Nettle Tea: Nature’s Panacea
Nettle tea is made from the dried leaves of the stinging nettle plant, Latin name Urtica dioca, and also known as common nettle. This humble plant can be found growing in the wild in most temperate areas of the United States, Canada, Northern Europe and parts of Asia. It can be harvested from the wild for making nettle tea – with care, however. It comes by it’s name honestly and the tiny hairs on fresh leaves and stems can sting the skin. Dried leaves, however, pose no threat.
In addition to its high nutrient and mineral content, there are also numerous other nettle tea benefits. It can be used to treat arthritis, pain and inflammation, rheumatism, allergic rhinitis, kidney problems and prostate enlargement just to name a few. In fact, there’s not much that won’t be improved by consuming the herb on a regular basis.
Nettle has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine and folk medicine around the world. The herb has also been studied in modern times in relation to treating a variety of ailments. American herbalist Susun S. Weed recommends drinking a glass of nettle tea each morning as an energy booster and tonic to improve overall health.
Although most people think of nettle tea as an internal remedy, it can also be used externally in a variety of beneficial applications. The tea can be made into herbal shampoos and hair rinses to treat dandruff and itchy scalp, or used to create foot baths, wound washes and poultices. Nettle leaf is a powerful anti-inflammatory, both internally and externally, particularly in the case of skin problems and inflamed joints.
Nettle side effects are virtually nonexistent. However, because of the herb’s diuretic properties, it may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels if taken in conjunction with blood pressure lowering medications. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before consuming nettle tea if you’re currently taking any kind of prescription medication.
Tags: nettle, nettle leaf, nettle plant, nettle tea, stinging nettle
