As I sit here writing this I'm drinking nettle tea. I don't have much dried nettles left from our spring harvest last year. What I do have though is wonderful memories of my secret nettle patch and the fun my family had gathering her green goodness. I look forward to our harvest time this year. Nettle tea is my favorite, it's taste is green and earthy, a gentle reminder and promise of the season itself.
People always ask if we get stung while gathering. The answer is yes, so if you don't like the sting you may wear gloves while gathering. Some claim that the sting or urtication has brought on cures of arthritis to healing old wounds. I haven't had this experience but that's not to say it hasn't happened.
One of my favorite herbal educators is Susun Weed. Much of what I know is gleaned from her writings and other herbalists who follow her wise woman ways. I very much try to do the same. If you find a book by Susun buy it and enjoy it. Below I list some of the goodness derived from nettles.
Doses:
Fresh nettle leaf tincture is 5-100 drops a day in winter
Dried nettle leaf infusion is 1-2 c. a day
Dose of fresh nettle juice is 1-3 tsp. a day in water.