How to Make Nettle Tea

Urtica Dioica or the stinging nettle has found a place in the world of medicinal remedies since prehistoric times. There are many evidences of this herb being used to cure many an illness.

Growing naturally in Brazil and other countries in Asia, Northern Europe and South America, the stinging nettle has found its place in many other parts of the world, owing to its medicinal properties.

Right from ancient times to date, the stinging nettle has been included in the health regimen, in various forms like infusion, tincture, juice and tea. The supplements of nettle can be purchased from any health food store and even online.

Stinging nettle tea can be made using fresh as well as dried leaves. If you're using fresh leaves to concoct the tea, then you have to be careful while plucking the leaves, as the nettle plant is notorious for its stinging nature. You can wear hand gloves to avoid getting stung. In case of dried leaves, you can purchase tea bags from any health food store.

Ingredients You Will Require

• Fresh nettle leaves, 2 tablespoons
• Water, 1 cup
• Sugar or honey to taste

Directions for Brewing
Wash the nettle leaves in running water to clean them of dust and other debris. Chop them roughly or into small pieces on a wooden board, using a knife. Transfer these chopped leaves into a pot or cafetiere. Take a medium-sized saucepan and heat one cup of water. Once the water starts to boil, pour it into the pot of nettle leaves. Cover the pot and allow the tea to steep for about 10 to 15 minutes.

After this is done, pour the tea into a cup and add honey or sugar as per your taste and enjoy the energizing flavor of the tea. In this way you can make nettle tea for allergies. While using tea bags, follow the same method and you will get a refreshing cup of nettle tea. If you need a stronger flavor, allow the tea to brew overnight and take it the next morning.

Nettle taken in any form, be it tea, tincture, tonic or root powder provides the body with a healthy share of energy and vital nutrients. Apart from being a rich source of a number of nutrients required for the proper functioning of the body system, nettle also has therapeutic properties. To avail the benefits of this wonder herb, you can include it in any form in your daily routine.

• Stinging nettle relieves allergies by reducing the body's production of histamines. Respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis can be effectively cured with the help of nettle. This is because nettle reduces the inflammation in the nasal passage and also acts as histamine blocker. It also treats allergic rhinitis in an effective manner.

• High blood pressure is controlled with the regular use of dry nettle leaves, due to its blood thinning properties. On the other hand, fresh leaves help in coagulation of blood and thereby stem bleeding from wounds, when used as a poultice.

• Ingestion helps in curing ulcers, inflammation in the intestines and also in reducing hemorrhoids. Stinging nettle has diuretic and laxative properties which help provide relief from constipation. Urinary disorder and prostate diseases can be controlled with the use of this herb.

• This herbal remedy is also known to ease the pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles, as seen in patients of arthritis and gout. Other benefits include testosterone booster, relief from hay fever, and possible treatment of diseases like ADHD, Alzheimer's disease and certain types of cancers.

There are a number of curative properties and beneficial uses of this medicinal plant. However, there are also a few negative effects, reported in some cases. To avoid any unwanted side effects of nettle tea, drink only a stipulated amount of tea at a time or according to the directions of the herbalist.