Nettle Tea: health benefits and how to make it

Nettle, also known as Urtica dioica, common nettle and stinging nettle, is a medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for cardiovascular and joint well-being. Nettle is one of our best allies for blood circulation. Besides acting as an appetite stimulant, Nettle Tea is known to contribute to the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Nettle is very popular in Spain, called “hierba de los ciegos”.

Discover the health benefits and how to make Nettle Tea. Enjoy your reading!

What is Nettle Tea good for

Nettle Tea is one of the most recommended teas to treat kidney stones, sore throats and joint infections. Nettle is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and even calcium and iron, which help to defences balance and bone health. In addition, Nettle Tea has folic acid (vitamin B9), which promotes body function. Acting to improve circulation, it improves cognitive performance and prevents cardiovascular disease. Of these, we highlight diabetes and blood pressure. Ideal for those looking for a natural solution to increase productivity in their daily lives.

This medicinal tea help to relieve symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, dermatitis and uric acid. Due to its diuretic potential, Nettle Tea can take on a detox function which will prevent abdominal swelling and thus hinder fluid retention in the body. The elimination of sodium and urea through urine is also possible. Does Nettle Tea lose weight? Although there are references to such an effect, possibly it is a result of its detox power which gives the illusion of weight loss.

Regarding the vitamin component, Nettle has vitamin C six times higher than that found in orange and twice the quantity of iron found in meat. That is why it is one of the most recommended infusions for vegetarians and vegans, even for people with anaemia. Fresh nettle leaves can also reduce fatigue.

The infusion by Urtica dioica can also act as an appetite stimulant, fortifying the nails and purifying the skin. Being an excellent ally in balancing the pH of the skin, and fighting the pimples or spots caused by acne, eczema, or even psoriasis. It prevents the excessive production of sebum that causes skin oiliness and dandruff on the scalp.

Other sources suggest that Nettle Tea may help in the treatment of fever, allergic rhinitis, diarrhoea, constipation and urinary infections. Recently, Nettle Tea has become popular for being one of celebrity Kourtney Kardashian's favourite iced teas.

Origin of Nettle

The Nettle is a wild medicinal plant of the Urticaceae family, common in Portugal. Originally from Europe, the Nettle likes temperate climates and fertile soils with plenty of vegetation. Although it is easily found in Europe, the Nettle also grows well in North American, African and Asian countries. In the 1st century A.D., this plant was used by the Greeks in the famous method of “urtication” that allowed the improvement of male sexual potency.

In Roman battles, Nettle was even used to withstand the cold. Imagine that the Romans used it to cause burning on the skin and thus combat the feeling of cold. This strategy involved rubbing some nettle leaves on the body to cause hives. This would give rise to a burning sensation that would help resist low temperatures. Hence, the origin of the Latin term “Urtica” translates into the expression “to burn”. In Egypt, the Nettle was used to relieve several types of pain.

Today, Nettle Tea is still recommended to warm the body on cold days.

How to make Nettle Tea

To prepare one cup of Nettle Tea, you need the following ingredients:

• 1 Dessert spoon of dried Nettle Root;
• 250ml boiled water;
• 1 Cast iron or double glass teapot of 300ml or more. If you take a pot, remember to have a tea strainer or infuser to filter the infusion.

Preparation: place one dessert spoon of Nettle Root in 250ml of boiled water in a container. Cover and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Finally, strain and let it cool down a little before drinking. You can put it in the fridge and consume it as iced tea.

Nettle Tea Suggestion

Black Tea with Goji Berries and Nettle in 5 minutes

Ingredients (for six people):

• 1 Tablespoon of Black Tea;
• 2 Sachets of Nettle Tea or 2 Tablespoons of Nettle Root;
• 2 Tablespoons of Goji Berries;
• 1 Lemon Peel;
• 2 Cinnamon sticks;
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Milk;
• 1.5L (1500 ml) water;
• 1 Pan with a capacity for more than 1.5L of water;
• 1 Strainer or tea infuser;
• 6 Cups for tea.

How to prepare:

Take a pot with boiled water and add the following ingredients: black tea, sachets or nettle spoons, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Cover and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Finally, strain and add the goji berries and the coconut milk. Mix well.

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