When it comes to herbal teas, nettle tea is one of the most popular options. This tea is made from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant and is believed to offer a number of health benefits. It has been around for centuries and is known for its many health benefits. Some of these benefits include reducing inflammation, allergies, and joint pain.
Despite its many purported benefits, there are also some potential nettle tea side effects that you should be aware of. So, in this article, we will provide you nettle tea side effects, benefits and its uses.
What is Nettle Tea?
Nettle tea or Bichho Booti is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant. The scientific name for the stinging nettle plant is Urtica dioica. It has a slightly grassy taste and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
This tea has been used since old times as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments. Some people believe that drinking nettle tea can help to relieve allergies, joint pain, and urinary tract infections.
Nettle Tea in Urdu
Nettle tea to Urdu me Bichho Booti (بچھو بوٹی) kehte hain.
How to Make Nettle Tea?
Nettle tea can be found pre-packaged in bags at many health food stores, or the leaves can be harvested fresh and brewed at home. When harvesting nettles for tea, it is important to wear gloves to avoid being stung by the plant’s tiny needles.
Once the leaves are dry, they can be stored in an airtight container for several months. To make nettle tea, following are the steps:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves to 8 ounces of boiling water.
- Steep for 3-5 minutes, then strain and enjoy.
Nettle tea can be enjoyed hot or iced. Tea made with nettle leaves is very low in calories. A cup of nettle tea has only two calories. Nettle tea does not have any fat, cholesterol, or sodium. It is a good source of vitamin C and magnesium.
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8 Alarming Nettle Tea Side Effects
Here are some nettle tea side effects that you must know about:
1. May Cause Digestive Issues
Nettle tea can sometimes cause digestive issues like bloating, gas, and stomach pain. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking nettle tea, it’s best to stop drinking it and see a doctor if the symptoms persist.
2. May Lower Blood Pressure
If you have low blood pressure, drink nettle tea with caution as it may cause your blood pressure to drop even further. If you experience any lightheadedness or dizziness after drinking nettle tea, stop drinking it and see a doctor.
3. May Cause Reactions
Some people may be allergic to nettle tea and may experience symptoms like hives, itchiness, and swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking nettle tea, stop drinking it immediately and consult a skin doctor online.
4. May Interact with Medications
Nettle tea can interact with some medications, so if you’re taking any medications, it’s best to check with your doctor before drinking nettle tea. Some of the medications that interact with nettle tea include blood thinners, diuretics, and heart medications.
5. May Cause Pregnancy Complications
According to research, nettle tea can cause pregnancy complications like a miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid drinking nettle tea. Since there is not enough evidence to know if it is safe for these women to drink nettle tea.
Read Also: Moringa Tea Side Effects
6. May Cause Kidney Stones
Although some people claim that nettle tea can help with kidney stones, drinking large amounts of nettle tea can also lead to this problem. If you have a history of kidney stones, talk to your doctor before drinking nettle tea.
7. May Cause Insomnia in Some People
Nettle tea contains small amounts of caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you may experience side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and irritability after drinking nettle tea.
8. May Cause Headaches
8. Some people may experience headaches after drinking nettle tea. If you experience a headache after drinking nettle tea, stop drinking it and see your doctor.
Read Also: Hibiscus Tea Side Effects for Health
Side Effects of Nettle Tea Before Bed
It is generally recommended to avoid consuming nettle tea before bed, as it can cause insomnia. Some other potential side effects of nettle tea include:
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Skin rash
As with any herbal tea, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional prior to consumption, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions.
While nettle tea is generally safe for most people, consuming large amounts may lead to side effects. It is important to start with small amounts and increase gradually as needed.
Also read: Shocking Side Effects Of Milk Tea
8 Well-Known Benefits of Nettle Tea
Moving on from the side effects let’s see the positive side of nettle. Like most herbal teas, nettle tea is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can offer a host of health benefits. Nettles are especially high in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. Here are 8 known benefits of drinking nettle tea:
1. May Boost Energy Levels
If you’re feeling tired and run down, nettle tea could be just what you need. The nutrients in nettle tea may help to increase energy levels and combat fatigue.
2. May Help to relieve Allergies
Nettle tea has been traditionally used to treat allergies. The anti-inflammatory properties of nettle tea may help to reduce the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.
3. May Help to relieve Arthritis Pain
The anti-inflammatory properties of nettle tea may also help to relieve arthritis pain. Drinking nettle tea on a regular basis may help to reduce inflammation and pain in people with arthritis.
