How to Dry and Prepare a Nettle Harvest

Nettle leaves have jagged, "toothy" edges.

Stinging nettle is an herb that may be painful to harvest unless you wear gloves. The leaves are covered with fine hairs that release a chemical as they touch your skin. This chemical is an irritant and can cause pain. After you have successfully harvested your nettles, you may either use them fresh or dry them. Herbalists frequently use nettles to brew teas. You may also sprinkle the dried leaves in stews, dumplings or eggs as a substitute for parsley.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors or knife
• String
• Airtight containers
• Mug
• Water
• Tea strainer or cheesecloth
• Gloves

Instructions

Drying

1. Cut each stalk close to the ground with a sharp pair of scissors or a knife.

2. Gather three to five stalks in a bundle and tie each bundle with a piece of string.

3. Hang the nettle stalks in a place that receives plenty of air circulation. Space out the bundles so that they do not touch each other.

4. Allow the bundles to completely dry, which typically takes five to seven days. Dried stalks will be crispy, with no moisture.

5. Take down the bundles and strip off the leaves. Store the leaves in airtight containers, such as tins.

Preparation

1. Boil 2/3 cup of water for each serving of tea you wish to brew.

2. Measure 3 to 4 tsp. of dried nettle leaves per serving, as recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Place each serving in a mug.

3. Pour the boiling water into the mugs, dividing evenly.

4. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes.

5. Strain the tea by pouring it through a tea strainer or a cheesecloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink extra water while you drink nettle tea, as recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center.

• Do not ingest nettles if you are pregnant or diabetic, or if you are taking anticoagulants, diuretics or blood pressure medication, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Children should also not use this herb without a doctor's approval.

• Drink no more than three to four cups of nettle tea daily.

• Wear gloves when harvesting this prickly plant.

References

• Vitality Magazine: Stinging Nettle
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle

Resources

• Washington State University Extension: Growing and Drying Herbs