Celebrate the arrival of spring with this refreshing Spring Nettle Tea Tonic. Utilizing the power of dried organic nettle leaf, this tonic is perfect for those looking to enjoy the benefits of stinging nettle in a delicious way.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup dried organic nettle leaf (also known as nettle tea leaves)
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon honey, or to taste (optional, for sweetness)
  • Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for flavor)
  • Optional, for added flavor- 2 TBS. dried  Tulsi  or Spearmint 

Instructions:

Steep the Nettles:

  • Place the dried nettle leaf in a large heatproof jar or a teapot.
  • Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the nettles. Cover and let them steep for about 10 to 20 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the infusion will be. For an even richer taste, consider doing overnight infusions with nutrient-rich herbs like nettle.

Strain:

  1. Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the infusion into a pitcher or bowl, discarding the used nettle leaf.

Flavor the Tea Tonic:

  1. While the infusion is still warm, you can dissolve the honey in it if you’re using any. This is also the time to add lemon juice and  Tulsi or Spearmint if desired. Adjust these ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Cool and Serve:

  1. Allow the tonic to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve the tonic cold for a refreshing experience. It can be garnished with a mint leaf or a slice of lemon for an extra touch of flavor.

Notes:

  • Dried vs. Fresh Nettles: When using dried nettles, the flavor may be more concentrated than fresh nettles. Adjust the quantity used according to your taste.
  • Sourcing Nettles: Ensure that your dried nettles come from a safe and reliable source. If using wildcrafted Nettle, be mindful of your source and avoid areas of runoff. If you are in the Pacific Northwest, you might be lucky to see our organic fresh Nettle in your grocery store in the produce section May- July.
  • Sweetening and Flavoring: Honey, lemon, and mint are optional but can enhance the taste of your tonic. Feel free to adjust these additions to suit your preferences.

Enjoy your Nettle Spring Tonic as a unique and flavorful herbal beverage. It’s a great way to incorporate the taste of nettles into your diet, especially during the transition from winter to spring. Remember, this recipe is meant for culinary enjoyment and should not replace any medical advice or treatments.