How to Make Nettle Leaf Tea
Learn how to harvest and dry stinging nettle leaves and infuse them into a comforting tea that provides a wide variety of benefits to your health. This powerful, herbal medicine will make a great addition to your home apothecary or tea collection.
Ingredients
- stinging nettle leaves
Instructions
- Use thick gloves to harvest stinging nettle in spring or early summer, before they completely go to flower. Harvest by cutting the stalks just above the lowest set of leaves.
- Separate the leaves from the stem and thoroughly rinse them under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Arrange leaves in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate at 95°F for 8-12 hours, or until they are dry and crispy. (If you don't have a dehydrator, just leave them out to airdry for a few days until they're crispy).
- To make tea, add 2-3 tsp crushed leaves per 8 oz. hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and enjoy. Store remaining dry leaves in an airtight container.
Notes
Drying, blanching, steaming, or crushing stinging nettle leaves neutralizes the stinging hairs, making them safe to handle and consume.