswithaseed]

Wow, that's interesting! Never heard of that.

[@billyandrew]

The stalks make great cordage (when the pith is squeezed out) for use in the garden or roping and breaks down naturally.

[@Damselfly54315]

What is Horsemint nettle leaf? will that be similar? I've never been stung by stinging nettle, but know ppl that have, and said its not fun😂

[@crazyazie]

The leaves on your stinging nettles are enormous! Mine are much smaller than that.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

They were not as big when I first started growing them, they seem to get bigger each year.

[@crazyazie]

I might have to dedicate an area for them and see what happens. I usually just let them grow in assorted places. :)

[@rickhahn8812]

she has the Canadian wood nettle. Which is a little more potent then the regular stinging nettle

[@rickhahn8812]

she has the Canadian wood nettle. Which is a little more potent then the regular stinging nettle

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Sorry but you are incorrect, this is NOT Canadian Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) it is your standard stinging nettle (Urtica Dioica). I know because that is the seed I purcahsed from Baker Creek and the flowers look different from the wood nettle

[@lornabartlett2744]

How many hours would it take to dry 8 trays of stinging nettle give me a good idea in general?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

At least 8 hours likely 12 or more. There are many factors that can play a part in the length of time it takes

[@lornabartlett2744]

@@RainCountryHomestead right ✅👌

[@avonleanne]

getting me a brake bleeder for SURE!!!

[@ellenfisher6341]

Thanks, Heidi. That's one I'm not too familiar with - will have to add it to my collection. I know I have this growing wild. Is there a difference between the wild & the seeds you bought???

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I really do not think there is a difference. Pretty sure they are the same thing. I got my seed from Baker Creek but if there is a place where it grows wild around you, then no need to grow it on your property unless for the convenience of having it close like I do. I planted it next to the house under a window for two reasons, so it is not in a place I am likely to bump into it when gardening and as a small measure of security.

[@ellenfisher6341]

Wow, I never thought about the security aspect -love the idea. Another multi purpose herb!

[@sweaterdoll]

I had never dried nettles in a dehydrator. I always hung the bundles up to dry. I had them in the Nesco dehydrator all night last night for 10 hours and they are dry but still pliable, not crunchy per se. I do like the color of them a lot more - very nice and green, but it's not cost effective. I just put them all back in again when I have come home from work and we'll see how they do over the next few hours. But I don't think it should take green leaves more than 10 hours to dry in a machine. Just wanted to see how it went.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Hang drying is a great way for those who live in dry climates, not damp and humid like here. I have tried drying herbs that way but they can hang for a week on a hot day and still never get dry

[@sweaterdoll]

@@RainCountryHomestead Haha! Good point. It has been more humid than usual this past couple of days. EMaybe it affected the dehydrator. I didn't consider that.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@sweaterdoll I have had some things on really humid days take up to 3 days even in the dehydrator! I kept thinking there was something wrong with my dehydrator until it finally dawned on me, haha

[@sweaterdoll]

@@RainCountryHomestead I did leave them in for about another hour this afternoon and that did the trick. The difference was that we've been having nightly thunderstorms and this afternoon was finally sunny. I got a quart of nettle greens for next winter from this batch.

[@betsyoman7173]

The mesh screens are absolutely necessary. The fruit roll sheets, also known as leather sheets are also very useful for small things like parsley or chopped veggies. Parsley might blow around once it dries. You can even put a mesh sheet on top of it to keep it from blowing and it will still dry. If you choose to mark the glass jar instead of the lid, you can simply remove the marker with a green scrubby.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yep, love those mesh screen and ALWAYS use them. I have also tried laying an extra one over the top rack when needed so the small herbs do not get sucked up into the motor.

[@bbsbacktobasics7695]

Hi Heidi, what do you mean by sting, is it prickle or thorn plant? I've never grown it nor used it.and I never knew until last year that dandelion flowers were edible..I love that :) I'm definitely gonna do more harvesting of it this year ~♡~

[@RainCountryHomestead]

The plant has tiny sharp needles that actually inject histamine and other chemicals just under the skin making a stinging sensation. It is not really all that bad if it is just a small area that is affected and I know for me, it only lasts a couple of minutes.

[@rachaelhutchinsonmua]

If you dont have a mesh or are short on funds, I saw someone once use coffee filters under their herbs.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

If you mean for dehydrating, I came up with this idea a couple of years ago and love it (note, the video you are commenting on is pretty old and my nettle now gets to 6' tall): kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZOxi5h3hK2nsJY

[@destinicoach888]

It is best to harvest them in the Spring time when the leaves are young and do not sting much. If harvesting later, just clip the newer shoots - they contain most of the vitamins. If available, it is best to dry them out in the sun.

