And then it’s August again. Summer has made you tired. What is it about this month that makes you feel a certain sense of decay? Is it the season coming to its end, with its last flowers barely hanging on, or are August memories just stronger than others? A minute ago, you were a child, running through late-summer fields. You’ve barely learned how to walk and already there’s the sense of ending.
As you stroll along the fields on your evening walk, taking in the strips of light pink clouds scattered in the sky, you see nettle plants, those loyal companions that have been there since spring. Memories fill your mind, there’s still the taste of fresh nettle soup on your tongue (check out my last post on “slow living” for a recipe), and if you focus hard enough you can remember the first plunge into the cold lake. But look again: Now the nettle plants are full of seeds, hanging majestically from their trusses, dark against the orange sunset. Go ahead, take a closer look. Have the seeds already started to leave their fresh green colour and tilt into a softer brown? Then it is the right moment to harvest them. But be careful. Or did you forget how much it hurt when you stumbled into the nettle field as a child?
You walk on and notice another plant. Plantain, with its delicious mushroom-tasting leaves, has grown long, long stems, and here as well you notice the light brown seeds, hanging on tightly to the stem. So, take a handful, take it home with you. Nature knows exactly what you need, she provides for you. And you deserve this.
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You can eat the seeds directly from the stem or dry them at home.
Properties of Nettle Seeds
Nettle seeds are real powerhouses, full of vitamins, iron, potassium and protein. It’s been long known to be a powerful healing plant, supporting you in times of low energy and sluggishness. They also lower your cholesterol level. For women, they help raising the level of oestrogen. In addition, they stimulate blood flow and digestion.
With their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, they can also help with rheumatism and arthritis.
Those vitalising little friends can be used for anything! 1-2 tablespoons per day and soon you will benefit from its energizing properties. Use them, for example, as topping on your morning porridge or yoghurt. Put them into salads or pesto or even make tea with them. With their mild nutty taste, they fit perfectly into every meal. Soon, you will feel that your energy is coming back. Summer may be ending, but it’s not the end of the world.
Properties of Plantain Seeds (Plantago Mayor)
Do you know psyllium? Those wondrous healing seeds that are so gut for your gut, but every time you think about buying them you contemplate weather you prefer the relief of your digestive issues or your wallet? Well, plantain seeds give you the same good properties without costing anything! They just grow there, right in front of your door.
Full of Vitamin C and B, tannins, zinc and potassium, they can be healthy little friends in your everyday kitchen. Try them in your porridge or in smoothies for a happy gut! But don’t forget to drink a lot of water too.
Recipe for Nettle Energyballs
Ingredients
- 40 g of oat flakes
- 30 g of sunflower seeds
- Cocoa powder
- 1 tbs of grounded flaxseeds
- Some water
- Olive oil
- Peanut butter
- As many nettle seeds as you like!
Steps
- Mix the flaxseeds with some water and let them soak for a while
- Roast the sunflower seeds lightly and grind them into a powder
- Mix all the ingredients together (start with the dry ingredients and add the wet stuff after mixing well)
- For the amount of oil and peanut butter it depends on the texture. You want a tough paste that is easy to form little balls with!
- Form small balls and let them rest in the fridge for a while
Now you have a good supply of tasty energy balls that provide just the right kick whenever you need it. If you like them sweet, feel free to add dates! But most importantly, enjoy your healthy snack, provided to you by nature herself.
