Stinging nettle has been part of herbal medicine for centuries, it is originated as a native shrub in colder regions of Europe and Asia and now is widely used all over the world. This plant contains lots of good compounds with medicinal properties, and nettle tea is the popular way to get the health benefits from stinging nettle.
How to prepare nettle tea
Ingredients:
-1 cup of fresh nettle leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
-2 cups of water
-If gathering yourself, long sleeves, jeans, gloves, and scissors
-Cinnamon or honey for taste
If you use fresh leaves, put them in a pot with water. Heat to near boil and then reduce the heat, letting the tea simmer for some minutes. Strain the tea and drink twice a day.
If you can not find the fresh leaves, then prepare a tea by steeping 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. You can add honey or cinnamon for taste if you like.
Have this drink 1-2 times daily, and you will find how powerful this plant is, nettle tea has potential to treat many health problems in the following ways (by Christina Sarich):
•Boosts immunity
•Treats arthritis
•Promotes a release from uric acid from joints
•Helps to support the adrenals
•Lowers blood sugar
•Aids for pregnant women
•Increases richness of breast milk
•Relieves menopausal symptoms
•Helps with menstrual cramps and bloating
•Reduces hypertension
•Helps with respiratory tract disease
•Aids kidney function
•Helps asthma sufferers
•Stops bleeding
•Reduces inflammation
•Reduces incident of prostate cancer
•Cures skin problems
•Eliminates allergic rhinitis
•Lessens nausea
•Treats the common cold
•Helps with osteoarthritis
•Alleviates diarrhea
•Helps with gastrointestinal disease, IBS, and constipation
•Reduces gingivitis and prevents plaque when used as a mouth wash.
•Has possible benefits 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
Important Notes:
1) Stinging nettle might cause mild stomach upset in some people.
2) It might cause an allergic rash on your skin.
3) Do not consume nettle tea if you are pregnant.
Stinging nettle is normally considered safe, while it’s advised to ask your doctor to determine if it might be helpful for you.
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