The first time I touched by nettles was during a hike through a redwood forest in Northern California. The initial stinging feeling subsided and was quickly replaced by a pleasant tingling that made me start to wonder whether Nettle was trying to tell me she was one of nature's most potent gifts. Did she know that she was a wonder plant, packed with iron, calcium, beta-carotene and vitamins A, C & E,  whose tea is known to decrease blood sugar, eliminate viral and bacterial infections, and treat urinary, liver and kidney disease?

THE SIMPLE VERSION:

1/2 cup dried nettles (available at your local herbalist or health food store)

1/4 cup tea leaves or 4 tea bags (try black, green, oolong, mint.)

2-5 lemons, juiced.

Clear stevia or your favorite sweetener, to taste.

1 gallon boiling water.

DIRECTIONS:

In large pot, combine nettles and tea leaves. Cover with boiling water, let sit 3-6 hours or overnight. Strain, add lemon juice and sweetener to taste. Chill.