One of my favourite go-to herb for overall health would have to be nettle leaf. In fact, I would even go as far to say that I am obsessed with it. Anyone who knows me, would no doubt agree.
So what is so great about nettle leaf you question? What is getting me so excited after all?
Nettle leaf (also known as stinging nettle or officially Urtica dioica) is a common weed that most people pull and throw out. Yet, it is a wonderful health-boosting herb that should never be dowsed with weed-killer, but plucked and dried to make into an herbal remedy that could make pharmacies go broke.
A cup of nettle leaf tea is rich in vitamins and minerals which are well absorbed into the bloodstream, making it so good for the body with each and every cup you drink.
And you thought only a multi-vitamin tablet could deliver such goodness.
Not true my friend …
Here is the list of vitamins and minerals found in nettle leaves which get transferred into the nettle tea:
– Vitamin A,C & E
– Vitamin B1, B2, B3 & B6
– Calcium
– Potassium
– Magnesium
– Phosphorus
– Sodium
– Iron
– Manganese
– Zinc
– Copper
– Selenium
Nettle leaf is also extremely rich in proteins. Actually, twice as much as spinach.
Ok, by now you can tell we are onto a winner with this herb right?
So what does nettle leaf actually do then?
To give you an idea of just how powerful this special herb is, nettle leaf has the potential to treat the following ailments:
- Stimulates the lymph system to boost immunity
- Relieves arthritis symptoms
- Treats anaemia
- It eliminates hayfever and treats allergic reactions
- Promotes a release from uric acid from joints
- Helps to support the adrenals
- It helps with diabetes mellitus by controlling blood sugar levels
- Stimulates hair growth
- Strengthens the foetus in pregnant women
- Promotes milk production in lactating women
- Relieves menopausal symptoms
- Helps with menstrual cramps and bloating
- Helps break down kidney stones
- Reduces hypertension
- Helps with respiratory tract disease
- Supports the kidneys and urinary tract system
- Provides relief from fluid retention
- Treats insect bites
- Helps asthma sufferers
- Stops bleeding
- Heals wounds
- Reduces inflammation
- Minimizes skin problems such as eczema
- Lessens nausea
- Cures the common cold
- Helps with osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Alleviates diarrhoea
- Helps with gastrointestinal disease, IBS, and constipation
- Reduces gingivitis and prevents plaque when used as a mouthwash.
- Has been shown to be helpful to in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
- Relieves neurological disorders like MS, ALS, and sciatica
- Destroys intestinal worms or parasites
- Supports the endocrine health by helping the thyroid, spleen, and pancreas
Nettle leaf is a very safe herb when used appropriately – although there are a few precautions to take when starting to use this herb.
As with any herb or supplement, it’s important to be cautious when mixing to avoid adverse side effects. You should always start a herbal product under the care of your healthcare provider or natural therapist. Patients may have to change their dosages of any current medications or supplements if they choose to take nettle leaf.
Some examples include interactions with blood thinners, drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes, along with diuretic pills.
Well now that you know what’s inside nettle leaf tea, you can no doubt appreciate why it is such a healthy drink.
Cup of tea anyone?
**If you’ve got this far – thank you for reading and I look forward to bringing you more information in the future.
Now, enjoy some much needed inspirational music with that cuppa and let the peace enter your body …
