Where do I begin with nettles? They are my number one local, wild and free superfood! The health benefits of nettles are huge, especially high in iron and vitamin C, they are great for anemia or fatigue, especially in women. They are a powerful women's tonic, especially for young girls or older women going through the menopause. They are also a diuretic, increasing the flow of urine thus helping with urinary, kidney and bladder problems. Nettles are a powerful detoxifier, full of chlorophyll which builds red blood cells in the body, and cleanses the blood. They have been shown to lower blood pressure, help colds and flu, treat prostate problems and even stimulate hair growth.

Everyone can find them, and they are just re-emerging through the soil and will grace us until late autumn. Now is the time to get those first young green tips, perfect for juicing, smoothies and soups. You can just pick the first two layers of leaves ( you may want to wear some tough garden gloves to prevent being stung!)  and pop them in your juicer, blend them into your favourite green smoothie or try this super soup recipe, which packs in a good dose of nettles and is perfect for a light lunch or as a new recipe to add to a liquids cleanse.

Nettle tonic soup
Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

2 packed cups fresh nettle tops

1 spring onion

1/2’’ ginger root

1 stick celery

2’’ chunk cucumber

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp flax seed/hemp seed oil

½ c water

Method:

Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a bowl, top with sprouted seeds and drizzle with oil. Enjoy straight away.

Saving Grace
Serves 1
The name of this soup comes from the feeling it gives me on the initial days of a cleanse, it’s my saving grace! I get so hungry by mid day on the first few days and this soup makes it all better. It’s slightly smokey from the chipotle which gives real comfort and it’s rather filling too. On the nutritional front, it’s pretty impressive  - leafy greens contain crucial folic acid, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and proteins while avocado is a good source of healthy fats, folate, potassium and vitamin E. Chilies get your blood flow going are an abundant source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Ingredients:
Cucumber, peeled and chopped
½ c coriander, washed and chopped  
40ml Lime Juice
2 tbsp Red Onion, peeled and chopped
2 handfuls Baby Spinach, washed
1 tsp chipotle chili, soaked till soft and chopped
¼ tsp Crystal Salt
½ Ripe Haas Avocado
1 tsp Flax/Linseed Oil

The Method:
Combine all ingredients except Flax Oil in a high speed blender and blend on high for 30 seconds or until it’s smooth. Turn the blender onto low speed and drizzle in the flax oil. This will create a little emulsification, making the soup thick, creamy and rich.