overnight nettle infusion
If you know me, you know I have an (I’d say mild) obsession with nettles (aka uritca dioica). A favorite of many herbalists and foragers, this plant quickly took hold of my heart shortly after I was introduced to them a few years ago. To me, they represent the season of spring with their new growth, full of restorative qualities and minerals, helping to nourish us after a long winter. Their presence, scent, taste, foretells the abundance of longer, warmer days and all of the life the warmer season brings.
Some of you may have come to know nettle through their sting (caused by the formic acid in their tiny little hairs), but they are also delicious. Beyond their culinary use, they are also used for their medicinal benefits and as a fiber for clothing and other materials. They start growing in early spring and are quite abundant in the DMV, especially along rivers and streams.
Nettle is a deeply nourishing blood builder with high levels of protein, amino acids, and other minerals. They are considered anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, and tonic. I personally love using nettle infusions for when I’m feeling tired and depleted. I also appreciate them for helping to calm my spring allergy symptoms! On a more plant spirit level, herbalist Pam Montgomery says that working with nettle may help us to set clear boundaries, overcome fear, realize our own power, and make transitions. For more reading on nettle and its abundant abilities, check out this piece from herbalist jim mcdonald and this monograph from Kelsey Barrett at HerbRally.
Infusions are such an easy, accessible way to get to know herbs and their benefits. Depending on what kind of support I’m looking for, I might add some other herbs into the mix as well. Feel free to make the infusion that you feel like you need. Let me know how this nettle infusion works out for you!
overnight nettle infusion
ingredients
1 large jar
1-2 cups fresh nettles (or 1-2 tablespoons of dried nettle)
water
optional: lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
instruction
Bring water (enough to fill up your jar) to a boil.
If using fresh nettles, chop up the nettles (this helps for a better extraction of nutrients). You can do this by holding the nettles using gloves or tongs and using scissors to chop up the leaves and young stems.
Add the chopped nettles (or dried nettles) to the jar.
Pour the boiling water over top of the nettles.
Let the nettles steep overnight.Once they’ve finished steeping, strain out the plant material and pour into another glass or drink from the jar! Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired (the acid can help with mineral absorption).
