Nettle, otherwise known as stinging nettle, is a medicinal herb indigenous to North America and Eurasia. The leaves, stems and roots of the plant may be dried and steeped in boiling water to create a tea with healthful properties; however, side effects may occur in people who are diagnosed with certain ailments, taking medication or suffer from seasonal allergies. Consult your healthcare adviser before ingesting nettle tea.
Prostate Health
The Langone Medical Center of New York University reports that nettle root effectively treats benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is an enlarged prostate. Furthermore, limited clinical evidence suggests that the root of the plant is more effective than the leaves for promoting prostate health. To maintain prostate health or treat conditions concerning the prostate, chop, slice or ground nettle root and place the ingredient in boiling water for several minutes. Strain the tea before consumption.
Allergy Relief
The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that nettle tea may help soothe seasonal allergies. When allergens enter the body, a histamine reaction occurs in which smooth muscle tissues contract and capillaries dilate. Nettle tea reduces the histamine reaction thereby improving allergy symptoms. Regular ingestion of nettle tea should begin before allergy season for maximum effectiveness.
Additional Benefits
According to Kansas State University, nettle may also effectively strengthen the immune system, improving the health of skin and hair, as well as act as a diuretic. Nettle tea may also help treat kidney and bladder stones. The anti-inflammatory properties of nettle tea may help alleviate certain ailments, such as rheumatoid arthritis or joint pain.
Considerations
Although nettle tea is purported to have health benefits, additional research is necessary to validate those claims. In some people, the diuretic property of nettle tea may cause an upset stomach and lead to digestive complications, such as diarrhea. Furthermore, health experts often prescribe diuretic products to lower blood pressure. Excessive consumption of nettle tea in conjunction with blood pressure medication may induce dangerously low blood pressure and cause nausea or dizziness. Nettle tea may also interact with blood-thinning medications, such as Warfarin, and may be unsafe for pregnant or nursing women.
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