Stinging Nettle is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Urticaceae.
The Health Benefits of Nettle Tea
1. Urinary tract health
Nettle may help flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract. This can benefit people who have urinary conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
2. Arthritis and pain
Nettle has historically been used to treat pain and sore muscles, especially related to arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that nettle tea may also reduce the inflammation and pain association with osteoarthritis.
3. Blood sugar management
Nettle has shown some promising effects on blood glucose levels. It may help the pancreas make or release more insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar.
In a 2013 study, nettle leaf extract lowered blood glucose and A1C in a group of people with type 2 diabetes who were taking insulin as well as oral diabetes medications.
4. The power of polyphenols
Nettle is high in plant chemicals called polyphenols. A review of the research on polyphenols suggests that these powerful compounds may play a role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases related to inflammation, such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.
5. It can cure eczema and other skin diseases.
Do you know that drinking nettle tea helps to flush out toxins from the body? This gives you blemish-free skin and helps to treat eczema.
6. A good tonic for women.
Nettle tea is rich in iron and helps to fight anemia. Pregnant women should drink nettle tea to prevent bleeding and makes the fetus strong. Nettle also functions as a galactagogue, that is, a substance that stimulates milk production in nursing mothers. Young women can also drink nettle tea to prevent the bloating and cramps that accompany the onset of the menstrual cycle. It reduces fibroids and regulates the menstrual flow and prevents menopause symptoms in women by processing estrogen.
Even all-natural foods and drinks like tea can cause allergic reactions or interact with certain medications.So be sure to talk to your doctor before you try any new herb or supplement.
Resources
Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN on December 20, 2018 — Written by Erin Moore
This is great reading specially as we stationed at Uttrakhand see Nettle Leaves nestling the whole area. I would love to see the write up on how Bora Sir prepares tea from Nettle Leaves and the vegetable preparation.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more from you.