Miso-Nettle Broth (Herbal Infusion)
The moment I realized that miso could be blended into nettle infusions—much like honey or fruit juice—it completely changed the way I approached my daily herbal drinks. It was one of those small discoveries that feels so obvious in hindsight, yet so revolutionary in the moment.
As someone who craves salty and savory drinks, this combination quickly became a favorite. It’s incredibly simple to make, especially if you’re someone (like me) who always has homemade bone broth on hand. The miso adds a satisfying depth, while the nettles provide their mineral-rich nourishment, creating something that feels both grounding and restorative.
I’ve never had much of an appetite in the early hours of the morning, especially on days when I have to be up and out the door first thing. On mornings when I have an early physical therapy session, this broth is my go-to—warm, salty, and nourishing enough to keep me steady until I’m ready to eat my full breakfast (while this is great to hold you over and provide nourishment, I don’t suggest it as a meal replacement).
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this bevy is in a thermos after a long day of skiing in the backcountry. There is no better way to warm up and replenish lost minerals than with this salty, protein rich combination. It is full of minerals and vitamins such as iron, potassium, and calcium from the nettles, sodium from the miso, and protein from the chicken broth.
Nutritional Benefits:
Nettles are a powerhouse of an herb; extremely rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, B vitamins, and more. One of my favorite benefits of working with nettles is their anti-histamine properties. Nettles work by stabilizing mast cells (they tell the body to start an immune response against something) as well as aid in the digestion of protein, helping to keep protein allergies in check. Nettles are an herb that I love to work with daily and year-round. I love to purchase dried nettles from House of Hens and Grit through the winter months and work with fresh nettles in the spring and summer.
Miso paste is a great source of probiotics and sodium. Miso paste is created by fermenting soy beans which creates beneficial probiotics for us; if you’re trying to get more probiotics in your diet and are wanting to try something different from yogurts, krauts, and kombuchas, try incorporating miso into your diet. Miso is also high in sodium which is an essential mineral that everyone needs for cell function. It is especially important to replenish lost mineral stores after being active, which is why this is one of my favorite things to reach for after a few hours in the backcountry. f
Bone broth is something that I make a batch of every week. When you make it with a whole chicken carcass, some chicken feet, and a glug of apple cider vinegar, it cools into a thick, gelatinous texture, marking it as being high in gelatin. Bone broth is also high in protein and minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium. Gelatin, which is what is created by cooking down the collagen present in animal bones, is amazing for our skin, hair, and nails, as well as our gut lining.
Ingredients Needed:
Loose leaf dried nettles
Miso paste (white miso used here)
Bone Broth
Directions:
Create a nettle infusion
Add 1 tbsp nettle for every 1 cup of water to a jar.
Heat water until it is almost to a boil, pour hot water over the nettles.
Stir, cover, and let infuse for a minimum of 4 hours (I tend to let my infusions sit out overnight).
Strain once done infusing.
In a pot, add 1 part nettle infusion and 1 part bone broth
Heat until it just starts to boil
Remove from heat and mix in 1 spoonful of miso paste
Taste and adjust
Enjoy!!!
Finding simple, easy ways to nourish myself is such an evolving practice, and this miso-nettle broth has become of my favorites. If you give it a try, let me know how you make it your own—I always love to hear how people makes recipes their own when in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to incorporate other herbs into your infusion, such as calendula, or oatstraw, or even omit the chicken broth completely if you don’t have any on hand. This is simply how I make this combination the most, but you can try it anyway you like. Enjoy!