There are a lot of different herbs in the world that have been valued for years as being nutritive and of having the ability to cure common ailments. Perhaps one of the best overall tonics that is well-tolerated by the majority of people is stinging nettle, used as a tea and medicine for thousands of years.
It may cause uterine contractions so should be avoided by pregnant women, and some people may be allergic if they have shown a sensitivity to plants in the same family. For most people though the benefits are many.
Nettle has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, most notably prostate enlargement, allergies and joint pain. Its properties are as an astringent, diuretic and overall tonic, and it strengthens and supports the entire body in various ways.
Action – Considered a nutritive, this plant is best consumed in the dried form as the barbs on the plant in its natural state can cause irritation. Nettle is easily enjoyed as a tea, but the fresh plant’s leaves, stem and roots can be consumed when cooked in soups or stews.
Studies have shown that nettle can help relieve inflammation, reduce prostate size in men afflicted with benign prostatic hyperplasia, may lower blood pressure, aid blood sugar regulation, reduce bleeding, support the liver, act as a natural diuretic and support wound or burn healing when applied topically.
Because it is a natural diuretic and astringent, it is worth consulting with your doctor about its use if you are on medication for blood pressure, taking blood thinners, lithium, or diuretics.
Steps – The easiest way to include nettle in the diet is to buy it in the form of tea. Dried nettle leaves are easy to find and can be brewed for ten minutes in hot water. The tea can be consumed daily but it isn’t recommended to exceed four cups a day, and the benefits can be obtained from daily consumption of one to two cups. If you want to eat the plant instead, be very careful when handling it. The long, thin hairs that cover the stem and underside of the leaves will irritate the skin, but will be fine to eat when cooked.
Why It Makes You Feel Better – Because of its natural diuretic and astringent properties, nettle tea can provide support for the body and assist with its daily functions. Nettle also includes various vitamins and minerals and is a good source of nutrition if you choose to cook and eat it. Because it has endured the test of time and been utilized for thousands of years, nettle has endeared itself to herbalists, and science is now starting to prove some of the benefits.
Example – Enjoying a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon or evening is a great way to unwind and relax. There are many herbs that have supportive properties that you can choose from, and nettle is one that is thought to benefit multiple systems in the body.
Discovering and adding different plants to your diet that have been used medicinally throughout history is a way to improve your health in a simple, enjoyable way.