Nettle has been known for its medicinal values for centuries. Commonly found in the Mediterranean, this herb has been used in medicines across cultures. The benefits of this amazing herb are now available in the appetizing form of nettle tea.
The Medicinal Properties of Nettle
Nettle contains a great number of glucidic substances, amines, amino acids, cetones, sterols, ketones as well as acetophenone, methyl heptenone,volatile oil, sitosterols, fat substances, acetic acid, formic acid, folic acid and panthotenic acid. It also contains chlorophyl 0.3 - 0.8, coproporphynine and protoporphyrine. It also contains beta-carotene, vitamins B2, C and K, Si, Ca, Fe and Mg salts as well as phosphates. These compounds make nettle anti-diabetic, anti-anaemic, diuretic and hemostatic in nature.
Benefits of Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is known to cure diseases and inflammations of the urinary system as well as treat urinary retentions.
It is commonly used in depurative remedies as it is slightly laxative in nature.
Nettle tea is also used in the treatment for hepatic and biliary affections as well as for ailments of the spleen.
Nettle tea is also very useful to people who suffer from diabetes because it helps in decreasing blood sugar as well as glycaemia levels in the body. Since, blood sugar rises considerably after meals, nettle tea is highly recommended after meals.
Nettle tea also helps combat virosis and other bacterial infections.
Nettle tea is also considered to be an excellent tonic for women. Women are advised to consume nettle tea on a regular basis to prevent excessive bleeding after giving birth. Additionally, nettle tea is known to help restore a woman's energy after childbirth and is also useful in stimulating milk production in the new mother. Apart from this immense help during pregnancy, nettle tea is also known to stop excessive menstrual bleeding, soothe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Nettle tea is rich in sterols. Sterols are known to decrease the effect of DHT, which is a testosterone that leads to enlarged prostates. Hence, regular consumption of nettle tea may help prevent enlargement of the prostate.
Nettle has natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties that can help open nasal and bronchial passages. This makes nettle tea a great herbal remedy for treating hay fever. It is also widely believed that drinking nettle tea at least three times a day can help prevent springtime allergies.
Other benefits of nettle tea include treating diseases like tuberculosis.
Preparing Nettle Tea
The first shoots of young nettles are the best choice for the preparation of nettle tea. Nettle, also known as stinging nettle, is known to sting and a nettle sting can lead to an allergic reaction. Remember to handle the nettle carefully. In the event that you are stung by the nettle, quickly apply some nettle juice for immediate relief.
Ach nettle leaves needs to be adequately washed and placed in a pot. Add just enough water to cover the leaves and boil the mixture. Remove the vessel from heat as soon as the water starts to turn green .Strain and add a slice of lemon. As the lemon gets mixed in the liquid the color of the nettle tea will turn bright pink from a shade of dark green.
To learn more about the equipment needed to brew Loose Leaf Tea and how to use it, see out Tea Equipment section
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Nettle has been known for its medicinal values for centuries. Commonly found in the Mediterranean, this herb has been used in medicines across cultures. The benefits of this amazing herb are now available in the appetizing form of nettle tea.
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