How to Make Nettle Tea (Fresh or Dried) | Easy Herbal Tea Recipe

Overhead view of a glass mug with nettle leaf tea.

4 from 2 votes

How to Make Nettle Tea (Fresh or Dried) | Easy Herbal Tea Recipe

Learn how to make nettle tea using fresh or dried stinging nettles with this simple herbal recipe. This nourishing infusion is rich in vitamins and minerals, easy to make at home, and delicious served hot or iced. Perfect for gardeners, foragers, and anyone building a natural herbal pantry. Save this step-by-step recipe for your next spring harvest!

Prep Time2

Steeping Time15

Total Time17

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to make nettle tea, Nettle Leaf Tea, Nettle Leaf Tea Recipe, Nettle Tea

Servings: serving

Calories: 25kcal

Author: Melissa Norris

Cost: Varies

Equipment

Tea Pot
Tea Steeper
Spoon

Ingredients

2 teaspoons nettle leaf dried (or 1 cup fresh or freeze-dried)
2 cups water
1 teaspoon honey or other sweetener, to taste (optional)

Instructions

Fresh or Freeze-Dried Nettles

Rinse your Mason jar in hot water to prep it for receiving boiling water. (This helps eliminate thermal shock and potentially cracking your jar.)
Place approximately one cup of fresh or freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves in the jar. Add one cup of stinging nettles for every two cups of water. But, depending on your preference, you can add more water to make a weaker tea.
Pour boiling water over the leaves to fill up the Mason jar.
Cover with a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
Once the tea has cooled slightly, you can add honey to taste and stir to dissolve.
Let the leaves steep in the water for about 10 hours or overnight.
Strain and drink a cup at a time over the next two days. It's really good over ice!
Place a lid on the Mason jar and store your nettle tea in the fridge. Consume within three days for the most medicinal benefits.

Dried Nettles

Place about two teaspoons of dried nettle leaves in a tea strainer and place the strainer in a mug.
Pour in boiling water, cover, and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Add honey or sweetener of choice, stir to dissolve.
Strain out and discard leaves.
Sip and enjoy!

Notes

Recipe Tips and Troubleshooting:

Learning how to make nettle tea is simple, but a few tips make it even better.

Harvest young spring leaves before flowering for the best flavor.
Always wear gloves when harvesting fresh nettles.
Not convinced you want to pick these prickly stingers yourself? No problem, you can order nettle leaves in bulk here. Or, grab it in premade nettle leaf tea bags to try it out first.
Heating removes the plant's sting.
Cover the tea while steeping to retain beneficial volatile compounds.
A longer infusion extracts more minerals from the leaves.
Use glass rather than plastic for overnight infusions.

The Best Time to Drink Nettle Tea:

There isn't a single best time to drink nettle tea, so choose what works best for your routine. Many people enjoy a cup in the morning to start the day, while others prefer an evening cup since nettle tea is naturally caffeine-free.

Because it's a natural diuretic, you may want to drink it earlier in the day, and as with any herb, listen to your body and consult your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications.

Storage Instructions:

Once strained, store nettle tea in a covered Mason jar in the refrigerator.

For the freshest flavor and greatest nutritional benefit, enjoy within 2 to 3 days.

If making individual cups with dried nettles, prepare only what you'll drink immediately.

Nutrition