[@EvelynEvelyn00]

You should never dry your plants in the sun (that way they lose its color and lots of nutrients). Dark, dry and warm places with lots of air flow (preferably somewhere drafty) are ideal. The only parts of the plant you could dry in the sun are the roots.

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

Agreed. The sun is the great decomposer.

[@suburbanhillbilly2999]

So the "sting" goes away when dehydrated?

[@shage6881]

That's what I am curious of too. I have also seen someone pick them and put in smoothies--- so it's ok to eat like that---fresh and blended into a smoothie? I'm just not familiar with it but learning through Heidi's awesome videos!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, it does. :)

[@suburbanhillbilly2999]

Thanks

[@shage6881]

Thank you!

[@billyandrew]

I run them through a flame,...garden bonfire or gas cooker ring.

[@avonleanne]

I always thought strawberry leaves and raspberry leaves were poisonous!! blackberry leaves? sigh....I am so conditioned!! Heidi, do you only reuse the lids from water canning? or do you reuse lids that were pressure canned? Man, I just am so amazed at all the things I am totally ignorant on!!! thanks for correcting this for me!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I keep meaning to look into blackberry leaves, I am sure they are but always like to check it out first, thanks for the reminder! You can use reuse lids from both methods of canning: water bath or pressure canned. Great question!

[@kathyjensen7804]

I harvested them, dried them until they were crispy, and started to crush them up just like you did, and still ended up covered in stings! What did I do wrong? I wanted to use it as tea and a green powder in smoothies, but I'm afraid of ending up with stings in my mouth and throat. What did I do wrong?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I sometimes still feel the sharp pokes from the needles (they are like tiny hypodermic needles) but there is a difference between that and the actual venom in the needles that is neutralized in heating. Either way, you should still be able to use them in smoothies, soups, and more with out any issues. I have even thrown fresh nettle into my mac and cheese before baking and never had it sting.

[@aideenmcgovern8182]

Hey, if you want a lot of stinging nettle leave one plant go to seed and it will spread a lot faster

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This is an old video and believe me, I have plenty. It is 5 feet tall now, I have a lot dried up and put away for the year and it has much seed that I am currently saving for those people whom have asked for it

[@billyandrew]

They propagate both through seeds and roots.

[@ronzellewis7060]

AMY ONE IN TORONTO CANADA TELL ME WHERE I CAN GET THIS STINNING NETTLE

[@seriouslyjoking2]

ETSY

[@opalezell2166]

Where did you get a start of stinging nettle.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I bought seeds years ago from Baker Creek but I am not sure they still sell them. My nettle is far bigger than the old video above

[@glvedio]

like your yellow rubber gloves...:-)

[@cathiegalbraith475]

Other than your mixed greens how do you use these dried leaves?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Some may use them in teas and tinctures, I only add mine to the mixed greens blend. I occasionally will pick them fresh and use them in meals directly when they are growing too.

[@billyandrew]

I use them in tea as well. Eating the leaves raw tales courage and carefully avoiding touching your lips. Lol. They make your mouth tingle for a minute or so. They also turn your mouth black.

[@JaTon]

Do you make tea out of it? What kind of recipes can you use these in? On a roast??

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Tea is an excellent option though I have never actually done that. I may consider adding some to my basic herbal tea blend. I mostly use them in my dried greens blend that I add to most all of my main dishes, gravies, soups, et cetera. I have added them fresh into stir fries as well. Somewhat similar to spinach

[@margaretgresham5689]

I need some nettle seeds

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I find all my seeds anymore on Etsy. There is always someone selling what I need. I sell a lot of my own seeds as well but do not currently have nettle seeds

[@SweetVelvetBuds]

If you hold your breath while touching the nettle, you won't feel the sting. As soon as you breathe, you will feel the sting big time. Try it (if you dare!)

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This is an old video (two years ago) and I have since handled it with bare hands and even eaten it raw :) Here is a more updated video talking about that and more of the benefits: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmeYnWeBn9B0gM0

[@countrygalinthecity]

Never thought to use strawberry and grape and raspberry leaves🤣....can u use the wild grape and wild raspberry leaves? We have them growing all around here

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes! Wild varieties are often higher in medicinal properties than their cultivated relations :)

[@pattihayden8100]

I have a blackberry plant with needles can I use those leaves? If so when?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I harvested some blackberry leaves from my shrubs this year and yes, they are edible but I would say are likely best before the fruit starts to ripen. Seem to me with most such things, once the fruit is done, the leaves become less nutrient dense, but this is assumption on my part based on how they look

[@sherryburgdorf4336]

Can you use wild strawberry leaves, also what's your opinion on using a silica packet (the thing that comes in a medicine bottle to soak up moisture) in your dehydrated jars. I've heard some people recommend it but I'm scared of residual chemical. Am I over reacting?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I think you have good reason to be concerned, I think it is best to toss them. Yes, wild strawberry leavers are more likely higher in medicinal properties than the cultivated ones :)

[@sherryburgdorf4336]

Thanks Heidi! ☺

[@terrihanna4199]

Can you veg cap dried nettle and take internally?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you can do that with any herb you want to take medicinally. Just dehydrate, powder and encapsulate

[@terrihanna4199]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you for responding😊 do you have to powder it?

