Nettle: what it is for (and how to make tea)

Nettle is a medicinal plant of the species Stinging nettlealso known as nettle, nettle or nettle, rich in vitamins A, C and K, polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, being widely used as a home remedy to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as helping to treat arthritis and rheumatism, for example.

The normally used parts of nettle are the leaf, which can be used in the form of tea, or the root, used in the form of capsules, and can be found in herbalists, health food stores, compounding pharmacies, markets and some open-air markets. , and must be used with medical advice.

Another species of nettle is Lamium albumknown as white nettle, but which has different properties than Stinging nettlebeing indicated mainly for gynecological problems such as menstrual cramps, bleeding or inflammation in the uterus.

What is it for

The main indications of nettle are:

• Arthritis;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Rheumatism;
• High pressure;
• Diabetes;
• Rhinitis;
• Allergic cough;
• Acne;
• Dermatitis;
• Muscle pain;
• Inflammation of the gums;
• Anemia;
• Urinary infection;
• Kidney stone.

Furthermore, some studies show that nettle root can be used to help treat enlarged prostates by reducing the action of enzymes responsible for the production of testosterone, due to the flavonoids in its composition.

The main benefits of nettle are due to the polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins A, C and K, folic acid, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium, in its composition, which give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, diuretics and antidiabetics.

Although it has many health benefits, nettle does not replace medical treatment and should be used under the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.

How to make nettle tea

Nettle tea is simple and quick to make and has several health benefits.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of dried nettle leaves;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Add the dried nettle leaves to the boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Wait for it to cool, strain and drink up to 2 cups a day.

Another way to use nettle to obtain its benefits is in the form of capsules, which can be taken 1 capsule of 400 mg, 2 to 3 times a day, according to medical advice.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of nettle usually appear when the plant is consumed in larger quantities than recommended, and include stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, allergies or itchy skin, or increased uterine contractions, in the case of women. , which can increase cramping symptoms or cause miscarriage.

Furthermore, nettle can greatly reduce blood pressure and make it difficult to control blood pressure in people with hypertension, or greatly reduce blood sugar levels, causing a hypoglycemia crisis in diabetics.

Who shouldn’t use

Nettle should not be used by pregnant women as it can cause uterine contractions and induce premature labor, miscarriage or malformations in the baby. Furthermore, nettle should also not be used during breastfeeding, as the toxic effects on the baby are not known.

This plant is also not recommended for people with heart problems, such as heart failure, as it can worsen symptoms and interact with medications recommended for heart problems.

Furthermore, although nettle is recommended for urinary infections and kidney stones, due to its strong diuretic effect, this plant should be avoided by people with kidney failure, as it has a direct action on the kidneys, in addition to being able to enhance the effect of diuretic medications. and increase the risk of dehydration.