Nettle Tea Benefits: Why This Himalayan Herb Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

If you've spent time in the Himalayan foothills, you've probably brushed past stinging nettle — known locally as bichu ghas — without realizing it's also brewed into one of the region's most traditional herbal teas.

What Is Nettle Tea?

Nettle tea is made by drying and steeping the leaves of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica). Once dried, the leaves lose their sting entirely and steep into a mild, earthy, slightly grassy tea — often blended with lemongrass for a brighter, more refreshing cup.

Why It's Used Traditionally

In Pahadi households, nettle has long been valued as a nutrient-dense wild green, and the tea made from it has traditionally been consumed as a warming, soothing drink, particularly in the colder months. It's naturally caffeine-free, which makes it a reasonable evening alternative to regular chai.

How to Brew It Properly

• Use freshly boiled water, not water that's still at a rolling boil, to avoid over-extracting bitterness.
• Steep for 5–7 minutes — nettle tea benefits from a longer steep than green tea.
• Add a small amount of honey or lemon if you prefer a milder, less earthy taste.

Pairing With Lemongrass

Lemongrass is commonly blended with nettle to balance out its grassy, mineral-heavy taste with a lighter citrus note — this is the traditional pairing, not just a modern flavor add-on.

Our Nettle & Lemongrass Tea is sourced from the hills of Uttarakhand and sun-dried using traditional methods — part of our herbal tea collection.