Stinging nettles have been used for centuries as a medicinal herb and as a wild vegetable. Most gardeners shun the stinging nettle, but here are some of the benefits of stinging nettles that will get you wanting to try those painful weeds.
![benefits of stinging nettles picture of stinging nettle patch](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Untitled-design-3.png)
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There are many ways you can enjoy the benefits of stinging nettles, such as, as tea, tincture, or even as chips.
My favorite way to get stinging nettles in is, by far, stinging nettle chips! The first time I had them I ended up with a stomachache because I ate way too many.
Stinging nettle tea is also pretty good, in my opinion. It does taste a little bit grassy, so that is good to keep in mind when trying it for the first time.
Stinging nettles are not near as hard to harvest as they may at first seem. Just make sure to wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt. The benefits of stinging nettles make risk of getting ‘stung’ worth it!
Boosts women’s health
Supports healthy hormones in all ages of women.
Stinging nettles contain loads of essential nutrients. Nettles can help support a healthy pregnancy, boost milk supply in lactating women, as well as, help prevent urinary tract infections.
Stinging nettles also help regulate hormones during women’s monthly cycle and can help ease menopausal symptoms. They contain astringent properties that help reduce cramps and bloating related to menstruation, as well as having coagulant properties that help to prevent excessive bleeding.
Aids skin and bone health
Contains many nutrients and properties that are vital to skin and bone health.
Stinging nettles contain anti-histamine, antibacterial and and anti-inflammatory properties. These three properties help fight against conditions such as, acne, eczema and other skin issues.
Stinging nettles contain protein, flavonoids, and amino acids as well as the minerals iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and calcium. These nutrients help keep your bones strong and healthy. Stinging nettles also contain large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K helps increase bone mineral density which helps lower the risk of bone fractures.
High levels of boron are also found in stinging nettle leaves. Boron is used in the body to regulate calcium levels. Because of this, stinging nettles can help delay the onset of osteoporosis.
![close up of a stinging nettle leaf](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/leaves-g33e948e36_640.jpg)
Helps relieve seasonal allergies
Contains anti-allergenic properties that help the body fight seasonal allergies.
Stinging nettles are known to help reduce allergic reactions as well as, help prevent and cure asthma.
Stinging nettles contain anti-histamine properties which can help relieve symptoms of hay fever and hives, as well as, insect bites and stings.
Natural pain reliever for joints
Stinging nettle is an anti-inflammatory herb that can help lower joint pain.
Inflammation can cause a lot of discomfort and pain, especially in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties present in stinging nettles, this herb may help relieve pain in these joints.
Stinging nettle is used for treating arthritis, osteoarthritis and inflammation caused by injury.
![stinging nettle plant](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/nettle-ga5a281964_640.jpg)
High in antioxidants
Contains antioxidants that help protect the body against diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Stinging nettles contain the antioxidants polyphenols and carotenoids. These two antioxidants work together to protect the body against oxidative stress.
High levels of oxidative stress for prolonged amounts of time can have detrimental effects on the body. Cancer, inflammation and weakened immune function can occur when the body is not able to rid itself of excess oxidative stress.
Helps the body detox
Contains diuretic properties that support the body’s ability to detox.
Stinging nettles support the body’s ability to detox itself by promoting urine flow. This helps the body flush out toxins while allowing the body to remineralize itself. Stinging nettles are a safe, gentle way to detox the body.
Stinging nettles also help to soothe and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by flushing the kidneys and bladder.
![stinging nettle plant close up](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/stinging-nettle-g3655c72f3_640.jpg)
Helps control blood pressure
The minerals potassium and magnesium present in stinging nettles can help to lower blood pressure.
Stinging nettles contain the minerals potassium and magnesium which both work together to help lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and other diseases.
Potassium helps lower blood pressure by helping the kidneys release excess sodium through excretion. Potassium also helps the blood vessel walls relax, relieving tension making the blood vessels easier to travel through.
Magnesium, like potassium, helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. This mineral also helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood by dissolving excess calcium. This is important because excess calcium in the blood can harden your blood vessels, create kidney stones and weaken your bones.
Identify time:
Stinging nettles have been long used as a wild vegetable. This herbaceous perennial grows in almost all parts of the world. The stems of the stinging nettle grow 2 to 8 feet tall.
The leaves of stinging nettle are thin and dark green with a toothy edge and rough looking surface. They grow about 2 to 4 inches long and grow opposite.
The ‘stinging’ part of the nettles are tiny hairs on the under side of the stinging nettle leaves and on the stems.
The stinging nettle grows flowers along the stems that are either yellow, purple, white or green.
![stinging nettle plant close up](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/nettle-g7d5744352_640.jpg)
How to use:
To harvest stinging nettles, find some young, tender looking plants. Put on a pair of gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Begin cutting off the upper leaves of the stinging nettle. Collect your desired amount of stinging nettle leaves. Wash the leaves under cool, running water and pat dry. You can use these fresh or dry them for later use.
Tea: Make stinging nettle tea from fresh or dried leaves. You can dry or buy stinging nettles as loose leaf or tea bags.
Fresh stinging nettle tea: Boil 1 cup of water and pour over 1/4 to 1/2 cup of clean, fresh stinging nettle leaves. Let the nettle leaves steep in the water for 5 to 20 minutes. Strain out the leaves and drink as is, or, add honey or lemon to taste.
Dried stinging nettle tea: Boil 1 cup of water and pour over 2-3 teaspoons of dried, loose leaf tea or one tea bag. Let steep for 5 to 20 minutes. Strain out leaves or take out tea bag. Add honey and or lemon to taste.
Stinging Nettle Chips: Preheat an oven to 300 degrees fahrenheit. Place some clean, patted dry stinging nettle leaves on a cookie sheet. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil to the leaves and toss to coat. Sprinkle on 1 teaspoon of good quality salt. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring one or two time in between. Chips are done when they are fully dry and crispy. Don’t overcook.
Some cautions:
Talk to your doctor before taking stinging nettle, especially if you are on any medications or you have a medical condition. Although stinging nettle is generally safe for most individuals, the following symptoms may occur, though rare.
- Stomach upset
- Fluid retention
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Hives/rash
![patch of stinging nettle plants benefits of stinging nettles](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/stinging-nettles-ged7931b5b_640.jpg)
Check out These Other Amazing Herbs:
How do You Like to Eat Stinging Nettles?
Do the benefits of stinging nettles have you convinced to give them a try? Leave your favorite ways to prepare stinging nettles in the comments below!
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