Stinging Nettle Tea

Stinging nettle tea is a diuretic, health tonic, anti-inflammatory and herbal remedy for a number of different disorders. It provides support for the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract, and is used to treat everything, from acne and arthritis to anemia and prostate enlargment. Nettle is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium and sulfur are some of the vital nutrients that nettle tea provides for the body. The herb also contains large amounts of vitamins A, C, D and K. It is used as a tonic to improve the overall health, and to treat specific diseases and disorders. These amazing nettle tea benefits are easy to take advantage of by making your own brew.

Make nettle herbal tea by steeping 1 to 2 tablespoons of the dried herb in one cup of boiling water. Steep the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes, sweeten with honey and drink immediately. The taste is mild and refreshing, although if you are unaccustomed to drinking herbal teas, you may like to add some mint or lemon. Try making a larger batch and refrigerating. Stinging nettle tea is appropriate for drinking iced or hot.

Nettle tea can also be made fresh, although this takes considerably more effort. Using fresh herbs is always best, but it's often easier to use nettle tea bags available from a retail store or ordered online, or to use dried nettle leaves. These leaves are used in a variety of different herbal combinations to treat coughs, colds, flu and even allergies. Some herbalists advise against using such blends and maintain that stinging nettle tea is best consumed singly. However, it can't hurt to take nettle in a blend, as long as you are sure the other herbs it contains are safe.

The dosage of stinging nettle tea for adults is approximately 3 to 4 cups per day for just about any ailment. It should not, however, be taken in conjunction with certain prescription drugs. Anticoagulants, high blood pressure medications, diuretics, diabetes drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may react with stinging nettle tea, or other nettle products. Always consult a doctor before taking any new herb to make sure it is safe for you, but especially if you are taking prescription medication.