Nettle tea, scientifically known as Urtica dioica has been used not only as a beverage but also for several medicinal purposes.
Stinging nettles have stiff hair on the leaves and stems which contain irritating chemicals that cause redness and itching when it comes in contact with the skin.
Nettle is a perennial flowering plant and is consumed generally in the form of tea.
Since ancient times, nettle has been used to treat health issues such as heart diseases, immune deficiency, and allergies and to improve digestion.
It is also popularly known as common nettle, burn nettle, and stinging nettle.
What Is nettle Tea?
Nettle tea is rich in nutrients, it boosts your metabolism and is also believed to be great for relieving joint pain and has great detoxifying properties.
Although nettle tea is beneficial for many reasons, but it may show a few side effects in some people.
Let’s learn more about nettle tea right away.
How To Prepare Nettle Tea?
Nettle tea is simply made by infusing nettle leaves into the water and bringing it to a boil.
You can make it strong or weak by increasing or reducing the number of nettle leaves in the water.
It can purify the toxins from your body and detox your blood.
Benefits Of Nettle Tea
Let’s take a quick a quick gander at noteworthy details regarding nettle tea, beginning with the few health benefits of Nettle tea-
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Improves Immune System
Nettle tea contains high amounts of vitamin C, which are known to effectively boost the immune system’s performance.
It contains compounds known as flavonoids and carotenoids which help in improving the immune system.
T cells are stimulated by their interaction with the compounds present in nettle.
T cells develop in the bone marrow and help[1] the body fight infection and some chronic illnesses as well.
The antioxidative properties of nettle tea help in neutralizing free radicals and thus prevents damage to the immune system caused by the harmful byproducts of cellular metabolism.
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Keeps Blood Pressure And Cholesterol In Check
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a health issue that has been rising all over the world due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle.
By incorporating nettle tea into your diet, you may keep your blood pressure levels in check.
Nettle tea consists of a compound called beta-sitosterol which lowers[2] the absorption of cholesterol in your body.
Cholesterol accumulates[3] inside the arteries which narrows the path of blood flow through them. It’s a common disorder.
This increases the pressure within the arteries and gives rise to problems like high blood pressure.
Drinking nettle tea regularly can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your body and keep your heart healthy.
In addition to this, it has been found that nettle tea has phenolic compounds which can help in lowering systolic pressure.
Hence, nettle tea along with some physical activity can help you to maintain a healthy heart.
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It May Help To Prevent Allergies
The tiny hair on the leaves and stem of nettle tea can cause allergies when brushed against your skin, but drinking nettle tea can help relieve allergies.
Nettle tea works as an antihistamine and may help[4] in relieving symptoms of sting bites, insect bites, conjunctivitis, and hives.
Antihistamines block histamine receptors and inhibit the release of chemicals that cause symptoms of allergy.
It has been traditionally used to treat hay fever. Nettle tea can also help you to treat skin allergies like eczema and acne.
Nettle leaves also have antimicrobial properties which prove effective for treating problems related to skin.
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Good For Hair And Skin
Nettle tea is recommended for good skin and hair. It can remove toxins from the body which would contribute to better skin health.
It can prove to be beneficial for those who have rashes and acne on their skin. It may also treat eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Nettle tea can also promote the growth of hair and nails. Consuming nettle tea regularly can provide you with better hair and skin quality.
Nettle leaf could even provide[5] a healing effect for burns and could provide some relief.
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Rich In Nutrients
Nettle tea is extremely[6] rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin B, and K as well.
It is rich in minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium.
Iron can help people suffering from health conditions like anemia. Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium along with vitamin K may help in maintaining bone and teeth health.
In addition to this, it is also rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids and terpenoids.
Therefore, including nettle tea in your diet provides you with a wide range of nutrients.
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Promotes Digestion
Issues related to digestion are common. Nettle tea can aid[7] good digestive health.
Because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, stinging nettle can promote good digestion.
Nettle tea can provide you relief from the symptoms of digestive problems such as colitis, celiac disease, gastric problems, and diarrhea.
It may also be beneficial in relieving constipation.
Nettle tea promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine which further makes it a good choice if you want to improve your digestive health.
It also has anti-microbial properties which makes it capable of killing intestinal worms and parasites.
Thus, consuming nettle tea every day can be extremely beneficial for your digestive health.
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Anti-Inflammatory
It is thought that the nettle leaf has some[8] anti-inflammatory qualities.
However, some people may develop allergies as a result of the fine hair that is present on its surface.
Nettle tea is recommended for people suffering from arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties which can help in reducing pain.
It can relieve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and headache as well.
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Can Help To Maintain Bone Health
It contains several vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, and silicon.
All these minerals play an important role in maintaining bone health. Stinging nettle may help[8] in new bone formation and reduce inflammation.
It also contains vitamin K which is another vitamin that activates a protein that helps in the accumulation of calcium in your bones thus, promoting bone health.
Nettle has pain relieving properties therefore, it can prove to be effective for people who have joint pain, arthritic pain, and sciatica.
