How to Make Nettle Tea

cup of nettle tea

Ready to brew your first cup of delicious nettle tea, but don’t know where to start? We’ll show you the two most common ways to brew dried nettle leaves: nourishing herbal infusion & simple herbal infusion, and explain the benefits of each. Nourishing nettle infusions are slow-brewed masterpieces that are packed full of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, while simple infusions are quick, 10-minute blends when you’re in a rush. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make nettle tea, comparing each method to ensure you extract the maximum benefits from every cup. In just a few minutes, you’ll be well on your way to your first (of many) perfect herbal tea blends. 

How to Brew Nettle Tea

Step 1: Choose a Brewing Method

There’s more than one way to enjoy all the benefits of nettle tea. Below, we’ll outline the two primary methods.

Nourishing Herbal Infusion

It’s never been easier to make your own nourishing nettle infusion; all you need is three ingredients: high-quality dried nettle leaves, water, and a bit of time. You’ll also need a jar & strainer. 

Unfortunately, you can’t pack all of the health benefits into a quick brew. The infusion method requires around 8 - 12 hours, but the actual labour part is only a minute or two. But the extra hours are worth it. For reference, nettle tea infused for 10-15 minutes contains just 5-10 mg of calcium while a cup of nourishing nettle infusion contains nearly 500 mg of calcium. 

To make nourishing nettle infusion tea, you’ll need the following: 

  • 30g Dried Nettle Leaves
  • 1 Litre glass jar with lid
  • Fine Strainer

 And follow these simple steps:

  1. Measure 30g of the dried nettle leaves into the 1 litre glass jar.
  2. Boil 1 litre of water, then pour it into the glass jar. 
  3. Stir to wet the dried nettle.
  4. Seal the jar firmly with a lid.
  5. Leave it to infuse for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  6. Pour through a fine strainer into a glass bottle.
  7. Refrigerate and drink throughout the day.

Simple Herbal Infusion 

If you’re looking for a faster way to consume nettle leaf, then a simple herbal infusion recipe is your best bet. However, it’s worth noting that while a simple herbal infusion offers the same health benefits as a nourishing herbal infusion, it does not contain the same amount of minerals. 

Herb infusions can be made directly in a cup, tea pot, plunger, or herb infusion mug. To make a simple herbal infusion with nettle leaves, follow these steps:

The standard measurement of herb and water is: 2 Teaspoons of dry herb, or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs to 250 mL of water. 

  1. Boil water in a jug then let sit for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly.
  2. Place the herb into your chosen vessel.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the dried nettle.
  4. Cover with a lid or saucer.
  5. Leave to infuse for 10 - 15 minutes. The longer you leave the infusion the stronger it will be.
  6. Strain and drink warm, or pour over ice.

Step 2: Add Flavouring

We think that everyone should drink nettle tea to live a healthier, cleaner life. And though we often drink the tea on its own, some people prefer to add flavouring to mask the grassy, earthy taste. 

If you find that you can’t stomach nettle tea on its own (or simply prefer a tastier version), then consider adding some additional flavours to enhance the taste. Add a few drops of lemon juice or honey to sweeten it up, or a pinch of salt to mellow out the bitterness. Play around with different flavourings until you find the one that you enjoy the most.

Other Ways to Use Nettle Tea

People are rightly hesitant to label something as a wonder ingredient, but there’s no denying that nettle tea would be a contender for that title. This natural herb may have a reputation for stinging the skin out in the wild but, when infused & enjoyed over ice, it can offer a whole host of impressive physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

Many people who regularly consume nettle tea report that they have more energy, clearer-looking skin, and better mental clarity. And there’s evidence to suggest nettle tea can reduce inflammation, protect the kidneys and liver, manage blood sugar levels, and so much more. In other words: it’s an essential must-add to your wellness routine.

Looking for ways to use nettle tea? Try the following methods. 

Culinary Uses

You can use fresh and dried nettle leaves in your cooking. Making nettle soup, for instance, is as easy as making any other type of soup; use it as the base and you’ll have a nutrient-filled lunch, especially if you add in other good-for-you ingredients, such as mushrooms, spinach, and asparagus. You can also use nettles in smoothies or as a sauce; it works great as a substitute for basil in pesto, for instance. 

Beauty & Skincare

Consuming nettle won’t just have you feeling better on the inside; it’ll also have you looking better on the outside, too. Its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties help nourish and improve hair & skin quality. If you’re experiencing acne, try drinking two to three cups of nettle tea per day for a week or two, and see how your skin responds. Reports also suggest that it can lead to thicker, healthier-looking hair, too. 

Pain Relief

Fresh nettle leaves have long been used for medicinal purposes, especially pain relief among indigenous cultures. Apply fresh nettle directly to your skin for instant relief from joint pain. Studies also show that it serves as a nerve blocker and helps reduce inflammation levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, both of which can provide pain relief. 

Precautions and Considerations

Nettle tea is generally safe for most people, but it can be unsafe for certain people with bleeding disorders, pregnant mothers, or young children. People taking blood thinners, high blood pressure medications, diabetes medication, diuretics, or NSAIDs should consult with their healthcare professional before consuming nettle tea.

You’re now fully prepared to make your first cup of nettle tea or nourishing herbal infusion. Whether you choose to maximise the nutritional benefits and let the herbs infuse overnight or brew it to drink as an herb tea, you’ll enjoy every last stip. Not to mention, you’ll begin to feel the health benefits over the next few days. Beyond just sipping, you can use nettle tea leaves for culinary delights, beauty routines, and even pain relief. As you make your next cup, remember to tailor the brew to your needs and preferences.