Mother Natures Medicine~stinging nettle and cleaver infusion

Spring is finally in the air here in the UK, and a wonderful way to celebrate it, is to make a tonic infusion with two very beneficial plants. The humble stinging nettle and cleaver herb that are found literally right on ones doorstep.

The method I use is to pick just the tips of the nettle plants, some people wear gloves to pick them to avoid getting stung, this time of the year most of their energy is going into growth so their isn't much sting in them so I pick them by hand. Make sure you pick your nettles well away from anywhere that pets have been for obvious reasons.

The cleavers are always found growing happily in compliment alongside the nettles, these are far more easier to collect, they cling to our clothes like Velcro. I always think they are subtlety trying to cling on to us because they want to show us how beneficial they are.

Once I have a good bunch of each in the pot I quickly rinse them and add some spring water untill they 're covered in water. The next step is to bring it to the boil on the hob then put a lid on the pot and simmer it gently for around 5 minutes.

The pot is then taken off the hob and the lid left on for another five minutes before serving so it has plenty of time to infuse together slowly, depending on the amount of nettles the brew should be slightly green and have a fresh taste.

The great thing about drinking nettle and cleavers tea in the springtime, and why they are such a great tonic is they stimulate the lymph glands, and also boost the immune system something the body needs after the long dark winter.

I drink nettle and cleaver tea throughout the springtime or at least till they stop budding. Nettles can be such a great tonic that It has been known to interfere with certain pharmaceuticals, so it would be best to check with a doctor if you want to try this brew if your on medication.

Here's Wikipedia's link to nettles
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_plants_known_as_nettle
Heres Wikipedia's link to cleavers
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galium_aparine

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