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What are the Benefits of Nettle Tea?

Ron Marr
Ron Marr

For many centuries, herbalists and homeopathic practitioners, particularly those in Europe, have sung the praises of a tea made from the stems, leaves, flowers and roots of the plant known as the stinging nettle. Although there is no traditional medical research to back up the alleged benefits of nettle tea, it is known that the plant is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It also contains vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. The nettle plant itself is a nasty thing, covered with sharp spines containing a substance not unlike venom. Those who stumble into a patch will usually develop a rash or feel like a bee has stung them.

Fortunately, the unpleasant properties of the nettle are destroyed when cooked and dried. As is true with many herbs and plants, those who manufacture or sell nettle tea have claimed that it will help or cure every ailment from warts to cancer. Anecdotal evidence compiled over hundreds of years does not seem to support such lofty testimonials. On the other hand, long-time users say that there are certain benefits that prove out time and again.

Nettle tea is used to treat many ailments, including arthritis pain and allergies.
Nettle tea is used to treat many ailments, including arthritis pain and allergies.

Nettle tea, possibly because of its vitamin C content, was long used in Europe to combat scurvy. Russians often pulverized and dried the stinging nettles, and thought it to be an antiseptic that was effective in stopping nosebleeds and alleviating headache pain. The most common folk wisdom, repeated into modern times, contends that the benefits of the tea lie primarily in strengthening the kidneys and causing them to expel more water. For this reason, many people drink nettle tea if they suffer from kidney stones, dysentery, or diarrhea. There does seem to be some evidence that one of the primary benefits of the tea is that it is a diuretic.

Nettle tea may be able to provide some relief to men with an enlarged prostate.
Nettle tea may be able to provide some relief to men with an enlarged prostate.

Men who are experiencing an enlarged prostate are also said to gain relief via the consumption of nettle tea. Homeopaths, naturopaths, and herbalists frequently attest that men experiencing this condition will not be bothered by the need for frequent, nighttime urination. Some advocates of nettle tea believe that regular use is of great value in controlling the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.

Stinging nettle can be used to stop nosebleeds.
Stinging nettle can be used to stop nosebleeds.

If someone is planning on beginning a health regimen that includes nettle tea, he should first consult a medical doctor. Herbs and vitamins can be dangerous when combined with certain drugs, and the tea is contraindicated for those who take blood thinners or are on medication for high blood pressure. Furthermore, extended use of the tea can lead to an electrolyte imbalance and a loss of potassium. While the benefits of nettle tea might be good for some, pregnant or nursing women should avoid it at all costs. One of the few laboratory studies performed on the nettle showed that it can sometimes cause a woman’s uterus to contract.

Discussion Comments

literally45

I drink nettle tea around menstruation time. It's great for PMS as well as cramps and headaches during menstruation.

My family is Mediterranean and my grandmother used to make stuffed bread with fresh nettle and cheese when she was alive. Nettles taste good when they are cooked. Unfortunately, I can't get fresh nettle here but I do always keep dry nettle tea bags in my kitchen cabinet.

ddljohn

Nettle is an amazing plant. It's so nutritious, it has antioxidants and is beneficial in ways we don't entirely know yet.

It has to be handled carefully with gloves and one might get a sting once in a while, but it's worth it. I love nettle tea and try to drink it once or twice a week for general health.

bear78

I've heard about the benefits of nettle tea for kidney stones. My brother was diagnosed with it recently and we started looking up natural remedies to avoid surgery if possible. One remedy we came across was stinging nettle. Many sources recommend nettle tea for kidney stones. It is said that the components of the plant help dissolve the stones safely and without pain.

I have put in an order for nettle tea for this reason. I realize that a herbal remedy cannot replace medical treatment. But I think they can sometimes be used in addition to allopathic treatments. I believe that all cures exist in nature but we are not aware of them.

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    • Nettle tea is used to treat many ailments, including arthritis pain and allergies.
      By: teressa
      Nettle tea is used to treat many ailments, including arthritis pain and allergies.
    • Nettle tea may be able to provide some relief to men with an enlarged prostate.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Nettle tea may be able to provide some relief to men with an enlarged prostate.
    • Stinging nettle can be used to stop nosebleeds.
      By: Michael Schütze
      Stinging nettle can be used to stop nosebleeds.
    • Many people drink nettle tea if they suffer from kidney stones.
      By: p6m5
      Many people drink nettle tea if they suffer from kidney stones.
    • The nettle plant is covered with sharp spines containing a substance that is not unlike venom.
      By: ondrej83
      The nettle plant is covered with sharp spines containing a substance that is not unlike venom.
    • Nettle tea has been used to alleviate headache pain.
      By: Imcsike
      Nettle tea has been used to alleviate headache pain.