[@cathiegalbraith475]

Do you ever use these in infusions? If so, how do you do that?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Though on can, I personally do not other than taking the mixed greens blend and using it to make a multi vitamin and mineral extract with vinegar to take on a daily basis to get more of the goodness from the plants. I have a video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYenq6aCl911ndk

[@brendabrinkmanpasichnyk3500]

Not everyone is the same. Some get a severe reaction to this and oak and ivy. Be cateful.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, this is true for just about anything so common sense is important

[@JaniceCrowell]

Are you selling seeds for this any time soon?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This past year my seeds never matured so no, not this year. I hope in 2022 I will get mature seeds again

[@Katkattarotandparanormal]

Did you wash them first?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This is an old video so I do not remember what I did then but it really depends. Here is a more recent video I did about washing herbs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYKooqmijcuBlZI

[@Offgridchica]

This was awesome! Thanks RC!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you Brad and Kelley :D

[@marshallkohlhaas80]

have you heard of ORMUS?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Nope

[@trollforge]

You're doing that wrong. Now why did you want someone to say that? Troll skin gloves are the best for harvesting stinging nettle. I harvest stinging nettle bare handed all the time. I even eat the wee tips fresh.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I am going to have to try that. I don't know where on earth I could find Troll Skin gloves but have a feeling they would be WAY too huge for me! haha

[@trollforge]

Tell you what sweetie, you pay the shipping and you can use mine anytime... ;)

[@weetreebonsai]

tweeted

[@sueleigh1018]

I'm catching up on videos in my notifications stream and as I watched this one, Heidi, it dawned on me what a Proverbs 31 woman you are! I admire you! )I'm at that age where my memory is in a little spiral notebook which I can't be without. But sometimes I can't figure out why I wrote something down. I found a name in my nb and couldn't remember who she was connected to. I found this very interesting video that had me riveted: "Dr. Jennifer Daniels: Why Turpentine Is Good For You." Have you seen it yet? I watched one of your live streams where the sound would distort or go out so I couldn't hear you much. (We have some killer storms where I am and that may be why my phone was having trouble with the connection.) But you mentioned toward the end something about turpentine and had a link to some, and I've learned to trust you so much I just immediately put it on my amazon list! I figured you'd do a video later telling us how to use it and what it cured. So when I found Dr. Daniels story and what she had to say about turpentine, I felt like I'd found the mother lode, you know?? As I heard her talking about it's amazing healing powers I kept thinking, "Good grief, Heidi is always on top of new knowledge before I hear it anywhere else! Did you explain all about it in that live stream? I really wanted to hear what you said about how YOU are going to use it, etc.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I just made the live show public and the reply is just fine. I will plan to talk some on turpentine in my next show. I am only just getting back into using it again. It isn't something that should be used continually, daily for up to a month maybe, but then you need to take a break. The problem with me is if I break the daily habit, I am more likely to forgot about it! haha Thanks for the kind words, Sue, you and many others here, are such a blessing to me with your encouragement.

[@sueleigh1018]

This lady says to only have 1 teaspoon on 3 sugar cubes twice a week. She said 6 teaspoons are a lethal dose. I hope she's wrong and that you'll be all right taking it daily... She said she gets lazy and when she doesn't take it for a month she starts feeling sludgy inside and starts again. I'l be looking forward to the turp video!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Are you talking about Jennifer Daniels or someone else? Though I need to refresh my memory on the length of time, you can do daily for a short time (I am thinking a week) to initially kill off and flush out parasites and candida, then just a couple times a week for maintenance (for a month I think, maybe more). Then it is a good idea to take a break from it for a period of time. Like many such things, there is such thing as too much or too long. Same applies to oregano oil. It should not be taken daily for an extended period of time because it can also kill of beneficial gut bacteria.

[@sueleigh1018]

Yes, that's who I'm talking about. That's who's in the video I recommended. I may have misunderstood part of her protocol. She made another I'm going to watch, about turpentine. That vid shows her facing the camera smiling--you can see her from head to hips and I think she's in a white lab coat. She astonished the two interviewers as she told... I'm suddenly out of steam and don't have the energy to repeat all the great stuff she explained about our bodies' workings and what I learned about healing that I didn't have a clue about before. I'm just going to have to leave it up to you if you want to watch her interview or not. It's quite long.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

O, I did not know you were recommending her to me, I thought you were mentioning her because she is the one I spoke of on Wednesday in the live show and recommended people check her out! haha! There are several others I have listened to on this same topic and just like many other things, there are varying opinions on how it should be taken, how much, and how often. Dr. Daniels does not think you should mix with honey but other people prefer to mix with honey. I have tried many different ways. It is most difficult to mix with honey but tastes a bit better . Easiest way is a spoonful of organic sugar with a tsp of turpentine poured on it.

