Q&A for How to Make Nettle Tea

It's good for optimizing kidney function.

Either way is fine. Boiling with the stems will help the tea turn pink if you add lemon juice.

Yes! Brew hot first, then let steep. Once it cools, put it into the refrigerator.

You can buy it online or purchase it from a local gardening store.

Yes, it should be safe, but you can ask your doctor if you're concerned.

Yes, of course.

The black color in your nettle tea overnight is likely due to oxidation, accelerated by exposure to air and possibly microbial activity. To prevent this, store the tea in the refrigerator in a sealed container. If the tea develops an unpleasant odor or taste, it's advisable not to consume it, as it could indicate spoilage or contamination.

Nettles harvested in late winter may have a different flavor and texture compared to those collected in spring. Winter nettles might taste harsher and be less palatable as they are often older and more fibrous, potentially with lower nutritional value. If they come from a clean, uncontaminated location, it is usually safe to harvest and use them for tea. Handle nettles carefully to avoid stings, and be sure they are well cleaned before use. The plant's age and growth environment significantly impact both safety and quality.

Boiling nettle leaves neutralizes the stinging hairs, making them safe to touch. The heat breaks down the chemicals in the hairs that cause skin irritation. It's recommended to wear gloves when handling fresh nettle leaves until they are cooked or processed to avoid the stinging sensation. Once boiled, nettle leaves can be safely used in cooking or for making tea without causing skin irritation.

Nettles are known for their health benefits, and spring is the best time to collect them, because they are young, tender, and at their most nutrient-dense. While you can use nettles picked in late November, they may be tougher and have a stronger flavor, making them less ideal for tea.

No, nettle tea doesn't naturally turn pink. If you encounter pink nettle tea, it's likely due to added ingredients like hibiscus or rose petals. The natural color is pale green or yellowish. You can enjoy it without the pink by using only fresh or dried nettle leaves and water.

Yes, but dilute it first. It is beneficial for plants and works best for heavy-feeding varieties.

Nettle tea can sometimes cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and stomach pain. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking nettle tea, it's best to stop drinking it and see a doctor if the symptoms persist.

You can make a large batch of nettle tea and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is fine to drink the tea hot or cold.

Once dried, the nettle will retain it's potency for up to 18 months, so you don't need to be in a rush to consume it.

If using fresh leaves, boil them in the water for 10-15 minutes. If using dried leaves, pour the boiling water over them and steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea and it's ready to drink. Similar to a tea, you can also prepare an infusion that is stronger in strength and can be sipped each day.

The maximum you can drink is 4 cups. The recommended amount is 3 cups per day. It also depends on your age, and what you have eaten or drunk beforehand, which may interact with the tea - do some research first.

The maximum recommended use of nettle tea is four cups per day. If you want to try the tea, drink one cup three times per day.

It is not recommended to do so. Reheating your tea will take away several of its beneficial properties. Some volatile compounds such as essential oils and labile are might also be present in the tea, and they escape when subjected to too much heat.

Yes. Nettles can cause uterine contractions, which in turn increases your risk of miscarrying. Avoid eating nettles while pregnant.