Yesterday, for the first time this spring I found and gathered some nettles for soup. As I was taking one of my favourite walks on the green near my house, I changed my usual path and “discovered” the bunch of succulent nettles, which made my first green soup from the nature this spring. This reminded me last year, when I went to Bulgaria for the last week of May. As I stayed with my daughter and her vegetarian flat-mate, vegetable food was regularly on the table. We were also having fish, white cheese and plenty of plain yoghurt . But nettle soup was the star.

Recipe 1: Nettle soup is traditionally a spring favourite for Bulgarians. Although there might be differences in recipes in different regions, main ingredients are:  finely chopped nettle leaves, spring onions (optional), and rice or vermicelli for thickening. Wash the nettle leaves and then poor hot water on them before chopping them to avoid getting stung. I don’t mind the occasional nettle sting as folk medicine says it is good for arthritis and rheumatism. Last spring in Bulgaria I used nettles bought from the market, adding some rice vermicelli (bought in a Chinese shop in London). I usually serve it with some olive oil and a generous spoon of plain yoghurt, sometimes adding black pepper for a bit of heat.

Observations of the effect: We had nettle soup every day that week . The thick soup was filling my stomach, not allowing me to stuff myself with high calories food and with bread, which would be my normal diet in London. Lettuce salad, lentils stew, rice and plain yoghurt were regularly on the table and they are very detoxing. And although I had some bread and (white) cheese regularly, too, with so much fibrin my diet, I lost some weight!!! Just by some fluid retention and fat under the skin disappeared. Apparently it showed in my face, too, as my colleagues noticed it on my arrival back to work, which made me weigh myself and have the confirmation of my weight loss. I find out that two kilograms had gone. For a week?! Not only was I zipping easier my jeans, but I felt very light and flexible.

It was possible to find nettles in London after my arrival back in June last year, not that crispy and succulent, but still good for soup.

Also, an easier way of using nettles for detox is to make tea. The important thing is to wash the leaves well prior to use, I even soak them in cold water for a few minutes.

Recipe 2: Yesterday I made my soup using a different method: I only soaked the whole nettle stalks for a few minutes, washed them under running water and placed them in the large pan. Then added the rice vermicelli and poured boiling water and left them to simmer for five minutes. Added salt and stopped the gas. Later, I whizzed the soup, served with some olive oil and some 0% fat yoghurt Greek style I recently found in Tesco. It tasted even better!

Some more info about benefits from nettles:

Nettles are a rich green colour revealing its extremely high iron and chlorophyll content. It is also very high in the minerals calcium, magnesium, silicon, sulphur, copper, chromium, zinc, cobalt, potassium and phosphorus. Nettles also contain high amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K as well as riboflavin and thiamine.

Good for anaemia and fatigue

Stinging nettle is beneficial during pregnancy due to its rich mineral value and vitamin K, which guards against excessive bleeding

Recommended for pre-menstrual syndrome because of its toxin-ridding activity

When the liver is sluggish, it processes estrogen slowly, contributing to the high levels that cause or aggravate PMS.

It has a gentle, stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, enhancing the excretion of wastes through the kidneys

It “promotes the process of protein transanimation in the liver, effectively utilizing digested proteins, while simultaneously preventing them from being discharged through the body as waste products.”

Stinging nettle acts similarly to dandelion leaf, promoting the elimination of uric acid from joints with an alkalizing diuretic activity

A study conducted by the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon found positive evidence of freeze-dried nettle leaf for treating hay fever, asthma, seasonal allergies, and hives.

As a styptic (an arrestor of local bleeding), stinging nettle is an effective remedy for nose bleeds.  It can be applied locally or sniffed.  The astringency of stinging nettle proves its usefulness in hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and bleeding in the urinary organs.

It also treats mouth and throat infections.

Nettle leaf is useful to correct symptoms of gastrointestinal excess, such as gas, nausea, and mucus colitis.

It is also used as an anodyne to relieve the pain of burns and scalds.

A decoction of nettle is valuable in diarrhea and dysentery, with profuse discharges, and in hemorrhoids, various hemorrhages, and scorbutic affections.  It has been recommended in febrile affections, gravel, and other nephritic complaints.

The fresh leaves were found to show anti-tumoural activity in animal studies and strong anti-mutagenic activity.  Nettle leaves are high in antioxidants with vitamin activities and have high potassium to sodium ratio.  All this indicates it as an excellent natural source for protection against neoplastic diseases (tumours), cardiovascular disorders, and immune deficiency.

In the respiratory system nettles help clear catarrhal congestion.

The seeds are an excellent lung astringent, particularly useful for bronchitis, tuberculosis, and consumption.  They are recommended as a remedy for goitre and to reduce body weight.  They are also considered anthelmintic, expelling worms and other parasites.

The stimulating effect of stinging nettle is used as a rinse for the hair.  This will regenerate hair growth and restore original hair colour.  It is used by the personal hair care industry in anti-dandruff products and scalp conditioners.

Russian studies show that nettle tea has anti-bacterial activity.  Mouthwashes and toothpastes containing nettle can reduce plaque and gingivitis.