Overnight Decoction of Dandelion and Nettles (iced tea for detox)

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Up to four herbs can be put into this tea. They each have amazing health benefits, not the least of which is detoxification. One to two glasses of this iced (or hot) tea is beneficial to drink daily each spring. Let’s look at dandelion and nettles’ properties, as well as burdock’s and red clover’s. You’ll love the way they cleanse the liver and stimulate the other organs for improved health and even immune boosting. I’ll show you, too, how to make a large batch of tea, an overnight decoction, so you have enough in your fridge to last you for a week at a time.

What is a decoction? Decoction means we boil the roots to get out their healing properties. You’ll see this tea is both a decoction and an infusion: Two of the herbs are boiled, and then continue to steep overnight. The other two herbs, which are leaves (not roots), steep only.

Dandelion

Dandelion fights inflammation. It lowers cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and improves digestive function. The root cleanses the liver, and the leaf aids the urinary tract. Dandelion can be used for PMS. Dandelion boosts energy levels and boosts the immune system for better overall health.

Iconic herbalist Susan Weed says of dandelion’s affects on the immune system, “The immune system is a network of cells and cell products that defends the body against disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cancer cells… Dandelion root tincture (20 drops, 2-3 times a day) actually increases the production of interferon, a protein that inhibits viral multiplication and activates T-cells.”(source) Tea is the most ancient way of harnessing an herb’s constituents and a more economical way of enjoying its benefits. (You can find the tincture here.)

Nettles

I keep nettles in our herbal brew year round. In the winter, my boys sip on a hot blend of nettles, peppermint, alfalfa and hibiscus. (In the spring I brew this blend, with hibiscus added for flavor, color and vitamin C.) Nettles hydrate the body with a rich mineral profile. The herb helps to decrease mucosal secretions, joint pain, and hay fever. It treats eczema, gout, anemia, urinary tract problems and chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes and AIDS. Nettles improves circulation, flushes out toxins and helps to boost the metabolism and energy levels.

Burdock

One of my favorite herbs, burdock cleanses the blood and liver. It stimulates the kidneys, the lymphatic system and the immune system, gently. It helps with eczema, acne and has anti-aging properties for the skin. Burdock is used to treat gout, cancer, AIDS and diabetes.

Red Clover

Red clover is rich in nutrients and a strong blood purifier. Red clover treats stubborn spasmodic coughs (often left over from winter), skin issues, menopause, bone density, ulcers, tumors and improves cardiovascular health. Red clover tea can be used as a cold remedy.

Amazingly, each of the herbs listed above has anti-cancer properties! There are more reasons than one to use a daily brew of powerful, detoxing herbs!

Hibiscus

If you’d like your tea to be bright, rosy red and with strong notes of citrus and berry, I highly recommend that you add hibiscus, too! Hibiscus is by far my favorite herbal tea to drink iced. My boys drink lots more healing herbal teas when I add the fruitiness of hibiscus to the blend; and so do most adults! Both the flavor and the appearance makes us remember (because we like it!) to drink our daily dose. Lightly sweeten for a special treat. As you may know, hibiscus is VERY high in vitamin C, and an excellent addition to one’s daily diet, aiding the immune system and gut health. (Find hibiscus here.)

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Overnight Decoction of Dandelion and Nettles

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

35 mins

 

You'll need two 1/2-gallon mason jars for the tea.

Servings: 16 servings

Author: Megan

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons dandelion root
• 2 Tablespoons burdock root
• 2 Tablespoons dandelion leaf
• 2 Tablespoons nettles leaf
• 2 Tablespoons red clover
• 1 gallon filtered water

Instructions

1. Place 1/2 gallon water, dandelion root and burdock root into large saucepan. Bring water to boil.
2. Simmer 20 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Add remaining herbs. Cover. Let sit overnight.
4. In the morning, strain equal amounts into 1/2 gallon mason jars. (Each jar will be only half full.) Add remaining filtered water to each jar, to fill. Refrigerate, drinking 1-2 glasses daily.

Recipe Notes

Find dandelion root here.

Find burdock root here.

Find dandelion leaf here.

Find nettles leaf here.

Find red clover here.

Find hibiscus here.

Have you used herbs to detox before? Have you made an overnight decoction?