Stinging Nettle Tea

Herbs and herbal teas have long been used by humans for improving health as well as to treat various ailments. Stinging nettle is one such plant that is native to Europe, certain parts of Asia, Africa and North America. This plant has numerous stinging hair on the leaves and stems. On contact with the skin, these hair inject a combination of some chemicals, thereby causing a burning sensation, along with itching. So, the plant is named as stinging nettle, burn hazel and burn weed. It has been a source of food, fiber and herbal medicine, throughout the centuries. As far as the therapeutic purposes of stinging nettle is concerned, the plant is used in various forms like poultices, dried leaf powder and herbal tea.

More about Stinging Nettle Tea

This herbal tea that can be prepared with dried or fresh leaves of the plant. Nowadays, you may buy stinging nettle tea bags that can be used for preparing this herbal tea. Even though the plant has stinging hair, such hair will not cause any problem once the leaves are dried or cooked. Stinging nettle leaf tea has long been used for various purposes like weight loss, blood purification, as acne treatment and for treating certain ailments. The herb is also used in combination with other herbs, for treatment of specific diseases.

Stinging Nettle Tea Benefits

This herbal tea is widely used for treating arthritis and rheumatism. It is said that during ancient times, people with these medical conditions were whipped with stinging nettles, for relief from the pain caused by these conditions. But, nowadays this practice is not being followed and instead of that, stinging nettle tea is used for treating the same. The leaves of the plant are crushed and applied on the joints for relief from pain. This herbal tea is claimed to have detoxifying properties and so is widely used as a blood purifier.

Claimed to be a diuretic, this herbal tea is used for lowering high blood pressure and for weight loss. This herb is believed to have the properties of a blood builder and so, it is used for treating anemia and other disorders of the blood. It is also used for treating cold and flu and is also claimed to be highly effective in countering allergies. You might have heard about the use of this herbal tea for conditions like hay fever. As it boosts the functioning of the pancreas, stinging nettle is also used in treating high blood sugar levels. Even the disorders of the urinary tract are said to be treated with stinging nettle tea. It is said to be beneficial in treating disorders of the liver, gallbladder and spleen. This herbal tea is also used for treating stomach ulcers, lung congestion and abdominal cramps too.

How to Make Stinging Nettle Tea

In order to make this herbal tea, you may use dried or fresh nettle leaves. If you are using fresh leaves, make sure to wear gloves while collecting the leaves so as to prevent skin rash. For one cup of stinging nettle tea, you have to add a cup a boiling water to fresh or dried nettle leaves and let it steep for five minutes before straining. If you are using fresh leaves (the young shoots are used), then you need ¼ cup of the freshly cut leaves. In case, you are using dried leaves, two teaspoons will be sufficient for a cup of this herbal tea. You may sweeten it with honey.

In short, stinging nettle tea is used for boosting overall health, as well as to treat some ailments. However, as in case of other herbs, it should be used as per the instructions of a qualified herbal practitioner. In other words, it is better to avoid use of this herbal tea on your own, especially, if you are using it for treating any medical condition. Try to stick to the prescribed dosage and avoid long-term use. Even though it is a safe herb, some people may experience certain stinging nettle tea side effects. It may include a stomach upset, skin rash and nausea. Use of this herbal tea must be avoided by pregnant and nursing women and those who are taking blood thinning medication, diabetes drugs, diuretics, NSAIDs and medication for high blood pressure.