By Hayley Stobbs R.Ac, CNC
Stinging Nettle Health Benefits:
A nettle tea infusion packs more energy per cup than any stimulant without the downside of caffeine or stimulating herbs.
Cooling thermal energy; salty and sweet flavour; enters the bladder, kidney, liver and spleen meridians; tonifies yin, blood, and jing; regulates damp, toxins, and wind.
Rich in amino acids, and trace vitamins and minerals: iron, selenium, sulphur, zinc, chromium, boron, vitamin C.
1 quart of nettle infusion contains more than 1000mg of calcium, 15000IU vitamin A, 760mg of vitamin K, B vitamins, and phytochemicals.
Stabilizes mood.
A natural source of chlorophyll which assists liver detoxification and alkalization.
Aids sleep and calms restlessness.
Soothes inflammation.
Nourishes the adrenal glands.
Builds blood.
Supports healthy bones.
Soothes the digestive tract.
As a natural anti-histamine it helps to strengthens the lungs and clears sinus congestion.
Adds healthy shine to hair, strengthens fingernails, firms the skin.
Tea Infusion Tips:
For leaf or flowers steep with hot water only; boiling diminishes vitamins and enzymes.
All medicinal herbs contain volatile oils, which give them their ‘magical’ properties. When you steep tea without covering the cup, pot, or using a teapot, the volatile oils will escape in the steam, rendering the herb useless.
Buy tea in loose-leaf form and the whole flowers themselves instead of in bag form to ensure freshness.
Try long brews for roots and leaves as this will boost the tea’s potency.
If you wish, add sweetener, lemon or spices to taste.
Side Effects & Interactions:
Please consult your primary health care provider before use.
NETTLE INFUSION
A nettle infusion is nourishing, creamy, and pleasantly refreshing to taste and experience. A long infusion time allows for optimal extraction of plant nutrients. Consider preparing the tea before bed in a saucepan with the intention of overnight steeping.
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 2 – 8 hours
Yields: 1 litre (1 quart, 4 cups)
Ingredients
5 cups water
1/2 – 3/4 cup dried organic nettle leaf, cut and sifted
Honey to sweeten, optional
Directions
Bring five cups of water just about to a boil in a medium sized saucepan.
Add ¾ cup dried, cut, and sifted nettle leaves, stir, and turn off heat.
Steep for at least two hours and up to eight hours (overnight), covered. A longer steeping time will yield a stronger tea with more beneficial properties.
Using a small metal fine sieve, strain into a mason jar. Press any residual liquid from the leaves into the jar with a spoon then toss the infused nettles.
Keep refrigerated in a sealed mason jar for 3 – 5 days. Enjoy 2 cups or more per day.
I hope my post has given you insight today. If you’re interested in nutrition and acupuncture I’d be happy to guide you along. Please visit www.vcaspa.com to book online or call 250-590-4341. To learn more about my acupuncture practice, follow @hayley_stobbs on Instagram.
Wishing you love & vitality,
Hayley Stobbs R.Ac, CNC
References:
http://www.susunweed.com/WiseWomanHerbals.htm#hw
https://wrc.net/encyclopaedia_entry/stinging-nettle/
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-664-stinging%20nettle.aspx?activeingredientid=664&activeingredientname=stinging%20nettle
Pacific Rim College: Emergency Medicine class notes, 2014.