In this blog, we discuss what is nettle tea, what are the benefits of nettle tea, disadvantages of this tea, how to make nettle tea, and also cover some popular brands of nettle tea.
What is Nettle?
Nettle (AKA ‘stinging nettle’) is a plant found in northern Europe and Asia. The scientific name of this tea plant is ‘Urtica Dioica’. Nettle leaf has zig-zagged edges and long tips.
The basic use of these tea plant leaves is to heal painful joints, muscles, arthritis, eczema, anemia, and gout. Also, nettle roots are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), hay fever, and inflammation.
What is Nettle Tea?
Nettle tea is a tea that is made from the leaves of the nettle plant. As a taste wise this herbal tea is the same as green tea.
Benefits of Nettle Tea
Nettle tea could keep you calmer in a day without bringing the usual brain haze. You may feel more productive, energetic, healthy, and purposeful after drinking this green liquid.
The plant is believed to be a robust blood purifier that flushes out toxins from the body while making an excellent choice to add to your daily routine. Some people also use this tea for weight loss. Because this herb has astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammation properties.
1. Boosts Immunity
Antioxidant properties of nettle tea help to boost the immune system in any human. Biologically active compounds present in nettle leaves, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, minerals, and vitamins further add up to strengthening the immune system and aid in preventing oxidative stress to maintain good health.
2. Improve Brain Health
If you want to experience a light mood, or chase those feel-good hormones, sip a cup of nettle tea!
Studies prove that people who consume this tea daily, experience high levels of serotonin hormone, which is good to boost their cognitive reflexes. Also, this published study shows that this tea is a good source of antioxidants.
3. Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Approximately 50% of men whose age is above 50 years suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate gland.
Although there is no scientific evidence for the causes of this condition, it’s sure that BPH could cause extreme discomfort during urination. This study shows that the consumption of nettle may help treat BPH by preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
4. Control Blood Pressure Levels
Stinging nettle has been traditionally used to treat high levels of blood pressure. There have been several published studies that stated its impact on lowering blood pressure levels after regular consumption. However, those were specifically animal research studies mentioned here.
It has also been shown to raise the antioxidant defenses of the heart in animal research studies. However, there’s still a requirement for proper human-based research to accurately claim this benefit.
5. Beneficial for Hairs
Nettle tea not only helps combat hair loss, but it also helps in hair re-growth. These leaves are rich in sulfur and silica to offer you a healthier and shinier look on tea consumption. Furthermore, they help in restoring the original color of hair. To take the benefits of nettle tea, use the nettle tea for hair rinse while making sure it’s not too hot while massaging your hair with tea.
6. Nettle Tea Benefits for Skin Health
Does nettle tea benefit your skin? Answer is when your physical, emotional, and mental being is fit, you will automatically be benefitted from skin concerns. And, this is what I’ve learned about nettle tea consumption.
Since nettle tea is therapeutic on various levels, it is known as a nutritional powerhouse which is a slimming, detoxifying, and pain relieving diuretic for hair and skin beautification.
The nutrient load of nettle tea will further help you restore your vitamin deficiency. Nettle is loaded with potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, beta-carotene, and amino acids. Thus, it helps boost your metabolism, and skin health.
Moreover, nettle tea leaves are gentle diuretics that automatically assist the body in the process and flush out toxins. It detoxifies your kidneys and bladder to soothe and prevent UTIs, or urinary tract infections.
7. Strengthens Bones
Nettle leaf contains amino acids, flavonoids, protein, calcium, iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. That’s why it is a good source to make your bones fit and powerful.
There is a published study in the journal Food Science and Nutrition in 2016, that suggests minerals and vitamins present in nettle tea have the potential to give you better bone health.
8. Nettle Tea for Allergies
Nettle tea is anti-inflammatory and may reduce the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies on regular consumption within limits. Although the nettle tea leaves are quite irritating when touched to the skin, drinking them in the tea form helps alleviate allergic symptoms.
It is super beneficial to treat skin issues like acne and eczema. Nettle tea is a natural antihistamine that is shown to offer relief in the dread allergy season. It would be a good fit if you are likely to suffer from red eyes, itchy skin, sneezing, a runny nose, headaches, and sinus pressure.
Histamines are found in various common foods, especially fermented ones, such as red wine, aged cheese, and sauerkraut, and also in some fruits, veggies, eggs, and seasonings. Histamines are used to cause inflammation, redness, and irritation in the body when produced in response to dietary, or environmental protein, also called ‘antigens.’
