Related Articles
The benefits of drinking nettle tea include relieving arthritis pain, preventing kidney diseases, immunity enhancement, and more.
Nettle is a herb known for its medicinal properties. It is commonly consumed in the form of tea to improve a variety of health aspects such as:
- Prevention of coronary diseases
- Beneficial for intestine health
- Immunity enhancement
- Prevention of kidney diseases
- Allergy soothing
- Helps treat urinary tract infection
- Relieves arthritis pain
Nettle is believed to be a powerful blood air purifier that removes toxins from the body, making it an excellent addition to your daily routine. Antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, and anti-inflammation properties are all present in the herb.
Each cup of nettle tea contains the following ingredients:
- Vitamins A, B, and K
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Folate
- Carbohydrates (71.33 percent)
- Fat (2.36 percent)
- Proteins (25.8 percent)
- Carotene
It is also rich in minerals such as:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Copper
- Magnesium
Nettle tea can provide these health benefits due to its medicinal properties and contents.
13 benefits of nettle tea
- Boosts immunity:
- Nettle tea contains anti-oxidant levels as well as vitamins A and C, which help boost the immune system. Scientists discovered that nettle stimulates T-cells, which help the body fight infection and other diseases.
- Nettle leaf tea contains biologically active compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids (quercetin), vitamins, and minerals. These benefits include the ability to form and maintain a strong immune system, as well as the antioxidant properties of this herb, which can neutralize harmful radicals and flush toxins from the body.
- According to a study, nettle leaf tea aids in the prevention of oxidative stress and the maintenance of good health.
- Supports brain function:
- According to studies, nettle tea can help improve brain function and even create a slight mood boost. Studies report that people who consume nettle tea may have a higher level of serotonin levels, which helps with cognitive reflexes.
- A good tea for women:
- Nettle tea is high in iron and can help with anemia in patients with low blood count.
- Nettle tea is used during pregnancy to help stimulate uterine contractions. As a result, nettle tea is only recommended for women who have a delayed birth or labor that is unusually slow.
- Nettle tea is also a galactagogue or a substance that stimulates milk production in nursing mothers.
- In young women, it helps avoid bloating and cramping that comes with the start of their menstrual cycle. By processing estrogen, reduces fibroids, regulates menstrual flow, and prevents menopausal symptoms in women.
- Controls inflammation:
- Normalizes high blood pressure:
- Nettle tea contains a phenolic compound that lowers systolic blood pressure. According to studies, drinking this tea regularly can help normalize blood pressure.
- Lowers blood cholesterol levels:
- Nettle contains beta-sitosterol, which helps lower the body's absorption of cholesterol and thus maintain a healthy heart and arteries.
- Allergies and lung disorders:
- The herb nettle has antihistaminic properties. This herb is a histamine antagonist and an inhibitor of mast cell tryptase, and it is used as a “natural” alternative for clearing allergies from the sinuses and treating allergic rhinitis.
- Because over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can cause drowsiness, seizures, and dry mouth, nettle tea may be a good alternative for those who are sensitive.
- For centuries, nettle tea has been used as a tonic to relieve the symptoms of lung disorders.
- Patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, and the common cold may include this tea in their diet.
- Prevents kidney diseases and other urinary and bladder problems:
- Nettle tea benefits the kidneys by increasing urine output and uric acid removal. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it improves kidney function and urinary flow.
- Nettle tea is a natural diuretic that promotes proper fluid flow in the kidneys and bladder, preventing kidney stones from forming.
- According to research, nettle tea can help flush toxins from the urinary tract as well as support the medications used to treat urinary tract infections.
- Few studies report that nettle can slow the multiplication of prostate cells in the same way that finasteride (a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia) does. This herb has been approved for the treatment of symptoms such as decreased flow rate, painful urination, and so on. It can inhibit the prostatic conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone), thereby aiding in the reduction of prostate size in hypertrophy.
- Good for digestion:
- Nettle tea can help with indigestion, nausea, excess gas, colitis, and celiac disease. It also prevents diarrhea by killing parasites and worms in the intestine.
- Hair growth and skincare:
- Herbalists recommend nettle tea for hair growth, claiming that the silica in nettles strengthens hair and nails, and its other properties improve circulation and decrease shedding.
- Nettle tea may help in skin conditions such as eczema and rashes.
- According to some studies, nettle tea can help treat hives and urticaria. While the nettle leaf hair contains histamine and frequently causes hives, the extract of the leaves may contain compounds that can soothe hives by turning off the inflammatory response.
- Aids in weight loss:
- Those who want to lose weight should consume it regularly. Because nettle tea flushes toxins from the body, it is known as a powerful detox beverage. A cup of nettle tea can help you lose weight by improving your metabolism.
- Benefits bone health:
- Nettle tea can help with osteoarthritis and joint pain. Nettle herb's anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties make it an effective treatment for joint inflammation, arthritic pain, rheumatism, and sciatica.
- Nettle leaf contains a high concentration of beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, which aid in the age-related gradual breakdown of bone minerals. As a result, overall bone health is improved.
- Nettle tea for diabetes:
- There has been preliminary research into the use of nettle tea for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In diabetic patients, it was found to be effective in lowering interleukin 6 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein, both of which are markers of inflammation. It had a significant effect on the glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes, according to studies.
- However, patients should be aware that researchers studied nettle leaf extract (one 500-mg capsule every eight hours for three months) in combination with conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs, implying that nettle tea could be a useful complementary treatment, particularly for pre-diabetics.
Nettle leaf tea is an excellent preventive measure for the flu, allergies, and other allergic conditions. Furthermore, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective health drink.
Herbal teas high in antioxidants, such as nettle tea, are best for eliminating free radicals and preventing oxidative stress in the body, lowering the risk of cancer and chronic diseases.
Is it really safe to drink nettle tea during pregnancy?
The American Pregnancy Association lists nettles as having "insufficient reliable information" to determine whether they are safe to use during pregnancy.
- However, many homeopathic physicians, midwives, and herbalists use nettles to treat pregnant women.
- The best advice is to ask your treating doctor or provider if nettles are safe to consume during pregnancy.
- If you want to be completely safe, avoid nettle tea during pregnancy. If you choose to drink nettle tea for its health benefits, do so sparingly and only during the second and third trimesters.
What are the possible side effects of nettle tea?
When used correctly, this herb usually has no side effects; however, it can result in the following:
- Allergic reactions are possible though extremely rare.
- In rare cases, nettle tea can cause stomach cramps or diarrhea. If this occurs, discontinue or reduce your use of it.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should sparingly use the herb in consultation with the doctor. This is because it can act as a diuretic.
- Nettle can alter the effects of blood pressure medications. These include diuretics and antihypertensive medications.
- Nettle preparations are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation and should not be used in children under the age of 12 years due to their effects on androgen and estrogen metabolism.
The dose of nettle tea should be limited to 300 mg one or two times daily. Nettle should not be taken if you are taking any medications, herbs, or other supplements.
Before continuing, consult your doctor if any side effects are observed.