Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Stinging nettle is a medicinal plant that is packed with iron and other nutrients. Learning how to make stinging nettle tincture is a simple and wonderful way to preserve and consume the benefits of this nutrient-dense plant.
Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) contain a wide variety of nutrients and are the secret superfood of herbal medicine. They are commonly considered weeds because they quickly take over outdoor spaces and are hard to get rid of. But they are also packed with vitamins A, C, D, and K and are also high in iron and calcium. I take nettle tincture regularly to strengthen my hair, to build up my iron levels, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels since starting to consume nettles regularly.
Tincturing nettles is a simple way to preserve the beneficial compounds in the plant for much longer than the fresh plant would last. By tincturing the nettle leaves, the alcohol will extract the medicinal properties of the plant and allow you to enjoy and consume them over several years.
I also like to use dried nettle leaves to make NORA tea and other herbal remedies for a boost of minerals and iron.
Health benefits of stinging nettle
Packed with nutrients – Nettles are high in vitamins (such as A, C, and K), minerals (including iron, calcium, and magnesium), and antioxidants. They are particularly known for their high content of vitamin C and iron.
Powerful antioxidants – Stinging nettles are rich in antioxidants that help slow down free radical damage, which supports the overall health of our cells.
Anti-inflammatory properties – Anti-inflammatory flavonoids are compounds found in nettles that can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and allergies.
Allergy support – Consuming nettle tincture or tea can help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies like hay fever by helping to reduce your sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Supports urinary health – Nettles are a natural diuretic that can help flush out toxins from the body. This can help protect against urinary tract infections.
Joint health – Nettles can help to alleviate muscle cramping and joint pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Bone health – Nettles are a good source of calcium and vitamin K and these nutrients can help the body maintain strong and healthy bones.
Lower blood pressure – Some animal studies have shown that nettles may lower blood pressure (however there haven’t been human studies done on this yet).
Overall immune health – The vitamins and antioxidants in nettles can support overall immune health.
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Fresh or dried stinging nettles
You can use either dried or fresh nettles to make this tincture. Fresh plant material tends to have the greater nutritional value but dried leaves work just fine (I tend to use dried nettles to make this tincture!).
Foraging stinging nettles
Stinging nettles grow in many places around the world including North America and Northern Europe. They like moist soil and we often find them next to the waterways and walkways. They start to grow in early spring and continue growing throughout the summer. Spring is a good time of year to harvest young nettles, which work best for stinging nettle tincture (and tea or soup).
Try to harvest the fresh leaves before the midday sun reaches them because they will have the highest concentration of the plant’s essential oils. This principle is the same for most medicinal herbs – it is best to harvest them in the morning.
Also, make sure to source them from a place that has not been sprayed with poisonous herbicides or pesticides. Nettles are good at drawing out heavy metals from the earth, which is helpful in cleaning soil but we want to avoid consuming nettles that have been exposed to these chemicals. Try to source them from a wild area, as opposed to alongside a roadway or area with heavy foot traffic which are more likely to have been sprayed. Also, make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid being stung!
If buying dried nettles, try to find an organic source.
Folk method
I like to use the folk method to make herbal tinctures, which means that the measurements are less precise (I simply add the plant matter to a jar and cover it with alcohol, rather than weighing the leaves). I find it to be the simplest way to make herbal tinctures but it does mean that the nutritional value within each batch isn’t perfectly consistent.
How to make stinging nettle leaf tincture
Tools
Airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a pint mason jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Amber dropper bottle – I use these ones.
A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Small funnel
Knife, mortar and pestle, or food processor – To chop up the fresh nettle leaves
Supplies
Fresh or dried nettles – fresh stinging nettle will have the greatest medical benefits but dried work well too (use what you have!). If using dried nettles, try to find an organic source.
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh stinging nettles, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Wash and dry the fresh nettle leaves. Let the clean leaves sit overnight to dry or pat them dry using a cloth.
Use a knife to chop up the fresh leaves into small pieces. You could also use a mortar and pestle or even a wooden spoon in a bowl to break down the leaves. We do this to expose more of the plant to the alcohol when it is steeping.
Add your chopped fresh or dried leaves to a clean glass jar. If you’re using fresh herbs, fill the jar ¾ full and if you’re using dried leaves, fill the jar ⅓ full. The dried leaves will expand as they absorb the alcohol so they need a bit more space.
Cover the leaves with alcohol until they are completely submerged. You can swap the alcohol out for vinegar or food-grade glycerin if you want.
Add the lid to your jar. If you’re using a metal lid, add a small piece of parchment paper between the lid and the alcohol to prevent the lid from corroding. You can add a date and label to make sure you don’t forget what it is.
