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Growing Stinging Nettle
(beehaw.org)
Yes!
I started by purchasing nettle tea, then started harvesting from random wild patches, and have now started growing it (but haven't harvested any yet).
From personal experience, I find nettle tea great for hayfever. In peak pollen season, mid-summer, when it's really bad, I still need medication but in spring and autumn when things are ramping up or dying down I just use nettle tea. So it works, but can't fully replace modern medicine.
It's a rather plain flavour, not delicious but not nasty either. A plain enjoyable brew. I find a cup in the morning is usually enough, but sometimes a second one in the afternoon is needed.
I wear gloves like this when harvesting and act with confidence. Stinging nettles sting if you brush them lightly but if you grasp them hard you crush the stingers and prevent yourself getting stung. So be confident, do not hesitate, grab them hard. I then just use scissor or secateurs to cut leaves (or cut a stem and pick the leaves off later).
To prep it for tea:
- Clean with water to remove any dirt or bugs
- Set an oven on low (50*C on mine) - or use a dehydrator
- Spread the leaves across a baking tray
- Bake in the oven, I don't have a set time for this, just check regularly until leaves are dry, crispy, and crumbly. Ensure there is NO moisture left in the leaves. Again, NO MOISTURE! Moisture can cause mould when stored.
- Remove from the oven, leave to cool
- Crush either with your hands (the stings should be destroyed by now) or using a pestle and mortar
- Store in a clean glass jar with an air tight lid
To make tea:
- Use either a tea strainer, tiny sieve, or small pieces of cheesecloth (to make reusable teabags)
- Place about 1tbsp of crushed tea leaves (no need to measure, just grab with your fingers and put roughly that amount in)
- Leave to steep for 5-15 mins
- Drink, and enjoy!
Pro-tip: I use both a tiny sieve and a cheesecloth to ensure no "bits" get through and settle at the bottom, but it's not necessary, just personal preference.
Good luck, and I hope this helps settle any stingy eyes or runny noses!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, consume nettle tea at your own risk, blah blah blah.