Although most people try to avoid stinging nettle(Urtica genus) because of the uncomfortable sting, it actually has many health benefits and makes a great tea! The stinging hairs are neutralized once nettle is dried or cooked so it can be used in many ways.

Benefits of Stinging Nettle
- It has high nutrient and mineral content
- It has anti inflammatory properties
- May support urinary tract health
- May help with seasonal allergies*
How to Forage For Stinging Nettle
Nettle is native to Europe but has become naturalized throughout the United States. The best places to look for stinging nettle is in partially shady areas along streams or in wetlands.
The fine little hairs on Stinging Nettle leaves and stems embed themselves into your skin causing the sting. It is important to wear gloves while foraging for nettle to avoid the rash that will develop from touching the plants.
A pair of clippers and a large basket are both useful tools anytime you are out foraging for wild plants.
It is currently a bit late to forage for nettles in my region, however it is a great time to scout out good patches for next year. I have always found it easier to identfy nettle when the plant is a bit more mature.
If you would prefer to buy Nettle Leaves rather than forage them yourself I reccomend Mountain Rose Herbs.

Identifying Stinging Nettle
For safety reasons, it is always important to correctly identify any wild plant that you intend to consume.
Nettles are fairly large plants that can grow 2 to 5 feet tall. The leaves grow in opposites. They are coarsely toothed, with pointed ends, and can be several inches long. Young leaves are smaller and more heart-shaped.
As its name suggests stinging nettle imparts a painful sting through tiny hairs on the underside of its leaves and on its stems.
The stinging hairs, called trichomes, have protective tips that break off when touched turning the hairs into a type of needle that injects histamines and chemicals into the skin causing the sting.
The plant has tiny flowers that hang off the stems like catkins.

Flora of Germany Austria and Switzerland.
1885, Gera, Germany
When to Harvest Stinging Nettle
It is best to harvest nettle in the early spring before it has begun to flower. There are 3 reasons for this.
- The plant will still have plenty of time to regrow and produce seeds.
- The leaves are darker and have a higher nutrition content in the spring.
- Once plants go to seed it produces an alkaliod that could be harmful to the kidneys.
How to Harvest Stinging Nettle( without getting stung!)
It is best to wear long pants and a long sleave shirt while harvesting nettle. In addition a pair of gloves will be needed.
To harvest simply cut the stem at one of the leaf nodes. It is easiest to cut and allow to drop directly into your basket or bucket.
Allow the cut nettle to wilt a bit to lessen the possibility of getting stung before you proccess it further.
Stinging Nettle Tea
To make fresh stinging nettle tea place a handful of fresh leaves into a jar or pyrex measuring cup. Pour 8 oz. of boiling water over the leaves and allow to steep for about 10 minutes. Strain out leaves and add a bit of honey if desired. The taste of the tea is mild and earthy. Peppermint can also be a refreshing addition to stinging nettle tea.



Storing For Later
The easiest way that I have found to store nettle for later is to dry it. There are 3 ways I have done this.
The first is to tie the stems with the leaves still on into bundles and hang to dry. Using this method be sure not to overcrowd the bundles so that thye get good air circulation.
The second way to dry them is to strip the leaves off the stems. Then spread them out on a cooling rack in a single layer. Check them often and turn them as needed.
The third method is to use an electric dehydrator. This is probably the easiest way to ensure the leaves are nice and dry. Be sure to use the dehydrator on the lowest setting as high heat will degrade the quality of the herbs. Mine has a low setting specifically for herbs.
Whichever method you choose Be sure the leaves are fully dry before taking them dry and storing in jars. I store my dried herbs in labeled mason jars with a screw on lid.
You can make tea with dried nettle the same as above. Just use about 1TBSP. of dried leaves
Nettle Can Also Be:
- Cooked and eaten like spinach
- Made into tincture
- Made into a pesto
- Used in hair care
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
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