Nettle power - sneak peek

At this time of year, green shoots start to appear just about everywhere, and while the emergence of most of them is celebrated, those that sting us tend to be cursed. So when we took a closer look at the much-maligned stinging nettle, we were surprised to discover a multitude of redeeming qualities. This 'beautiful on the inside' plant has far more to offer than its stinging spines would suggest.

Extract from Issue Three:

YOU’VE ALL been there. It’s a warm spring day and you set off on a walk, breathing in the fresh, green aromas of the reawakening world and enjoying the sun on your legs after so many months cooped up. Just as you’re feeling that nothing could spoil the perfection of the natural world in spring, you find your way overgrown with plants that often seem very far from perfect – stinging, sprawling, ugly nettles.

However, we should be celebrating this prolific weed, not cursing it - after all, one person’s ruined walk is another person’s free lunch. Any nature-lover, foodie or nutrition-nerd worth their salt will tell you that beneath their prickly exteriors, nettles have a soft, delicious and nutritious centre. So next time you head off on a spring walk, tuck some gloves in your pocket and get harvesting.

See Issue Three for full article. Includes nettle recipes by Ellie Bedford and Ceri Jones.

Spring 2015 issue out now

Our first spring issue is out and waiting to be pored over by you, our lovely readers. We've got some delicious, healthy ideas to fill the hungry gap, inspiration from three LifeWell experts, natural health tips for anyone thinking of starting/continuing a family, and much much more! Here's Joanne, Harvest's editor, to tell all in her welcome to this issue.

Extract from Issue 3

Welcome

Spring is many people’s favourite time of year. Whether it’s the longer lighter days or the delicate blossom and vibrant flowers, in springtime there is always a feeling of hope, renewal and growth after the hibernation of winter. With it also comes the inspiration for better health and more positive outlook for a brighter future.

With the milder weather comes another satisfying spring event/ annoying yearly chore (delete depending on your character) – it’s time for a clear out. This issue, Annabel Sutton talks us through decluttering our homes and our minds, while Briar Rose takes a moment to appreciate this busy season on the allotment.

Natural healing teaches us that the body responds to each season. Just like the plant life around us, early spring is about getting rid of the heavy lethargy of winter in preparation for the energy and vitality of late spring and summer. As spring is all about new life, it seems fitting that we’re getting excited for the young royals. To celebrate the imminent new addition to their family, we’ve asked our experts to share their natural approaches to pregnancy.

As the world bursts into bloom around us, we look at three green spring favourites for our kitchen pharmacy: watercress, matcha green tea and nettle. Nettle is one of my personal favourites, so I was delighted to discover this humble weed is the hero of a charity working in Nepal – you’ll find more all about this on page 9.

Inspiration is an essential ingredient to creating your own health and happiness. Seeking out daily inspiration has helped me overcome challenges, stay strong, remain open to new approaches and simply keep going when I may otherwise have faltered. I believe this is true in all areas of life. So I am excited to introduce you to our new LifeWell section of Harvest which will feature interviews with inspirational health and wellbeing experts each issue. This month we start by talking to LifeWell founder Richi Spring and Nakd bar creator and entrepreneur Jamie Combs. We also catch up with Skip Archimedes, whose enthusiasm and fun approach to exercise is infectious.

As always our aim is to encourage you to take action, try something new and explore how to create your own health and happiness from home. Do share your stories and experiences with us – successful or otherwise – as we can learn from others. One of the key factors about natural health is that each of us is individual – for every success story there is bound to be a failure. However, we can still learn from, and be inspired by, both stories.

Joanne x

See Issue 3 for full articles.