Disadvantages of Nettle Tea
Being a herbal medicine, or remedy, nettle tea is also not far from certain side effects! Even though it’s generally safe to consume for adults, you may experience some common side effects after drinking this herbal tea. So, let’s discuss them in brief here!
Some people have got an allergic reaction to nettle infusions with symptoms like hives. However, we’ve already mentioned the allergic reaction to touching nettle plants, which could be a result of pollen allergy to allergic rhinitis.
It might also cause constipation, diarrhea, and upset stomach in some people. And, it is strictly unsafe to take during pregnancy as it might prompt uterine contractions and can cause a miscarriage. Also, you should stay on the safer side to avoid using nettle tea, even while breastfeeding.
What is nettle tea good for is its herbal properties, but only when consumed in moderation while keeping in mind the points mentioned above. You can also consider seeking the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional, especially when you’re already on medications.
How to Make Nettle Tea?
To take the benefits of fresh nettle tea, grow nettle leaves in your backyard. Instead of this, you can purchase loose nettle tea.
- Add leaves to the water and boil this water for about 10-15 minutes.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour this mixture into a cup.
- Add honey or cinnamon powder to your tea if you don’t like the taste of this tea.
Note:
- Two cups of hot water for each cup of leaves
- You can also use readymade nettle teabags instead of loose tea leaves.
- Start with 1 cup of nettle tea. If you find any reaction from this tea, then immediately contact your doctor.
Best 3 Nettle Tea Brands
Some popular brands have also made this treasure trove of nutrients easily available in go-to packaging. This section is dedicated to reviewing these famous nettle tea brands that people have loved consuming over the years.
1. Hanan Nettle Tea
This is a Peruvian nettle tea available in a count of 25 tea bags at Amazon. It is a recommended product by the brand, especially for anti-inflammatory and digestive health issues. These are dried nettle leaves and roots that are 100% vegan-friendly, and ethically sourced from the wild. Moreover, the users of this tea even love to buy it each month!
2. Good Nature Organic Nettle Tea
This is a Good Nature Organic nettle tea made from organic detoxifying nettles. If you’re looking for a wholly organic tea, don’t go far as this tea comes with zero artificial colors, flavors, sugars, or preservatives. It’s one bag containing 20 teas fit to cover almost your month for regular use.
3. Hyles Natural Wellness Nettle Leaves with Black Tea
It is a blend of nettle tea with black tea by the renowned brand Hyles Natural Wellness. It is a 100% natural product with no added colors or preservatives.
Conclusion
So, this is all about the benefits of nettle tea you should know about! Make sure you’ve read each benefit as well as disadvantage carefully before coming to any decision. I’ve also listed some of the popular nettle tea brands available on Amazon if you’re looking to begin this herbal tea journey rather with a safer side.
FAQs
Q. What is nettle tea good for?
Ans. This tea reduces inflammation, is a good source of antioxidants, and contains many micronutrients like phosphorus, carotene, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, alpha-linolenic acid, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.
Q. Is it safe to drink nettle tea every day?
Ans. I’d like to advise you first try this herbal tea for a few days in a row before making it your daily routine. Also, you should consider consulting your doctor, especially when you’re on any medications, and altogether avoid this tea if you’re pregnant.
Q. What if I drink too much tea in a day?
Ans. You may experience mild side effects, such as diarrhea, indigestion, runny nose, and so on, due to the excess consumption of nettle tea.
Q. How many cups of nettle tea is suggested to drink in a day?
Ans. If you don’t have any allergic reaction then you can drink 1 cup or 32 ounces of tea.
Q. What does nettle do to the skin?
Ans. Nettle tea is loaded with astringents that are useful to treat skin issues, such as dry, greasy, itchy, and inflamed skin due to chicken pox, insect bites, and even eczema.
Q. Does nettle tea cause hair loss?
Ans. No, nettle tea helps prevent hair loss by blocking DHT and inflammation, the two main reasons that cause hair fall.
Q. Does nettle tighten our skin?
Ans. Yes, drinking nettle tea can naturally tighten, and shrink the pores of the skin while also nourishing the upper layer of your skin.
Q. What medications does nettle tea interfere with?
Ans. Some of the possible medicinal interactions are high blood pressure drugs, water pills, blood-thinning drugs, drugs for diabetes, NSAIDs, lithium, etc.
Q. Does nettle tea raise blood sugar?
Ans. No, nettle tea may help regulate your blood sugar levels by decreasing blood glucose, reducing inflammation, and increasing insulin secretion in people with Type-2 diabetes.
