{"id":17988,"date":"2018-04-26T08:25:40","date_gmt":"2018-04-26T08:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fxnutrition.com\/?p=187"},"modified":"2025-08-28T15:05:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T15:05:00","slug":"stinging-nettles-tea-elixir","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fxnutrition.com\/blog\/stinging-nettles-tea-elixir","title":{"rendered":"stinging nettles tea elixir"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spring has truly arrived!
\nIn the fickle-weathered Pacific Northwest the Camelia and daffodils are blooming. And they\u2019re not alone. Hope shines through people\u2019s eyes as they begin to extend out from their winter retreat, heading out to spot the wildflowers or harvest some seasonal mushrooms.
\nMaybe it\u2019s the promise of gathering goodies from the land that brings that twinkle of promise. In my small bubble of a Portland community there\u2019s a definite buzz this time of year. It\u2019s a buzz that includes a deep affection for stinging nettles.
\nStinging nettles grow wild throughout the United States and Europe. They\u2019re the first edible green to appear in the spring. Traditionally, when obtaining greens through winter was not as simple as it is today, the first crops of nettles were harvested and made into restorative spring tonic soups.
\nOur ancestors were wise. They didn\u2019t need to analyze the nutritional benefits of a wild food. They instinctively knew its value, and consumed its many blessings of strength and vitality.
\nYet the worth of the young nettle plant is not only in its health profile, but also in its taste. It satisfies the soul, as you\u2019ll see in one of my favorite tea infusions that I share below\u2014a perfect curative for the capricious season.<\/p>\n

Why Eat Nettles?<\/h2>\n

\"Nettle
\nThe health benefits of nettles are plentiful. Nettles are a kidney tonic with diuretic properties that allow for the release of water soluble toxins. They provide relief from the allergies that plague many in the spring, by improving our resistance to pollens and molds. Nettles enrich the blood and ameliorate high blood pressure levels as well.
\nFrom a Chinese medicine perspective, nettles build overall chi\u2014or energy flow in the body. And nettles are an adrenal tonic, boosting our ability to handle the stress that life presents with more vigor and equanimity. (I like that!)
\nThe formic acid that\u2019s contained in the nettles\u2019 stingers also has several beneficial effects. If pricked with these little stingers, they will increase circulation; help with arthritic pain; and relieve sciatica. In some cultures nettles are used specifically to alleviate muscle pain and reduce varicose veins.
\nI received an intentional nettle \u201cwhacking\u201d on my neck and shoulders one summer many years back, and have to admit that the pain was minor and the aftermath brought great relief! This is likely because nettles contain a chemical compound called caffeic malic acid. This compound inhibits inflammation by stopping a series of steps that induce the release of histamine.
\nNettle tea encourages the growth of intestinal villi, making it a great tonic for those healing from digestive problems involving the small intestines such as leaky gut or IBS. This is because it contains all the vitamins that make it a potent anti-inflammatory\u2014vitamins C, E, & K, as well as the flavonoid quercetin. It also contains B vitamins and a host of minerals including calcium, iron, chromium, and silica.<\/p>\n

How to Eat Nettles<\/h3>\n

Nettles can be used much like spinach or any other mild tasting green. However the sting of the stinging nettles must be disabled before the nettles are consumed. This can be done through cooking, pureeing, juicing, or blending. The stinger is also deactivated when the nettle leaves are dried or powdered.<\/p>\n

How to Harvest Nettles<\/h3>\n

Nettles are only good to eat when they are young and tender, before they flower. When gathering, unless you are well trained at avoiding the stingers, wear long pants, long sleeves, and rubber gloves. You can use scissors to cut them and carry them home in a paper bag or a basket.
\nMany health food stores carry bags of fresh nettles at this time of year. And herb shops typically have the dried version readily available.
\nOnce in the kitchen, if handling fresh nettles, use gloves or tongs to avoid the stingers.<\/p>\n

NETTLE MINT GOJI TEA<\/h2>\n

Here at FxNA, we adore creating healing and interesting tea elixirs for ourselves and our programs like in the upcoming Spring Cleanse. Even if fresh nettles aren\u2019t available in your area, you can enjoy this healing tea elixir all year long with dried nettles.<\/em>
\nIngredients<\/strong><\/p>\n