The Benefits & Side Effects Of Nettle Leaf Tea

Nettle leaf tea is commonly known as stinging nettle because the plant's leaves have sharp edges. If you touch these edges, the plant releases histamines and formic acids that cause a sting. Despite this, you can drink nettle tea from the leaves, root and stem. It has a number of purported benefits, although it can come with side effects as well. Talk to a health specialist before including this tea in your diet.

Urinary Problems

Stinging nettle tea is thought to improve a number of urinary problems, including a urinary tract infection and an enlarged prostate. It is a diuretic, which means it takes extra fluid out of your body. Stinging nettle is thought to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate by helping your urine flow, improving dripping after urination and quelling the feeling you have to urinate. See your doctor before using stinging nettle for these symptoms, especially because they could be signs of prostate cancer.

Pain

Stinging nettle seems to alleviate pain in people with arthritis, sore muscles and joints, and tendinitis. It is often used topically for this reason, although taking it as a tea helps blood flow around the body, relieving painful symptoms. A January 1999 article in "FEBS Letters" found that stinging nettle had anti-inflammatory properties which alleviated symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Consult your doctor for the best method of treating this conditions.

Additional Benefits

Stinging nettle is thought to have an antihistamine effect, relieving such symptoms of allergies and hay fever as sneezing and itching. Conversely, stinging nettle also contains histamines that might cause an allergic reaction, so use it with caution for allergies. Stinging nettle has also been used for anemia, gout and insect bites, and to lower blood pressure and blood sugar. However, more research is needed on these uses to determine if stinging nettle is effective. Check with your doctor before using stinging nettle for any of these uses.

Side Effects

Aside from its benefits, stinging nettle has possible side effects, including retaining water and upsetting your stomach. Avoid stinging nettle if you are pregnant, as it can possibly cause a miscarriage. It can also change a woman's menstrual cycle. Talk to your doctor about nettle and any other medications you are taking, as herbs can interact with medicines or cause unforeseen side effects.