Urtica Dioica or stinging nettle has been used for medicinal purposes since prehistoric times. There are frequent examples of people using this herb to cure illnesses throughout Brazil, Northern Europe, Asia, South America and other parts of the world. Stinging nettle supplements are readily available online and in health food stores. This herb is becoming more popular due to its health properties and benefits, though many argue about the potential side effects of regularly drinking nettle tea.
First of all, take a look at how to make nettle tea as well as some of its benefits:
Benefits of Nettle Tea
1. Anti-Inflammation
Nettle tea extract contains hox alpha which helps to minimize the effects of cytokines that cause inflammation of the joints. Consuming nettle tea can help to minimize symptoms from rheumatism or gout and can help to produce prostaglandins that reduce inflammation in the body.
2. A Storehouse of Sterols
This herb is so full of sterols that drinking nettle tea will minimize dihydrotestosterone levels to help limit the threat of hyperplasia or enlargement of the prostate.
3. Immunity Boost
The lectins in nettle tea act like antibodies that can help to neutralize toxic antigens, strengthening the body’s immune system. Nettles are known to be effective against at least 9 types of dangerous microbes.
4. Natural Diuretic
Nettles contain flavonoids that help to deobstruct the flow of urine, limiting the need to use the bathroom during the night. Nettle tea acts as a natural diuretic that will help to remove excessive uric acid that can lead to urinary tract infections. This will also purify the blood by flushing toxins out of the kidneys and encouraging them to expel larger amounts of water.
5. High Iron Content
The large amount of iron in nettles is beneficial for those that suffer from anemia by encouraging the regeneration of red blood cells and replenishing the body’s hemoglobin.
6. Blood Clot Booster
Nettles are very high in vitamin K which is a natural blood thinner. Drinking nettle tea can help women reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during childbirth and limit the risk of hemorrhage in newborns.
7. Worm Eradicator
Nettle tea can act as an intestinal wash, helping to rinse away worms in the enteral tract.
8. Milk Production Booster
Drinking nettle tea after you have given birth can help to increase milk production in those that are lactating.
9. Allergy Relief
Many drink nettle tea to help relieve allergies to cats or bronchial allergies including rhinitis, asthma or sinusitis. This beverage helps to clear phlegm from the body so help reduce symptoms commonly associated with these conditions.
10. Diarrhea Relief
Those suffering from diarrhea can sip nettle tea to seek relief. This beverage helps to calm the anal sphincter to help reduce hemorrhoids as well.
11. Rich Source of Vitamin C
Nettle tea is very high in vitamin C, helping those that consume this beverage to avoid chronic headaches, leg cramps or spiking blood sugar levels.
Side Effects of Nettle Tea
Like most recommended supplements, nettle tea may come with side effects, though it is rare for someone to report suffering side effects from drinking nettle tea. Those that have suffered from side effects from using nettle tea are often isolated with people just suffering from one side effect. Some are allergic to nettle tea, and the supplement may interfere with some medications. It is always best to consult your doctor before consuming nettle tea to ensure that these risks will not affect your use of the tea.
1. Allergies
While allergic reactions to nettle tea are rare, they are important to consider before consuming this beverage. Those that are allergic to ragweed may also be allergic to nettle tea. These allergies often cause rashes but it may also cause gastric irritation including sensitive stomach or stomach ulcers.
2. Reaction with Other Medications
Nettle tea is rich in vitamin K which can cause blood clotting. Those taking medication to treat high blood pressure may find that consuming nettle tea can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Those taking a diuretic while taking nettle tea can deplete their body’s supply of water to a dangerous level. Those that are taking medications for diabetes may see a dip in their sugar levels that can fall below healthy levels. Finally, those that are taking anti-depressants that contain lithium may be at risk of developing dehydration and lithium toxicity if they consume nettle tea at the same time.