The Many Uses of Nettle Tea

Nettle tea has known many uses throughout history, and is still used today to treat a host of ailments. In medieval times, the herb was used as an expectorant, to improve kidney function, to expel worms from the body, purify the blood, get rid of diarrhea, promote hair regrowth and even stop internal bleeding. Today, the herb is used for these purposes and more. Recently, these nettle tea benefits have even been subjected to scientific testing, although the bulk of its uses are derived from herbal folk medicine.

Other uses for nettle herbal tea include treating asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, prostate enlargement, hay fever, colds and flu, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, inflammation, kidney and bladder problems, urinary tract infections, dandruff and skin disorders. Stinging nettle tea can be consumed freely to treat any of these problems and side effects are virtually non-existent.

Nettle tea is also beneficial for use in poultices and is reported to staunch the flow of blood almost immediately. The liquid can be used as a soaking bath for the feet or the entire body. When consumed, it boosts the immune system and increases energy. This is due to nettle's rich vitamin and mineral content, and the herb is fantastic at delivering these nutrients to the system when consumed in the form of tea.

You can make your own nettle tea at home by steeping 1 tbsp. of dried herbs in a cup of boiling water, steeping for at least 10 minutes, straining and sweetening. You can also purchase nettle tea bags or even use fresh nettle leaves to make nettle tea. Using fresh herbs, however, takes more effort and a bit of caution. Stinging nettle has a reputation for irritating the skin, and rightly so.

Nettle leaves are covered in small hairs that turn can cause severe irritation, also known as nettle-rash or nettle sting, when touched. Using dried leaves is safer, although the healing properties won't be quite as strong. Any way you use it, however, nettle tea will benefit your health even if you think you're already healthy.

Make a nettle hair rinse by combining a cup of nettle tea with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. Rinse your hair after each wash with the mixture to balance the pH of the scalp and reduce dandruff and itchy or flaky scalp. Nettle tea makes a wonderful herbal remedy and will improve the condition of nearly any illness.

However, always consult a qualified physician before taking any new herb to make sure it is safe for you. Never take nettle tea while on prescription medications, as some reactions could occur, particularly in the case of blood-pressure medications. Stinging nettle tea is a mild diuretic and can drop the blood-pressure even lower. Also avoid nettle if you're taking blood thinners or MAOI inhibitors.