Stinging nettle tea health benefits include reducing inflammation, lowering blood sugar levels, and supporting a healthy urinary system.
Steeping dried leaves to make tea is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Originating in China, tea was initially used for medicinal purposes. Today, people drink tea for various reasons, including its taste, ability to stimulate or calm, and health benefits. One popular herbal option is nettle tea.
What is Nettle?
Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a shrub native to northern Europe and Asia. Its scientific name is Urtica dioica. The plant has attractive, heart-shaped leaves and yellow or pink flowers, but its stems are covered in tiny, stiff hairs that release stinging chemicals upon contact.
The leaf stems and roots of the nettle plant can be crushed and processed into powders, tinctures, creams, teas, and other forms. While nettle has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries, modern research supports many of its potential health benefits.
Urinary Tract Health
Nettle may help flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract, potentially benefiting individuals with conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH, which causes an enlarged prostate gland in men, can result in discomfort or difficulty urinating.
According to a 2013 study, men with BPH who took nettle extract experienced fewer symptoms than those who did not. Nettle may also complement medications used to treat urinary tract infections or related conditions. However, always consult your doctor to check for potential interactions between herbal remedies and prescribed medications.
Arthritis and Pain Relief
Historically, nettle has been used to alleviate pain and sore muscles, particularly in cases of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that nettle tea may help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Blood Sugar Management
Nettle has shown promising effects in managing blood glucose levels. It may stimulate the pancreas to produce or release more insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar.
In a 2013 study, nettle leaf extract reduced blood glucose and A1C levels in participants with type 2 diabetes who were using both insulin and oral diabetes medications.
The Power of Polyphenols
Nettle is rich in plant chemicals called polyphenols. Research on polyphenols indicates that these compounds may play a role in preventing and managing chronic diseases related to inflammation, such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.
Notably, polyphenols extracted from nettle have shown potential in treating breast and prostate cancers. Additionally, plants like nettle are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from ageing and cellular damage.
How to Make Stinging Nettle Tea
You can purchase nettle tea as loose leaves or in tea bags. Alternatively, you can grow or harvest the leaves yourself. When using fresh leaves, experiment with the ratio of nettle to water, but a general guideline is two cups of water for every cup of leaves. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Add water to the leaves.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil.
- Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to steep for five minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine sieve.
- Add honey, cinnamon, or stevia if desired.
Begin with one cup of nettle tea to ensure you do not experience any adverse reactions.
Warnings
Consult your doctor before trying any new herb or supplement. Even natural products like nettle tea can cause allergic reactions or interact with medications. Certain herbs and supplements may also be unsafe for individuals with specific health conditions.
Conclusion
Many people believe that part of tea’s appeal lies in the ritual of brewing it. Sipping a hot, steaming cup can provide a moment of peace or reflection. With its nutritional and health benefits, incorporating nettle tea into your routine may be a wise choice.