Read Also: Chamomile Tea Side Effects, Benefits and Uses
4. May Boost Immunity
Nettle tea is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for immunity. The nutrients in nettle tea may help to boost the immune system and protect against infection.
5. May Help to Detoxify the Body
Nettle tea may help to detoxify the body by promoting urination and sweating. These functions can help to remove toxins from the body and improve overall health.
6. May Help to Prevent Kidney Stones
Yes, you read it right. Drinking nettle tea on a regular basis may help to prevent kidney stones. The diuretic properties of nettle tea can help to flush out toxins and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
7. May Improve Digestion
Nettle tea may help to improve digestion by stimulating bowel movements and promoting gut health. The nutrients in nettle tea can also help to soothe an upset stomach.
8. May Help to Promote Healthy Skin
Nettle tea may help to promote healthy skin by providing essential vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants in nettle tea can also help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Nettle Tea Benefits for Weight Loss:
If you’re like most people, you probably think of nettles as a pesky weed that causes itchiness and discomfort. But did you know that this humble plant has some powerful health benefits?
Nettle tea is traditionally used as a diuretic, meaning it helps promote urine production and can be helpful for conditions like urinary tract infections. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.
And recent research suggests that nettle tea may also be effective for weight loss. Here are some ways it could help you shed those extra pounds:
– Nettle tea can help Reduce Water Retention
As a diuretic, nettle tea can help increase urine production and promote the excretion of water and salt from your body. This may help to reduce bloating, water retention, and weight gain.
In addition, the diuretic effects of nettle tea may also be helpful for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is because increasing urine production helps to flush out bacteria that can cause UTIs.
– Nettle tea contains compounds that may promote fat burning.
Nettle tea contains two compounds that may help promote fat burning: chlorogenic acid and beta-sitosterol.
Chlorogenic acid is a type of catechin, which is a class of polyphenols that are known for their antioxidant and fat-burning properties.
Meanwhile, beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that has been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary fat. This may help reduce the amount of fat your body stores and promote weight loss.
– Nettle tea may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Improving insulin sensitivity and regulating blood sugar levels is important for weight loss. Nettle tea contains compounds that may help do both of these things.
For example, chlorogenic acid, the compound responsible for nettle tea’s fat-burning effects, has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
In addition, a compound in nettle tea called beta-glucan has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fiber that slows down digestion and the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.
This helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals, which is important for preventing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
– Nettle tea is rich in nutrients.
Nettle tea is not only high in antioxidants, but it’s also rich in other nutrients that are important for weight loss.
For example, it’s a good source of magnesium, a mineral that’s essential for energy production and metabolism. It also contains calcium, another mineral that’s important for fat burning.
In addition, nettle tea is a good source of iron. This mineral plays a key role in energy production and metabolism and helps to transport oxygen to your cells.
Iron deficiency is common, especially among women, and can lead to fatigue and weight gain. Therefore, drinking nettle tea may help improve your energy levels and promote weight loss.
To sum up, nettle tea is a healthy beverage that’s high in antioxidants and other nutrients that are important for weight loss.
What’s more, it contains compounds that may help promote fat burning and regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, drinking nettle tea may be a helpful strategy for shedding those extra pounds.
Also, see the Best Time to Drink Green Tea for Weight Loss.
So, Should You Try Nettle Tea?
Now that you also know the benefits along with nettle tea side effects, the question is should you try it? Nettle tea is generally safe for most people.
However, if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, check with your doctor before drinking nettle tea.
Nettle tea can also interact with some medications, so be sure to consult with a doctor if you are taking any medications.
Who should not drink nettle tea?
Some people who should avoid nettle tea are:
- Pregnant women
- Nursing mothers
- Young children
- People with bleeding disorders or taking certain medications
What Medicine does Nettle Tea Interact with?
Nettle tea can interact with certain medications, such as:
- Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications (blood-thinners)
- High blood pressure medications
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- diuretics
- diabetes medication
It is important to speak to a healthcare professional prior to consuming nettle tea if you are taking any medications.
The End Notes
Overall, nettle tea is safe for most people to drink and is known for its benefits. However, there are some potential nettle tea side effects that you should be aware of before drinking it.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a nutritionist before trying any new remedy. Click here to consult Online with the Best Nutritionists in Lahore or any other city in Pakistan via Marham!
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FAQs
1. Can you drink nettle tea every day?
Yes, you can drink nettle tea every day but it is advised to consult a doctor before.
2. Is nettle tea toxic?
No, nettle tea is not toxic. However, if you have certain medical conditions (such as kidney stones), it’s important to speak with your doctor before drinking nettle tea.
3. Is drinking nettle tea good for you?