Nourishing Nettle and Root Tea with Lemon

Stinging Nettles are a very nourishing plant. Despite their literal prickly appearance, they are delicious and nutritive. Once dried, ground, or steamed, the prickly hairs no longer have that ouch factor.
The tea of Stinging Nettles is a great general tonic. A tonic helps to increase the feeling of wellbeing. It is intended to improve, invigorate, and/or strengthen the functions of the body and spirit. According to Rosemary Gladstar, in her book Herbal Healing for Women, "(Nettle) is one of the best sources of digestible plant iron and is rich in calcium, vitamin A, and chlorophyll." (p 251) It is also very strengthening to the kidneys and blood. Its taste is earthy. It's green depths make me think of the fall forest up by my mother's home.
Dandelion, Ginger and Burdock Root are all very lightly detoxifying. Ginger Root helps aid digestion and circulation as well as being antiviral and antibiotic. Dandelion Root aids the liver, helps regulate hormones. Dandelion and Burdock mix well. Burdock Root, also known as "Gobo," is commonly sold in Asian markets as a vegetable. It very nutritive and is a great anti-inflammatory, also aiding the liver and blood.
I've added some star anise and licorice for more flavor and a little sweetness but cinnamon would work well instead. Star Anise aids digestion. Licorice Root is helpful in treating adrenal exhaustion. Lemon Juice helps alkalize the body, nuetralizing your ph. It helps the body get rid of toxins through the digestive tract by aiding bile production in the liver. It is also calming and restorative with its Vitamin C bounty. Nourishing Nettle and Root Tea with Lemon
1 tb Dried Nettle Leaf
1 tsp Dried Dandelion Root
1 tsp Dried Burdock Root
1 in. piece fresh Ginger Root, peeled
1 Star Anise
1-2 slices licorice root

Combine all ingredients in teapot. Pour boiling water over. Let steep for 10-15 minutes for full herbal benefits!
ENJOY!