Dry nettle - how it works

You can dry nettle so that you can use the leaves later for tea or as a medicinal herb. The best way to do this is to collect the plant fresh from the meadow, as far away from the side of the road as possible so that there are no harmful substances on it.

Collect the right nettles to dry

Before you can dry nettles, you must first collect them. To do this, pack thick gardening gloves and put on long clothes. Otherwise, you can burn yourself on the hair of the plant and have red and painful skin afterwards.

• The nettle grows on almost every corner, so you can also find it in courtyards or along the path. However, find a place where as little exhaust fumes as possible come from the streets.
• You can now hold the plants firmly by the stem and pull them out with a jerk. Or take a pair of secateurs with you and cut off the stems that you need to dry.
• Collecting individual leaves is also a common method.
• Stow the collected stems or leaves well in a bag, in a newspaper or a cloth, so that you do not burn yourself when you take them out.

Wash and dry nettles

At home, you should thoroughly clean the plant under running water to wash off all dirt from the environment. Then shake it out a little and pat it dry with a cloth.

• Now always take a few stems together and put them in a shady spot where there is enough air. It is important that the space is not overheated and that no direct sun shines on the leaves.
• For example, a clothesline that you can stretch across a window or in the attic is well suited. Hang the bundles on it until they are dry.
• You can also put the nettle leaves to dry individually on towels and spread them out on a table. A wooden table, for example in the tool shed, is also suitable for drying the leaves.
• Drying generally takes about 2 weeks.
• The leaves can then be easily crumbled between your fingers. Gently pack them in a spice jar or jar so you can use them again.
• If you store the dried nettles in a dark and dry place, you can use them all year round and make a nettle tea yourself, for example.

Dried nettle leaves are said to have a healthy and healing effect. For example, a tea made from it is recommended for drainage or if you have bladder problems. In the next tip, we will introduce you to the exact effects and side effects of nettle tea.