It can also treat sore muscles and might help you to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Nettle tea can also prevent symptoms of osteoporosis in women who have entered their menopause phase.
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Promotes Kidney Health And Urinary Tract Health
Nettle tea can prove to be beneficial[9] for your kidney. It increases the output of urine from your body.
This leads to the removal of excessive uric acid present in your body. Nettle tea also helps in flushing out toxins along with the urine.
Since nettle tea is capable of naturally increasing the flow of urine from your body, it can prevent the formation of stones in your kidney.
It can also protect you from urinary tract infections as it is capable of inhibiting the growth of pathogens that cause urinary tract infections or UTIs.
It is found that the compounds present in nettle tea prevent the collection of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney which could lead to the development of kidney stones in the body.
It can also prove to be beneficial for those who are suffering from symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), as per the study[10].
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Manages Blood Sugar Levels
Nettle tea can manage blood sugar levels. It was found to be effective in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Nettle tea contains certain compounds that may mimic insulin and thus, help in managing glucose levels in your body.
Stinging nettles may reduce[11] the absorption of glucose in the intestine and increase the production of insulin which would further help in preventing sugar levels from spiking.
Possible Side Effects Of Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is natural and does not have any side effects if it is not consumed in excess.
However, in some cases, it may lead to some allergic reactions and might cause diarrhea or stomach aches.
It is advisable not to consume nettle tea if you are taking blood pressure medicines. Children under the age of 12 are also advised not to consume nettle tea.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid the consumption of nettle tea, as well.
You should be careful while directly touching nettle leaves or stems as it may lead to allergic reactions such as rashes, irritation, and redness.
In addition to this, nettle tea may interact with other medications which you are taking.
You should consult your doctor if you are consuming blood thinners or blood pressure medicines, diuretics, diabetes medication, and lithium-containing medicines.
The Essence
Nettle tea is extremely beneficial for your health. The allergy from the stiff hair found in nettles can easily be removed by drying it.
It can be beneficial for your overall health as it may control blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It can also promote weight loss.
Nettle tea is known for its nutrient contents and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
However, if you notice any side effects, you should immediately stop consuming it and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
References/Sources
Working4Health prefers using primary and verified references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and our primary references include peer-reviewed research, academic, and medical institution studies.
- Helper T Cells and Lymphocyte Activation. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26827/
- Marjan Nassiri-Asl , Farzaneh Zamansoltani, Esmail Abbasi, et al. Effects of Urtica dioica extract on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic rats. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2009 May;7(5):428-33. doi: 10.3736/jcim20090506.Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19435556/
- Atherosclerosis. Available from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000171.htm
- Mehdi Bakhshaee, Amir Hooshang Mohammad pour, Majid Esmaeili, et al. Efficacy of Supportive Therapy of Allergic Rhinitis by Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root extract: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled, Clinical Trial.Iran J Pharm Res. 2017 Winter; 16(Suppl): 112–118.
- Hosein Akbari, Mohammad Javad Fatemi, Maryam Iranpour, et al. The Healing Effect of Nettle Extract on Second Degree Burn Wounds. World J Plast Surg. 2015 Jan; 4(1): 23–28.
- Bhaskar Mani Adhikari, Alina Bajracharya, and Ashok K. Shrestha. Comparison of nutritional properties of Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) flour with wheat and barley flours. Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Jan; 4(1): 119–124. Published online 2015 Aug 7. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.259
- Dorota Kregiel, Ewelina Pawlikowska, and Hubert Antolak. Urtica spp.: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules. 2018 Jul; 23(7): 1664. Published online 2018 Jul 9. doi: 10.3390/molecules23071664
- Celal Irgin , Bayram Çörekçi , Fatih Ozan. Does stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) have an effect on bone formation in the expanded inter-premaxillary suture? Arch Oral Biol. 2016 Sep;69:13-8. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.05.003. Epub 2016 May 7. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27209059/
- Mina Cheraghi Nirumand, Marziyeh Hajialyani, Roja Rahimi, et al. Dietary Plants for the Prevention and Management of Kidney Stones: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence and Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Mar; 19(3): 765. Published online 2018 Mar 7. doi: 10.3390/ijms19030765
- Mohammad Reza Safarinejad Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(4):1-11. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16635963/
- Saeed Kianbakht , Farahnaz Khalighi-Sigaroodi, Fataneh Hashem Dabaghian. Improved glycemic control in patients with advanced type 2 diabetes mellitus taking Urtica dioica leaf extract: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Randomized Controlled Trial Clin Lab. 2013;59(9-10):1071-6. doi: 10.7754/clin.lab.2012.121019. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24273930/
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Otella has an experience of around eight years of writing about health and nutrition-related topics. She is a full-time mother and a housewife, and the time she has left after doing her mother and household duties is spent writing for Working for Health as a full-time writer. Her life goal is to raise both her boys into a gentleman, and at the same time, she wants to educate people on how to keep themselves fit by tweaking their daily diet.