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What are the Health Benefits of Nettle Tea?
Some of the health benefits of nettle tea may include relief from hay fever, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and arthritis. Many pregnant women also use it to increase their breast milk supply and enhance its quality. Drinking nettle tea could provide a number of other benefits, such as boosting the body's immune system and improving digestion. It could also lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Nettle tea is made from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant. It is native to most of the continents and can normally be found growing in heavily wooded areas. Stinging nettles grow to about 6.5 feet (2 m) high, and typically come back each year in the same spot. Nettles are referred to as stinging because the leaves literally sting anything that comes in contact with them. It may be a good idea for a person harvesting nettles to wear protective covering, such as long-sleeved shirts and gloves.
The health benefits of nettle tea have been widely known for hundreds of years. Some of the earliest documentation of nettle tea use for medicinal purposes dates back to medieval times. In those days, people found it useful for bringing down fevers and stopping coughs. Nettle tea was also a popular antidote for many poisons. It is still known for its many medicinal properties and continues to be useful to people worldwide for treating a number of different ailments.
A person who wants to receive the possible health benefits of nettle tea should typically drink two cups per day. It could take a few weeks before the body is used to the drink, so it may be advisable for someone who has never had it before to start with just one cup or less daily. Introducing new substances to the diet often brings about a risk of an allergic reaction, although it's very uncommon for a person to be allergic to nettles. People who have allergies to ragweed are more likely to have allergies to nettles, and this makes it even more important for them to use caution when drinking nettle tea for the first time.
There are some possible side effects a person drinking nettle tea might experience. Apart from allergic reactions, there is also a small chance that the tea could interact with certain prescription medication or other supplements. Nettle teat and medicine for lowering blood pressure may be a particularly bad combination because it could result in the blood pressure dropping too much. In spite of the possible health benefits of nettle tea, it is typically not a good idea for anyone taking supplements or medication to begin drinking the tea without first asking their doctor.
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![Nettle tea might boost breast milk quality and supply.]()
By: KzenonNettle tea might boost breast milk quality and supply. -
![Nettle tea is made from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant.]()
By: ondrej83Nettle tea is made from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant. -
![Some health benefits of nettle tea include relief form hay fever, premenstrual syndrome, and arthritis.]()
By: Magdalena KucovaSome health benefits of nettle tea include relief form hay fever, premenstrual syndrome, and arthritis. -
![Diabetics should only drink nettle tea as a supplement to a healthy diet and insulin use.]()
By: Gordan JankulovDiabetics should only drink nettle tea as a supplement to a healthy diet and insulin use. -
![Nettle tea may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure.]()
By: RidoNettle tea may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. -
![Nettle tea may be helpful in relieving coughs.]()
By: KittyNettle tea may be helpful in relieving coughs. -
![People who are taking medications or supplements should speak with their doctors prior to drinking nettle tea.]()
By: VILeviPeople who are taking medications or supplements should speak with their doctors prior to drinking nettle tea.
Discussion Comments
The great thing about nettle tea is that you can easily grow the nettle plants and make your own tea whenever you want.
You can buy seeds and then begin growing the plants inside while the weather is still cold if you live in a place with cold winters. You don't want to put them outside before the last frost.
After four to six weeks you can transplant the nettles in an outside garden. Be sure to place them about 12 inches apart to allow for growth. While young, the plants will need plenty of water, but once they mature the plants can survive with little water.
The stinging nettle plant can be prepared in salads as well as in teas. I prefer eating them in a salad mixed with other vegetables because of the different tastes produced with the possible combinations of vegetables.
You can also boil the nettles like you do other leafy vegetables. When they are prepared this way, many of the nutrients will be found in the juice rather than in the leaves.
I have tried an extensive variety of herbal tea products. I believe they should be a significant part of a good preventive care program. Even though I know a good amount about these teas, I was surprised when a clerk at the store where I purchase many of my teas suggested I try nettle tea for tendinitis.
I took the clerks recommendation and have been drinking the tea regularly for several months. The tendinitis in my arm seems to be better, but I am hesitant to give all the credit to the nettle tea at this point. I'll have to wait and see what happens in the future when I am back to playing tennis three times a week.
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