The leaves of the nettle plant, Urtica dioica, are used to make nettle tea, a herbal beverage. Common names for the plant include stinging nettle and nettle leaf. Although it is still common on the continents of Asia and America, the nettle plant originated originally from Europe. The nettle leaf has long leaf tips and sharply serrated edges. Additionally, the plant’s leaves have hairs that, depending on the species, may hurt or not.
Making nettle tea or stinging nettle tea involves steeping plant leaves in hot water. Vitamins A, C, and K are among the vitamins and minerals that are abundant in this tea. Iron, magnesium, and potassium are also abundant in tea.
Flavor Profile:
Green tea and stinging nettle leaf tea taste very similar. It has a smooth texture and lush tastes of grass and dirt. The tea has a hay-like flavour that can be balanced out by mixing in a small amount of honey or agave nectar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of nettle leaves
- 2 cups of water
- Honey, according to taste
Health Benefits Of Nettle Tea:
Urinary tract health
Nettle may assist in clearing dangerous microorganisms from the urinary system. People with urinary problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, may find this helpful (BPH). In males with BPH, the prostate gland enlarges. This may result in discomfort or other urination issues.
Men with BPH who took nettle extract reportedly experienced fewer clinical symptoms than those who did not, according to a 2013 studyTrusted Source.
Nettle may also support any meds you’re taking for urinary tract infections or other illnesses. Before making any decisions about potential interactions between your current prescriptions and herbal therapies, consult your doctor.
2. Arthritis and pain
Nettle tea has long been used to relieve aches and pains, particularly those caused by arthritis. Nettle tea may also lessen osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
3. Blood sugar management
The results of nettle tea on blood glucose levels are encouraging. More insulin, the hormone that reduces blood sugar, may be produced or released by the pancreas as a result.
Nettle leaf extract decreased blood sugar and A1C in a sample of type 2 diabetics who were taking both insulin and oral diabetes medicines in a 2013 studyTrusted Source.
4. The power of polyphenols
Polyphenols, which are plant compounds, are abundant in nettle tea. According to a review of the studies on polyphenols, these potent substances may help prevent and treat chronic inflammatory disorders like diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.
In particular, the polyphenols in nettle extract have demonstrated some intriguing promise in the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Strong antioxidants, which are molecules that shield the body from aging and cell damage, are also present in plants like nettle.
