Nettle Tea Benefits
stinging nettle plantStinging nettle plant
Nettle tea benefits to health and well-being have been quite well-known for centuries.

The Herb

Nettle is an herb commonly found in the Mediterranean.  Abundant health-giving properties are found in the roots, leaves and seeds of the nettle.

It is widely-believed that polysaccharides (complex sugars) and lectins (large protein-sugar molecules) are probably the active constituents of nettle.

And today, well-designed studies are beginning to confirm that certain traditional uses have of the nettle indeed have scientific validity.

 When infused in boiling water, the roots and leaves give out the special healing properties and transfer them to the tea.

The Health Benefits

The following are the nettle tea benefits attributed to this brew:

  • Nettle tea is used to treat urinary tract infections
  • Nettle tea may help fight coughs, tuberculosis and asthma;
  • This drink may help counter arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis and other disorders of the muscles and joints;
  • Nettle tea is believed to combat a variety of intestinal disorders;
  • Nettle tea may help fight skin problems;
  • It may help fight allergies like eczema and hay fever.

Nettle Tea Benefits Trivia

Did you know that...
  • Nettle tea is a rich source of potassium.  This mineral plays an important role in conducting electricity in the body.  Since the major organs of the body like the brain and heart cannot function without electricity, the role of electrolytes like potassium cannot be ignored.
  • Nettle tea is also a rich source of calcium.  This mineral is vital to the maintenance and development of bones in the body. Inadequate intake of calcium may contribute to accelerated bone loss and the development of osteoporosis.
  • Nettle tea has high levels of beta-carotene.  A precursor of Vitamin A, beta-carotene contributes to the maintenance of goodvision and protection from such eye diseases such as night blindness and cataract.
  • Nettle tea is said to be helpful in the treatment of asthma.  The plant's seeming ability to fight allergic infections is what makes it a good ally against asthma.
  • Nettle leaves are said to contain about 16 types of amino acids.  Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and the abundance of these amino acids in the plant contribute to nettle's high protein content.  Studies have shown that nettle's protein content may be as high as 25% (dry weight) which is quite high for a leafy green vegetable.
  • The quality of the water used to make nettle tea is very important. It is believed that the water used must be free of contaminants and contain enough oxygen to enhance the natural flavor of the drink. Nettle tea made with pure water yield a nice vegetal flavor and a drink that is aesthetically pleasant.
"Grip the Nettle firmly and it will become a stick with which to beat your enemy." 
~ Isaac Asimov,
   Author
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