Stinging Nettles

Urtica spp.

Not as well known as Red Raspberry Leaf, Stinging Nettles - also called Nettle Leaf - are nonetheless worth having around. Trust us...

When I was a child (Florence) and used to be "stung" by them, I never thought that Nettle Leaves would turn out to be good for me! But they are.

Nettle Leaf is one of the finest nourishing tonics known. It is reputed to have more chlorophyll than any other herb.

Chlorophyll is important to you because it has a similar chemical structure as hemoglobin. They are identical in chemical make-up except for the fact that chlorophyll has a molecule of magnesium at the center where hemoglobin has iron. Chlorophyll helps you build red blood cells. And that is very important.

The list of vitamins and minerals in Stinging Nettles nearly includes every one known to be necessary for human health and growth. Vitamins A, C, D and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulphur are particularly abundant in Nettles leaves. Nettles are a very high source of digestible iron. It is a must to have around.

Want to know more?

Read on...

Nettles and Pregnancy: Nettle Leaf Tea

The infusion - or tea - is a dark green in color almost approaching black. The taste is deep and rich.

Some pregnant women alternate weeks of Stinging Nettle tea and Raspberry Leaf tea. Others drink Raspberry Leaf tea until the last month and then switch to Stinging Nettles Leaf to insure large amounts of vitamin K in the blood before birth.

We drink them together throughout the pregnancy. We make a tea that we drink hot in the winter and cold in the summer. A few drops of vanilla stevia ...yum!

Benefits Of Stinging Nettles

The benefits before and throughout pregnancy are many:

The kidneys must cleanse 150 percent of the normal blood supply for most of the pregnancy. This is a BIG job. The fact that this herb has the ability to nourish and strengthen your kidneys is of major importance.

If you have had those middle-of-the-night leg cramps...this will mean a LOT to you.

It is mildly astringent and therefore it helps to tighten and strengthen blood vessels. That is a very good thing.

It is a superb source of vitamin K, and increases available hemoglobin, both of which decrease the likelihood of hemorrhage.

If these benefits were not enough, there is much more.

More Benefits Of Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf is used for treating high blood pressure, gout, PMS, rheumatism, diarrhea, scurvy, liver and prostate problems.

Externally it is used as a compress to treat pain and arthritis. It also treats anemia, fatigue, edema, menstrual difficulties, eczema, enlarged prostate, urinary tract problems, hay fever and allergies.

Inhale.

You can even use the infusion as a hair rinse to treat dandruff and to stimulate hair growth. You can use it in various forms: tea, infusion, capsules (powder form), and nettle leaf extract (usually in alcohol).

This herb is worth its weight in gold.

Stinging Nettles Lover?

Have you used this herb? Do you have some insight to share? A tip? We'd love to hear it!

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...