Nettles are a springtime ally! The leaves are loaded with minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. It works as a natural antihistamine as well, which is what makes it so helpful for alleviating symptoms of seasonal allergies when used regularly. You'll find nettles in many of our herbal blends, including our Allergy Blend, but you can easily make your own nettles infusions at home. Here's how we do it:

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Simple Nettles Infusion

- Place 4 heaping TBS of dried nettle leaf in a teapot or glass mason jar.

- Pour 4 Cups of boiled water over the leaves, cover, and steep 10-20 minutes.

(for a tonic, steep 4 hours or overnight)

- Strain out the leaves using a fine mesh strainer and squeeze out all the liquid (don't lose any of the good stuff!) Note: strained leaves are compostable

- If you want a sweeter herbal beverage you can add spearmint and/or honey while it's still warm.

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The strained infusion can be kept in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

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Folklore Fun: In Ireland, the last day of April was known as Nettlemas. At night, boys would roam the street after dark carrying nettle bunches and stinging each other.

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The sting is no joke, though! If you are foraging for wild nettles, wear gloves and be aware that they really do sting. (It's caused by formic acid and once cooked or dried, it will no longer sting.)