Health Benefits Of Nettle Herbal Supplement Tea
Steeping dried leaves and drinking tea dates back thousands of years. It is thought to originate in China, where it was used medicinally. Today, people drink tea for many reasons, including its taste, stimulating, or calming properties, and health benefits. One popular herbal tea is nettle tea.
What is nettle?
Nettle, or stinging nettle, is a shrub that comes from
northern Europe and Asia. Its scientific name is Urtica dioica. The plant
boasts pretty, heart-shaped leaves and yellow or pink flowers, but the stem is
covered in tiny, stiff hairs that release stinging chemicals when touched.
The leaves, stem, or root from the nettle plant can be
crushed and made into powders, tinctures, creams, teas, and more. While people
have used it for centuries as an herbal medicine, modern research also
supports many of the potential health benefits of nettle and nettle tea.
1. Urinary tract health
Nettle may help flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.
This can benefit people who have urinary conditions, such as benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH causes an enlarged prostate gland in men. This
can cause pain or other problems urinating.
According to one 2013, men with BPH who took nettle
extract had fewer clinical symptoms than those who did not.
Nettle may also help support any medications you are taking
for infections or conditions related to the urinary tract. Talk to your doctor
first about any possible interactions between herbal remedies and medications
you take.
2. Arthritis and pain
Nettle has historically been used to treat pain and sore
muscles, especially related to arthritis. The Arthritis
Foundation suggests that nettle tea may also reduce the inflammation and
pain association with osteoarthritis.
3. Blood sugar management
Nettle has shown some promising effects on blood glucose
levels. It may help the pancreas make or release more insulin, the hormone that
lowers blood sugar.
In a 2013, nettle leaf extract lowered blood glucose
and A1C in a group of people with type 2 diabetes who were taking
insulin as well as oral diabetes medications.
4. The power of polyphenols
Nettle is high in plant chemicals called polyphenols.
A review of the research on polyphenols suggests that these powerful
compounds may play a role in the prevention and management of chronic diseases
related to inflammation, such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.
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