Pilates Self-Care Saturday: Nourish with Nettles

Fresh spring nettles blooming along a quiet countryside path, perfect for mindful foraging.

Self-Care Saturday is here again, and today we’re shifting our focus from movement to nourishment , because looking after yourself isn’t just about stretching and strengthening, it’s also about what you feed your body.

As we step fully into spring, there’s something quite magical about watching the natural world awaken. Trees are in bloom, plants are pushing up through the soil, and everything seems to be coming alive again, ourselves included. One plant I keep noticing lately on walks is the humble nettle. Yes, the one that might have stung you as a child is now worth a second look.

Why Nettles Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

Nettles (Urtica dioica) are packed with goodness. They’ve long been used in traditional medicine for their healing and anti-inflammatory properties, and they’re absolutely brimming with:

• Iron – great for energy and combating fatigue

• Vitamin C – helps with absorption of iron and supports immune health

• Calcium and Magnesium – essential minerals for bone and muscle health

• Vitamin A – important for skin, vision, and cell regeneration

• Chlorophyll – a natural detoxifier and energy booster

For Pilates teachers and clients alike, nettles can support the body from the inside out — especially when we’re working on building strength, improving circulation, or simply staying energised throughout the day.

Harvesting Tips: A Mindful Moment in Nature

If you’re going to collect nettles yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Wear gloves – they sting when raw!

• Pick young, fresh tops ,usually the top 4–6 leaves.

• Choose nettles away from roadsides or areas where pesticides might be used.

• Wash thoroughly and always cook or blanch them before eating , this removes the sting.

The act of foraging itself can be wonderfully grounding. Taking a walk with purpose, noticing what’s around you, and picking something with intention is a lovely way to connect back to the seasons.

Easy Ways to Use Nettles

Once you’ve collected your nettles, here are a few gentle self-care ideas to try:

• Nettle Tea – simply steep dried or blanched nettles in hot water for a calming herbal brew.

• Nettle Soup – blend with onion, garlic, and potato for a springtime twist on classic green soups.

• Nettle Pesto – blanch and blend with garlic, lemon, nuts, and parmesan for a vibrant spread (you’ll find the recipe in today’s extra post).

• Nettle Hair Rinse – some swear by nettles for scalp health. Steep them, strain, cool, and pour over the hair after washing.

This weekend, give yourself permission to slow down, breathe deeply, and nourish your body , not just with Pilates, but with what you eat and how you live. Nettles might be wild and a little unruly, but they remind us that strength, energy, and healing often come from the most unexpected places.

Happy Self-Care Saturday.Stay grounded, stay nourished, and as always, keep moving with intention.