the tea you buy in health shops just looks to me like the leaves are picked (with gloves) -- dried and then chopped up.
you just put some in a cup (or a pot I guess) and pour hot water over it.
there's LOADS of it in France - it lines the banks in many canals - I've seen people out picking it regularly.
It can also be eaten as a green - it loses the sting when it's cooked. Not sure on the medicinal good as a vege - could be really good - but, as a tea - well - have a read of it for prostate --- it's absolutely front line defence for blokes
and, it tastes good - bit of a change to some of the stuff that's good for us
drying at home would be a doddle - in winter - you could use an oven or microwave or a dedicated drier
or you could run to the shop and buy a packet
I'd give it a go for anything with inflammation -
"Nettle has historically been used to treat pain and sore muscles, especially related to arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that nettle tea may also reduce the inflammation and pain association with osteoarthritis.Nov 21, 2018"
