Welcome to the Myra House Holistic Living Center -Community Gardening: Stinging Nettle
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Saturdays gardening reminded us that with all things beautiful comes the complimentary relationship that we have given a negative connotation with our dualistic tendencies. The early morning consisted of removing Stinging Nettle which is a fast spreading plant native to most continents and seems to enjoy the sunny California weather like most people. Gloves are a necessity as when the plant is connected to the life giving soil via its roots, any contact will become a dull sting. |
Seeing connections in practices and instances that seem to be not related is a meaningful practice and one that seems to be prevalent here amongst the community. In all that we do the idea that this community is a microcosm of the whole seems to pop back into the collective.
Seeing metaphors and symbols in our garden activities are very useful in learning lessons and teachings that are helpful in understanding more about the human existence. Stinging Nettle is a great reminder that there are very few universals in this experience and that most people, environments and beings exhibit a certain quality but always carry the complimentary quality along with them. Through the human perspective, while alive and connected to the ground Stinging Nettle is considered a plant to steer clear from because of its stinging qualities. However, all the while Nettle is one of the most powerful medicinal when cut from the roots and dried for a couple of days. It is a good teaching on not “judging a book by its cover”, as if we only experienced the Nettle through touch than we would just get rid of it and its powerful medicinal qualities along with it. Symbolism of treating all as delicate creatures and the power of changing form and changing perspectives.
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The experience I had with the plant was quite extraordinary. I was helping a friend doing some weeding and pulled on the stem of it, not knowing what I was handling. I was in dire pain for a while; then I felt this healing energy that relaxed me which left me thinking I need this plant. Now 10 years later, I bought some to make tea for joint pain. Will let you know how it works…if not I will try to make a tincture.
Blessings,
Jo