If you walked into my kitchen on a chilly morning with aches and pains, this is exactly what I’d be whisking up for you.
As an herbalist, I’m always looking for ways to weave "food as medicine" into the rhythm of the day. We often think of stinging nettle as just a prickly garden weed, but to me, it’s one of the most generous plants we have. Not only is it loaded with anti-inflammatory goodness, I call it "nature’s multivitamin" because it’s absolutely brimming with the minerals our bodies crave—especially iron and magnesium.
Here is my favorite way to prepare a mineral-rich drink that will sooth your nervous system and support aches and pains.
The Herbalist’s Green Elixir: Nettle Matcha Latte
This isn't a caffeine fix; it’s a restorative tonic. In fact, there is little to no caffiene in it, depending on whether you decide on Nettle Powder alone or adding a bit of Matcha Powder as well. The nettle brings a deep, hay-like sweetness that perfectly grounds the bright, grassy notes of the matcha, so I combine these on occassion.
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Prep time: 2 minutes
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Servings: 1 cozy mug
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Key Benefits: Adrenal support, mineral infusion, and anti-inflammatory.
What You’ll Need
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1 tsp The Herbal Toad Super Nettle Leaf Powder: I love this powder because it’s ground so finely, making it easy for our bodies to actually absorb those wonderful nutrients.
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1/2 tsp High-Quality Matcha or Use More Nettle Instead for Caffienne Free: Look for a vibrant green color!
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1/2 cup Hot Water: Keep it just below a boil (around 175°F). We want to coax the medicine out, not scald it.
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3/4 cup Creamy Milk: Oat or cashew milk brings a lovely sweetness that balances the herbs.
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A drizzle of Raw Honey: Or maple syrup, if you like a little sweetness.
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A pinch of Love: (And maybe some cinnamon if you're feeling spicy!)
Instructions
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Sift the Powder: Sift your nettle and matcha (if your using it) powders into your favorite bowl. Take a moment to appreciate that vibrant green color—that’s pure chlorophyll!
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Whisk: Add your hot water. Using a bamboo whisk or a frother, whisk in a steady motion until the powders dissolve into a beautiful, frothy foam.
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Warm the Milk: Gently warm your milk on the stove. I like to whisk mine until it’s cloud-like and light.
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Bring it Together: Pour your emerald tea base into a mug, stir in your honey, and then slowly pour the creamy milk over the top.
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Sip and Enjoy
Why This Recipe Works
In herbalism, we look at the "synergy" of ingredients. Matcha contains L-theanine, which promotes relaxation, while Nettle is a trophorestorative for the kidneys and adrenals. Together, they give you energy that feels steady, rather than the jittery spike you might get from coffee.
Storage Tip: Keep your nettle powder tucked away in its dark glass jar in a cool cupboard. Light is the enemy of those precious antioxidants!
