Stinging Nettle Tincture Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh stinging nettle leaves (or 1/2 cup dried nettle)

• 1 cup high-proof vodka (at least 80 proof)

Instructions:

1. Harvest or Obtain Nettle:

If you have access to fresh stinging nettle, harvest about 1 cup of leaves, ensuring you wear gloves to protect yourself from the stinging hairs. Alternatively, you can use 1/2 cup of dried nettle.

2. Chop or Crush Nettle:

Lightly crush or chop the fresh nettle leaves to increase the surface area for extraction.

3. Place Nettle in a Jar:

Place the nettle leaves in a clean glass jar with a tight-sealing lid.

4. Add Vodka:

Pour the vodka over the nettle leaves, ensuring they are fully covered. Opt for a high-proof vodka to maximize the extraction of beneficial compounds.

5. Seal and Shake:

Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake to distribute the nettle evenly in the alcohol.

6. Infusion Period:

Place the sealed jar in a cool, dark place. Allow the tincture to infuse for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar periodically to aid extraction.

7. Strain the Tincture:

After the infusion period, strain the tincture using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Squeeze out any remaining liquid from the nettle.

8. Bottle and Store:

Transfer the strained tincture into dark glass bottles with droppers for convenient use. Store the bottles in a cool, dark location.

9. Dosage:

The recommended dosage is usually 1-2 dropperfuls (approximately 30-60 drops) diluted in water or juice. Begin with a lower dosage and observe how your body responds.