I just finished a cup of nettle leaf tea. I added a little unprocessed honey, sat on my patio and enjoyed my cup of tea as I recorded a GoLive video session.
What are the benefits of nettle leaf tea? Is there a downside to this tea? Wait! Isn’t nettle the plant that irritates the skin?
Stinging Nettle Plant
Urtica dioica are known as stinging nettles because the plants’ stems and leaves are covered in hairs that burn the skin when touched. Urtica means “burn” and the stinging or burning sensation is caused by acids and proteins in the nettle plant’s hairs.
A nettle plant is of the family Urticaceae that includes tropical vines and shrubs. Nettles are in the genus Urtica and the species dioica. Dioica means “two houses;” the nettle has all male or all female flowers rather than a mixture. Interesting that this plant is either male or female.
Benefits of Nettle Tea
Nettle leaf tea is a nutrient-dense drink that contains phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins, especially A and K.
Many of the benefits associated with nettle leaf tea aside from the vitamins it contains, is its high vitamin A content supports cell differentiation, healthy vision and robust immune response. The vitamin K in nettle leaf tea supports cellular functions, including blood clotting and bone metabolism.
In addition to providing nutrients, eating stinging nettles and drinking nettle leaf tea may also provide specific health benefits. Some of benefits these include analgesic pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects as well as antioxidant protection. The nettle plant may also defend against bacterial, fungal and viral infections and help lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Nettle leaf contains higher levels of vitamin B
- Nettle leaf is rich in minerals and nutrients, ranging from sulphur and sodium, to magnesium, calcium and iron
- Nettle leaf provides a good source for protein
Precautions of Using Nettle Leaf
As with many herbs, the most common side effect is an allergic reaction after ingesting nettle leaf tea. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include the development of a rash or hives with a stinging or burning sensation.
There are a couple of other cautions to be aware of, too. Nettle leaf tea is contraindicated for people who use blood thinners due to its high vitamin K content. Pregnant women shouldn’t drink nettle leaf tea, since it may cause uterine contractions.
Vitamin K is used to help the blood clot, so if you are on an anticoagulant, do not drink nettle tea. Drinking or ingesting nettle leaf will counteract the anticoagulant treatment.
I encourage you to learn more about the nettle plant.
