Stinging Nettle

Q: How do you make nettle juice. I have been looking for it and am unable to find any. I have only the dried leaves. Is it possible to make juice from the dried leaves?
Lucy

A: I don't know of any nettle juice products. However, if you have access to fresh nettle leaves you can make your own. Stinging nettles are common in many parts of the country, and are ideal for juicing with a juice machine. As with all fresh juices, nettle juice should be used right away as oxidation and enzyme action will began to break it down. Another good way to use nettle is freeze dried. Freeze drying preserves the plant and has the same effects as fresh.

Springtime is the best time to collect nettle leaves, when the plants are about 12 inches high. At this time, the leaves are potent, tender and full of juice. Be sure to identify the plant correctly and use gloves to pick the leaves, as the fresh nettle plant does have stinging hairs. Also, be sure to harvest plants away from roadways and areas of pollution or spraying.

Dried leaves are fine for the vitamin and mineral content, but do not contain some of the constituents present in the fresh plant that may be beneficial for allergies and to help stop bleeding. Dried nettle leaf can be powdered and placed in capsules or added to soups or broths.

* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.