Tea Party: Nettle Tea

How To:

Fresh Herb: Carefully chop the young leaves of stinging nettles. Use two tablespoons of fresh herb per cup of water. Allow to steep in hot water for 10-15 minutes, covering tightly. 

Dry Loose Herb: Measure a generous teaspoonful into a tea strainer or tea bag. Allow to steep for 10-12 minutes in hot water, covering tightly. 

Tea Bag: Use one tea bag per cup of hot water. Allow to steep 10-12 minutes in hot water, covering tightly.
     I have found a mason jar to be very effective for the above methods of brewing tea. Plop the tea bag or strainer into the jar (doesn't work with tea strainers that rest on the lip of the cup) and then screw the lid on tightly. Once its done brewing, you can drink it right from the jar! 




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Flavor:

Nettle tea has a surprisingly pleasant flavor. It is reminiscent of alfalfa, or perhaps sweet hay, but rich and robust. You can also taste the minerals in it, and for a good reason! Nettles are packed with essential minerals! It may sometimes be a little bitter for some, but with a dash of lemon or honey to sweeten it up, you'll find this tea quite refreshing! 

Good For:
       

1. Allergies. Many drink nettle tea to help relieve allergies. This may include pet allergies, to seasonal allergies, or bronchial allergies including rhinitis, asthma and sinusitis. This beverage helps to clear phlegm from the body and in so doing, help reduce symptoms commonly associated with these conditions. It is also anti-inflammatory, and the powerful anti-oxidants within boost the immune system to fight off the allergic reaction In fact, nettles have been used to treat allergies for hundreds of years! Note: Those allergic to ragweed may have an allergic reaction to nettle!
2. Anti.inflammatory. Nettle tea may be helpful in reducing inflammation as it contains hox alpha, which diminishes the effect of cytokines on the joints of the body. This is soothing for arthritis, gout, and other pains. In fact, it's said in ancient times people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism where whipped with stinging nettle for relief from the pain of their condition. We don't suggest such practices-I'd MUCH rather just drink the tea!
3. Sterols. This helps to limit the possibility of enlarged prostate or hyperplasia. 
4. Immune function. Nettle tea can neutralize toxic antigens in the body, strengthening the immune system. It is also very high in vitamin C, which can help reduce headaches, cramps, allergies, and spikes in blood sugar levels. Research has proved nettles to be effective against up to 9 varieties of harmful microbes. 
5. Urinary tract. Nettle tea is a natural diuretic that helps to flush out excess uric acid from bladder. This a wonderful herb for those who struggle with urinary tract infections. It also helps to purify the blood by flushing out the kidneys. 
6. Anemia. Nettle contains a very high amount of iron, which is beneficial for those suffering from anemia. It encourages the regeneration of red blood cells and replenishing of the hemoglobin in the blood. 
7. Blood clots. Nettles contain a very high amount of vitamin K, which is a natural blood thinner. Consult a physician before drinking this tea if you are taking any prescription blood thinners!
8. Worms. Nettle tea discourages worms in the intestinal tract, washing them right out of you! 
9. Diarrhea/hemorrhoids. Nettle tea can be used to calm the intestinal tract for relief of diarrhea. It also acts as a relaxant on the anal sphincter to help relieve hemorrhoids. 
10. Calcium. Nettle tea is also high in calcium and may be used by those who need to increase calcium/calcium absorption. 

High In:

          Calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silica, iodine, silicon, sodium and sulfur. They also contain high levels of chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamin C, and a variety of the B vitamins.