Set the jar in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Shake the jar a few times a week to make sure that the leaves remain covered in alcohol.
After 8 weeks, strain off the liquid into the amber glass bottles using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Make sure to strain off all of the plant material to help your tincture last longer.
Label and date the tincture so you know what it is and store it in a cool dark place, like a pantry.
How much nettle tincture should I take?
I like to take 1-2 droppers full or about a teaspoon once a day. You can start with a small amount and work your way up. Nettles are most effective if taken consistently, over a long period so it’s best to consume nettle tea or tincture once a day over an extended time.
How long does stinging nettle tincture last?
Nettle tincture has a long shelf life and should last a long period of time if it’s stored in a cool, dark place and the plant material is fully strained off. I like to consume my tincture within two years.
How to use stinging nettle tincture?
Directly – The easiest way to access the plant’s nutrients is to add the dosage under your tongue. Hold it there for 30 seconds and then swallow.
Added to another herbal remedy – You can add the dosage to your fire cider or thyme syrup for an added nutritional boost.
Add to tea or coffee – Add the dosage to a cup of herbal tea or coffee. I sometimes add my dose of the tincture to my nettle tea for a double dose of the plant’s nutrients.
Into soups or stews – You can add the tincture to a bowl of soup or stew without worrying about it impacting the flavour. It’s best to wait to add the tincture until the soup is off direct heat so you don’t accidentally boil off the beneficial compounds.
Into smoothies – Add a few drops into fresh smoothies or green juices to get a boost of nutrients.
As a hair rinse – If you use apple cider vinegar rather than alcohol, nettle tincture would make a wonderful hair rinse. Simply add a dropper full of the tincture to a bottle and fill the rest of the bottle with apple cider vinegar. Pour a tablespoon of the mixture over your hair, allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, and then rinse it out. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for hair due to its acidic nature, which helps to balance the pH level of the scalp. Apple cider vinegar can help to remove product buildup and residue, leaving the hair feeling cleaner.
Into salads – If you use vinegar rather than alcohol to make the tincture, it would make a wonderful salad dressing. Simply add a few drops of the nettle extract into a bowl with some oil and additional vinegar to make a nettle vinegar.
What do nettles taste like?
Nettles have a pleasant earthy flavour that isn’t overpowering. Nettle leaf extract has an even more subtle flavour.
Do I have to use alcohol in this tincture?
No, simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin to avoid using alcohol. The flavours of a vinegar herbal extract and glycerin-based tinctures are different than alcohol-based tinctures so be mindful of that before adding to tea or juice.
The herbal vinegar that is made when you steep nettles would taste great on leafy greens or other salads and glycerin-based extracts are sweeter so they could be added to tea.
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Other simple recipes
How To Make Purple Dead Nettle Tincture
How To Remove Alcohol From Herbal Tinctures (Three Methods)
Simple DIY Rosemary Tincture Recipe
How To Make Dandelion Tincture (Best Recipe)
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as allergic reactions, consequences on an existing medical condition, or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medications.
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How To Make Stinging Nettle Tincture (Simple Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry the fresh nettle leaves. Let the clean leaves sit overnight to dry or pat them dry using a cloth.
- Use a knife to chop up the fresh leaves into small pieces. You could also use a mortar and pestle or even a wooden spoon in a bowl to break down the leaves. We do this to expose more of the plant to the alcohol when it is steeping.
- Add your chopped fresh or dried leaves to a clean glass jar. If you’re using fresh herbs, fill the jar ¾ full and if you’re using dried leaves, fill the jar ⅓ full. The dried leaves will expand as they absorb the alcohol so they need a bit more space.
- Cover the leaves with alcohol until they are completely submerged. You can swap the alcohol out for vinegar or food-grade glycerin if you want.
- Add the lid to your jar. If you’re using a metal lid, add a small piece of parchment paper between the lid and the alcohol to prevent the lid from corroding. You can add a date and label to make sure you don’t forget what it is.
- Set the jar in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Shake the jar a few times a week to make sure that the leaves remain covered in alcohol.
- After 8 weeks, strain off the liquid into the amber glass bottles using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Make sure to strain off all of the plant material to help your tincture last longer.
- Label and date the tincture so you know what it is and store it in a cool dark place, like a pantry.
I am excited to make this! I saw on another post you made, that the tincture made with vinegar in lieu of alcohol should be consumed within a year, is that the same for this tincture? I plan to use the apple cider vinegar version and would like to be aware of the shelf life 🙂
Thanks!
Cool! Yes within a year is best. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you could use food-grade glycerin instead of vinegar to have a longer shelf life.