What Is Nettle Tea?
Nettle tea is a herbal tea prepared from the leaves of the nettle plant…
…also known as Urtica dioica in Latin. The plant is also known as nettle leaf or stinging nettle. The nettle plant is native to Europe, although it may now be found across Asia and the Americas. The nettle leaf has a distinct serrated edge and lengthy leaf tips. The plant’s leaves also include hairs that, depending on the species, can be stinging or non-stinging.
Nettle tea, often known as stinging nettle tea, is produced by steeping the plant’s leaves in hot water. This tea is high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The tea is also high in potassium, iron, and magnesium.
Profile of Flavor
Nettle leaf tea has a flavor that is comparable to green tea. It has a smooth body and lush green and earthy tastes. The tea has a hay-like flavor that may be balanced out with a dash of honey or agave.
Benefits of Nettle Tea?
The most common use for nettles is as a food source. Nettles can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. They also taste good when added to soups, stews, salads, and other dishes. The plant has been used medicinally since ancient times. It was once believed that nettles could cure everything from headaches to cancer. Here’s the list of the benefits of it:
Helps with Eye Health
Nettle tea has significant levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A, both of which have been found to preserve eye health. Beta-carotene is a recognized eyesight protector that may be found in red and orange plants and meals. According to a research published in Food Science & Nutrition, nettle leaves have ten times the quantity of beta-carotene as wheat and barley flour. This molecule is essential for maintaining a healthy retina and guaranteeing appropriate visual response to light.
Pain Relief May Be Possible
Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, nettle tea may help decrease pain sensations. Nettle tea can help relieve headache discomfort as well as chronic joint pain such as arthritis. The effects of nettle on 27 individuals with osteoarthritis pain were investigated in a research published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. The randomized, controlled, double-blind trial found that participants who applied nettle directly to achy joints every day for one week experienced considerably less pain than those who received a placebo.
Inhibits Oxidative Stress
Nettle tea, like other herbal teas, contains antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is essentially the body’s version of rust, in which cells degrade and cease to function correctly. Free radicals—uncharged cells that easily bind to human cells and cause havoc—commonly exacerbate oxidative stress. Premature aging and severe brain disorders have been related to free radicals and oxidative stress.
Improves Digestive Function
Nettle leaves are rich in chlorophyll, minerals, vitamins, fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids. They contain phytonutrients like phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, terpenes, and amino acids. These nutrients support healthy digestion and promote overall well being. Nettles stimulate digestive juices and increase peristalsis, helping move food through your system more efficiently.
Promotes Healthy Skin
The skin is our largest organ and it’s important for us to take care of it. Drinking nettle tea helps maintain good skin health because it promotes circulation and removes toxins from the bloodstream. Studies show that nettle leaf extracts improve collagen production and elasticity while reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Helps Relieve Constipation
Constipation affects millions of people worldwide. According to WebMD, constipation occurs when you don’t pass stool regularly due to lack of bowel movement. Symptoms of constipation include hard stools, painful defecation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and diarrhea. If this happens often, talk to your doctor about treatment options. You could try drinking nettle tea instead!
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