Hi everybody!


Nettles are not actually new, in fact, they are a very old remedy. But Amit and I have been enjoying the benefits here in India. Instead of a cup of chai in the afternoon we have been drinking nettle tea. Overall, it has strengthened us in many different ways. Here's why:

Nettle Tea: An Ideal Tonic
Generally we have an unpleasant association with nettles, or stinging nettles. All of a sudden while walking, or hiking we feel their sting. The stickers touch our skin and as formic acid and histamines are released from the plant, the skin becomes irritated and we scratch our legs for the rest of the outing. But nettles are noted as one of the most useful herbs we can harvest. They are an astringent, an expectorant, an anti inflammatory, and a diuretic. Nettles build over all energy, or chi and immunity. Historically, nettles were widely used for different pregnancy conditions and often helped with postpartum bleeding. Used for revitalizing new mothers and increasing breast milk supply, nettles also increase fertility naturally, in both men and women. The herb has been widely used in Europe for centuries as a spring cleansing tonic, for malnutrition and also as a treatment for scurvy.

Nettles rich green color signifies their unusually high nutritional value. They have a variety of minerals including copper, chromium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and some phosphates. Riboflavin, thiamine, beta carotene and vitamins A, C , D, E and K are also present in high quantities. Nettles also contain iron which is why they are often used to enrich the blood and to treat anemia. The herb also has some protein. Other gynecological imbalances like excessive menstruation and PMS benefit from nettles. They can help control variations in blood sugar and also reduce high blood pressure. As a result of using this herb even sudden nose bleeds can be decreased.

Hair growth and thickness improve by ingesting nettles. They have been used to treat alopecia due to their ability to stimulate hair growth and reduce nervous tension. Migraines and cluster headaches have also been reduced by using nettles.

Nettles tone the spleen and help restore the immune system. They naturally purify the blood and have been known to dissolve kidney stones and decrease chemical deposits that lead to urinary tract stones. Nettle tea can help treat inflammation in the urinary tract

This herb can also decrease the severity of eczema and other skin disorders. It has been used to help alleviate bronchitis and dry, persistent coughs, chest infections and tuberculosis. In addition to all of these benefits nettles have been used to treat intestinal disorders, and rid the intestinal tract of worms.

Nettles build overall energy or chi. Dried nettles and nettle extracts are available in health food stores. If you plan on cooking with nettles however, collect the young and tender shoots before they flower. Older leaves contain deposits of calcium oxalate and are bitter in taste. For a general tonic nettle tea can be prepared by soaking fresh or dried leaves in boiled water. Steep the leaves for 10 to 15 minutes then strain and drink. Generally as a tonic one cup of the tea per day is sufficient. If you plan on using the herb to treat a specific ailment seek the advice of a qualified herbalist or naturopathic doctor.