Nettle, also known as Urtica dioica, gives a sting to those who brush against its dark green leaves, but the irritating toxin produced by the nettle plant is actually responsible for its healing effects. In fact, people suffering from arthritis, gout, or other rheumatic ailments can rub stinging springs of nettle directly on aching joints. The treated areas become flushed with blood, which acts to relieve pain.
In folk medicine, nettles are known for their detoxifying and laxative properties. For instance, nettle leaves are an essential ingredient in the revitalizing tea mixtures called spring tonics, which help remove toxins, thereby purifying the blood. The leaves and roots of the herb can also be brewed as diuretic tea, making it useful for bloating or water retention.
In addition, nettles are a good source of iron and silica, which are important for healthy blood formation.
Preparation of the Tea
Nettles are used to treat a wide variety of ailments, ranging from arthritis to urinary complaints. To make nettle tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 3-4 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves. Steep, covered for 10 minutes and then sweeten with local honey. For best results, sip the tea half an hour after meals.
Therapeutic Effect: The principal active agents of nettles are acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, chlorophyll, enzymes, carotenoids, hormones, mineral salts, formic acid, tannins and vitamin C. Nettles purify the blood through their diuretic and detoxifying properties. In addition, they lower blood sugar, stimulate metabolism, improve digestion and relieve pain.
Vitamins and Other Benefits: Nettle tea is a perfect thirst-quencher. It also provides many health benefits because nettles are rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition, nettles can remove a wide variety of wastes and toxins from the blood and body. Often these stimulating and detoxifying properties combine to produce a fresh, clear complexion.
Warning! A nettle-tea regimen should last no longer than four weeks. It should never be used by those with a weakened heart or kidneys due to heart failure or renal disease.
Benefits of Nettle Tea:
- To lower blood sugar: Manage your blood sugar levels with the help of nettle. Boil a handful of nettle leaves in 1 cup of water for 3 minutes and then strain. Drink the tea three times a day to lower blood sugar and help maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood.
- To prevent premature hair loss: Maintain healthy hair growth with a nettle remedy. Finely chop 1/2 lb. of fresh nettle leaves. Boil them in a combination of 1 pint of water and 1 pint of vinegar for 20 minutes. Strain the leaves from the mixture, then rub this remedy into your scalp. Use it on a daily basis. The agents in the nettle will stimulate circulation around your hair follicles.
- To ward off kidney stones: Brew up a nettle tea to keep kidney stones at bay. Pour 1 cup of hot water over 3-4 teaspoons of nettle leaves. After 10 minutes, strain. Drink 1 cup of the freshly prepared tea three to four times a day to prevent kidney stones.
Healing Tea Mixtures
To purify the blood:
- 1/2 oz. nettle leaves
- 1/2 oz. dandelion greens
- 1/2 oz. birch leaves
- 1/2 oz. rose hips
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the herb mixture and steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink it twice a day. This blood-cleansing spring tonic acts as a diuretic, flushing toxins from the body.
To combat anemia:
- 1/2 oz. nettle leaves
- 1/2 oz. yarrow flowers
- 1/2 oz. St. John’s wort
- 1/2 oz. juniper berries
- 3/4 oz. peppermint leaves
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