Stinging nettle Oil infusions

Stinging Nettle Oil Infusions: Fresh and Dry Methods with Urtica incisa Stinging nettle (Urtica incisa),

commonly known as scrub nettle or scrub stinging nettle, is a versatile plant native to Australia. It grows in various habitats, including woodlands, forests, and scrubland, particularly in coastal regions and along waterways. Known for its medicinal properties and nutritional value, stinging nettle can be transformed into a beneficial oil infusion. This article will guide you through making both fresh and dry stinging nettle oil infusions and explore their uses and applications.

Fresh Stinging Nettle Oil Infusion This is harder though you will capture the folic acid. It is harder due to the water content of the plant matter, it may bomb if you havnt sterilised properly, check it at 2 weeks to see if any mould has grown. Ingredients: - Fresh stinging nettle leaves and stems (enough to fill a jar) - High-quality carrier oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil) - Clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid Instructions:
1. **Harvest and Prepare the stinging nettle:** - Harvest fresh stinging nettle leaves and stems using gloves and scissors. - Rinse the nettle thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects. - Pat dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
2. **Fill the Jar:** - Chop the stinging nettle into smaller pieces to increase the surface area. - Fill the glass jar with the chopped stinging nettle leaving about 2cm space at the top.
3. **Add the Oil:** - Pour the carrier oil over the nettle, ensuring that all plant material is completely submerged. - Use a clean utensil to press down the stinging nettle, removing any air bubbles.
4. **Infuse the stinging nettle Oil:** - Seal the jar tightly and leave it at room temp - Shake the jar gently every day to mix the contents. - Allow the infusion to sit for 6 weeks to extract the beneficial compounds from the stinging nettle
5. **Strain and Store:** - After the infusion period, strain the stinging nettle oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. - Discard the stinging nettle plant material and store the infused oil in a dark, cool place.

Dry Stinging Nettle Oil Infusion Ingredients: - Dried stinging nettle leaves and stems - High-quality carrier oil (such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil) - Clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Dried stinging nettle** - Ensure the dried stinging nettle is completely dry to prevent mold growth. - Gently crush the dried nettle to increase the surface area.
2. **Fill the Jar:** - Fill half the glass jar with the crushed, dried stinging nettle, leaving about an 2cm of space at the top.
3. **Add the Oil:** - Pour the carrier oil over the dried stinging nettle ensuring that all plant material is completely submerged. - Use a clean utensil to press down the stinging nettle, removing any air bubbles.
4. **Infuse the stinging nettle Oil:** - Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place. - Shake the jar gently every day to mix the contents. - Allow the infusion to sit for 6 weeks to extract the beneficial compounds from thestinging nettle
5. **Strain and Store:** - After the infusion period, strain the stinging nettle oil through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. - Discard the stinging nettle plant material and store the stinging nettle infused oil in a dark, cool place.

Uses and Benefits of Stinging Nettle Oil Infusion Skin Care:
- **Anti-inflammatory:** Helps soothe irritated and inflamed skin, making it ideal for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- **Moisturizing:** Provides deep hydration, improving skin texture and elasticity. - **Antioxidant:** Protects the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
Hair Care: - **Scalp Health:** Massaging the oil into the scalp can help reduce dandruff and promote a healthy scalp.
- **Hair Growth:** The nutrients in nettle oil can strengthen hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- **Shine and Softness:** Regular use can enhance hair shine and softness. How to Use
: - **Skin Care:** Apply a few drops of the stinging nettle oil to clean skin and massage gently. Use it as a facial oil, body moisturizer, or spot treatment for irritated areas.
- **Hair Care:** Warm a small amount of the oil and massage it into the scalp and hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo. For best results, use it once or twice a week.