If you have been following me on Facebook, you already know that I have been enjoying nettles for the first time. Since getting a big bag from Mountain Rose Herbs, I now always have a jar made in my fridge so I can enjoy a cup each morning. Don’t know much about nettle? I’m going to share with you the long list of benefits and I’m also going to show you how to make it – its so easy!
Nettle has been used for 1000’s of years yet it seems to be overseen by most people. This simple dried leaf is a warehouse of vitamins & minerals and 16 amino acids. Not only does it contain vitamins A, C, D, E, and K as well as the B vitamin varieties of thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2), but it has a long list of beneficial minerals. The nettle plant is loaded with calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sulfur, and zinc. Its deep green foliage is ultimately evident of its high chlorophyll and B-carotene content. It has been claimed that the effects of drinking just two cups a day could improve your health.
- Nettle leaf is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and curbs the action of cytokines which induces inflammation and pain in joints. Nettle tea is known to alleviate gout and arthritic pain in patients of rheumatism. Nettle leaves also prevents the production of chemicals called prostaglandins which are known to induce bodily inflammation.
- Nettles contain lectins which help to neutralize toxic antigens in the body. It is therefore an immunomodulator and an immune strengthener.
- It is a powerful blood purifier.
- It helps clear skin of acne and eczema.
- Nettle is used to increase fertility in both men and women.
- Nettles act as diuretics that help the body expel increased and unnecessary amounts of uric acid and bacteria in the body, which in turn limits the chances of developing UTI’s. It can also dilute any formed kidney stones, washes toxic matter out of the system, purifying blood by forcing kidneys to discharge higher levels of water.
- Nettles have high iron content that helps people battling anemia. It helps the body replenish red blood cells by aiding the body to produce sufficient amounts of hemoglobin in RBC’s.
- Expecting mothers should drink plenty of nettle tea, especially through the last few months of pregnancy which reduces the chances of excessive bleeding during child delivery, and possible chances of hemorrhage in newborns. Consumption post-birth is also very wise because Nettles boost the production of milk in lactating mothers.
- Nettles are highly reputable for treating allergies. It clears up the respiratory tracts, helps eject phlegm from the body, and aids treatment of chronic diseases related to the mucus membranes of the bronchi. Drinking 3 healthy cups of nettle tea a day can keep springtime pollinosis away, as per the University of Maryland. In fact, one should begin consumption of the tea before the season of allergies commences for optimum protection. Nettle tea is also said to be helpful in the treatment of asthma. The plant’s seeming ability to fight allergic infections is what makes it a good ally against asthma.
- Drinking Nettle Tea can help alleviate diarrhea and relieve pain from hemorrhoids. It also acts as an intestinal wash, eradicating worms or combating bad bacteria.
- Nettle tea is known to lower blood sugar levels and thus is sometimes used to treat diabetics
- Nettle tea is a wondrous muscular spasmolyte and magical curative of leg cramps owing to its high calcium content.