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Herbal (tisane) · Stinging nettle

Nettle Tea

Urtica dioica, stinging nettle tea

7.0/10 editor's score

An infusion of dried stinging nettle leaves. The plant is native to Europe, much of temperate Asia and western North Africa, and is treated as native in Britain.

Caffeine-freeGreenHerbal
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried nettle leaves, top-down

What you need

2 g dried nettle leavesNettle Tea
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:002 steeps
InfusionPale green-gold
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

An infusion of dried stinging nettle leaves.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit7.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring and summerSpring shoots.
Pairs withHoney, Oatcakes, SoupsLess good with sweet desserts
Grown asHedgerows and field edgesVarious regions, Native across Europe
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Nettle Tea

What sources say about the taste

Sources note the leaves are dried to make a herbal tea 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Various regionsNative across EuropeUNITED KINGDOM
Made from
Dried leaves, or the flowers 1
Native
Europe, temperate Asia, western North Africa 1
Sting
Soaking or cooking removes it 1
Uses
Food, tea, medicine, textiles 1

More from Various regions and United Kingdom.

History and culture

Nettle has a long history as food, tea, medicine and textile fibre, including in Saxon times 1.

A common idea in Britain is that the Romans brought it, but Plant Atlas 2020 treats it as native 1.

Editor's score

7.0/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 5.5Origin & heritage: 6.5Availability: 8.0Value: 9.0Beginner-friendliness: 7.5Versatility: 7.0Flavour 5.5Heritage 6.5Availability 8.0Value 9.0Beginners 7.5Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Nettle Tea0 mg

Nettle contains no caffeine. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for nettle. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Leaves of Urtica dioica 1.

How it is made
01Picking

Leaves picked with gloves.

02Drying

Dried.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry nettle leavesDark green crumbled leaf.
LiquorPale green-gold.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft dark leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Honey
  • Oatcakes
  • Soups

Best avoided

  • Sweet desserts

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Cut or whole leaf.

Buying tips

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Fresh nettles sting; soaking or cooking removes it 1.
FAQ
Does nettle tea sting?

No. Soaking in water removes the sting 1.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from United KingdomVarious regionsCaffeine-freeGreenHerbal

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Urtica dioica". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_dioica
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.