[@billyandrew]

Only the top two sets of leaves and stop harvesting them once the blossoms appear.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

This is an old video and I have since learned it is best to harvest them way down, far more than just the top two sets of leaves, they will just keep coming back and making more. I stop harvesting when they go to seed.

[@billyandrew]

@@RainCountryHomestead I didn't think this got through, due to my connection cutting out. Lol. I'm more concerned with the long term damage caused by using mature leaves, hence only using the young, fresh ones.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I think it would be pretty difficult to damage this plant, as I am sure you know, it is very hardy and can be quite invasive. Haha

[@billyandrew]

@@RainCountryHomestead I meant to us humans. My apologies for not being clearer.

[@sherryburgdorf4336]

PS. I've had both Nesco & Excalibur, I think Nesco is more economical because you can do only the amount of tray you need. Excalibur also makes great yogurt, but drying herbs, if you forget to turn it off before opening the door you will loose a lot blowing out the front.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@judybroshears7974]

I need a brake bleeder

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You can find the link to the one I use in the description box

[@CenkBasbolat]

What do you do with your dried herbs mix?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Mixed greens blend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKubdGqajNZnd8U

[@BelindaTN]

What is the sting of stinging nettle? Is it like stickers? Like the pokey feeling of okra?(which I hate, but deal with it, because I like okra) I hate plants that stick and poke. I don't even like roses because of that. If it were not for my husband, I would cut down every rose bush we have. lol I don't pick blackberries for the same reason. Foraging blackberries is like battling a jungle experience. Not only do you fight the stickers from the blackberries, you experience the extreme heat and humidity of the southeast and you battle, poison ivy, the ticks, the chiggers and ......... snakes. And some of them are snakes that bite. Like copperheads. And if you live in the areas where there are bears (I don't) you may find yourself picking berries with them. I like blackberries, but not enough to go through all that. I will pick them along the edges and just eat them as I go, but that is about it. I used to take my kids blackberry picking and as soon as we got back to the house, I stripped them all of their clothes and hosed them down before going inside. Then the clothes went straight in the wash. It is the best way to get the chiggers and ticks off and washing the skin can prevent rashes from poison ivy or at least lessen the effects. washing the clothes gets rid of ticks and chiggers that are on them and any poison ivy that may have brushed the clothes.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

They have tiny little needles, mostly on the bottom side of the leaves, more like stiff hairs, that actually inject chemicals into the skin when touched. The sensation is similar to a bee sting, though much more mild. What can make it bad, is falling into them so that you are covered. We pick blackberries here and the ones with the worst thorns are the best tasting ones, good enough that I will fight those thorns to make sure I have several gallons of berries put up for pies, jams, popsicles, syrups, and whatever else. :)

[@BelindaTN]

I understand. My mother in law used to pick them every year. She was a tough lady and the best cook ever. I learned alot about cooking and canning from her. Did you know that wild blackberry root has medicinal properties. back in the day, a decoction was made of the root and used for diarrhea. I had an elder lady tell me a wonderful story of her saving her infant son that had been sent home to die, by giving him blackberry root decoction. It was a very special story that put me on the path of searching info on natural healing (and realization of the power of prayer) :o)

[@bethaspell1827]

What is your favorite way to use it

[@RainCountryHomestead]

My favorite way is added to my mixed greens blend that goes into nearly every meal I make. :)

[@bethaspell1827]

Rain Country I have never used it. Not sure where to find it here in Michigan. Will have to look in to it

[@bethaspell1827]

I found some on our place.

[@bethaspell1827]

We are talking about getting a dehydrator I have already gotten the bleeder and food saver vacuum thing. Thank you again

[@E-Kat]

So, you aren’t concerned about rats or other wild animals peeing on them? Maybe your garden is wild animal proof? Why not to save electricity and just hung them to dry, wrapped in brown paper?🙂

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Some herbs like the nettle, no, I am not concerned. Animals tend to not climb or or pee on things that hurt. For your second question, let me handle that in three parts: 1) I DO save electricity because when I dry in the spring through fall, I mostly use our solar power set up. When I dry in the winter, I use our wood stove set up my husband made. 2) We are very humid here so hanging most herbs to dry is pointless because they simply will not dry all the way. Trust me, I have tried. 30. Even if it was not so humid, because of the great amount of herbs that I dry, I would not have enough places to hang them all

[@TheresaDarylsWife]

I just harvested a bunch. i have never harvested it before. Had it for 20 years. So have tons. husband planted it before met him.