What are nettles, and why are they so awesome?

Who would have thought that plant that stung you as you brushed by it would be a superfood?  Stinging nettle (which loose their sting when dried or cooked) pack a powerful punch of nutrients.  Making an infusion is an excellent way of getting the most nutrients out of nettles.  Nettle tea is great, but the nutrients you get are minimal compared to a nettle infusion.

Nettles are especially high in Vitamins A and C as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.  They are also high in protein and contain various amino acids as well as chlorophyll. 

Nettles are very helpful for people with seasonal allergies.  Bonus: for nursing Mamas, nettles help increase your milk supply. 

I consider nettle infusion my multivitamin.  I drink at least a cup a day (usually added to my water bottle) since I'm trying to boost some of my nutrient levels.  I put it in a sippy for my 1 year old and encourage my 4 year old to drink some daily too.

Making a nettle infusion is even easier than it sounds:

1. Add a handful of dried nettle leaves to a glass container like a mason jar.  (Personally I like to make mine in my French Press because it means I don't need to strain it at the end, but that's just a personal preference.)
2. Pour warm (not boiling) water over the leaves.
3. Leave it to sit overnight.
4. Strain, and enjoy.

I'm not going to lie.  It tastes "green" or "healthy".  For some people that takes some getting used to, but I didn't mind the taste from the beginning.  One trick I've used to help with the taste for my pickier 4 year old is to add peppermint to it.  I didn't have loose peppermint tea on hand, so I tore apart an organic tea bag and added it to the nettle leaves.  I've also made peppermint tea and added that to the nettle infusion after it was made.

Learn more about nettles here, here, and here.

Where to purchase nettles:
Amazon
iHerb
Mountain Rose Herbs