Stinging Nettle Tea for Detox

​The wisdom that St. Hildegard shared long ago about natural healing, nutrition, and healthy living has been so helpful for me. I love to share with you nourishing foods and recipes that are inspired by her. Below you will learn about a detoxifying drink, Stinging Nettle Tea.
 
What is Stinging Nettle?
Stinging nettle is a flowering plant that grows in North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant itself is relatively small, usually growing less than 5 feet tall. It’s been used in herbal medicine since ancient times. 
Stinging nettle is a common plant that many people find is beneficial to eat cooked in a dish such as nettle soup or brewed as herbal tea.

Stinging Nettle Tea
Stinging nettle tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the plant also known as Urtica dioica. The tea can be made by simply infusing the leaves of the plant in hot water. The taste is reminiscent of green tea with a mellow, grassy flavor. It’s great with a touch of honey!
Stinging nettle tea can be found sold as herbal tea in a health food store.

​Benefits of Stinging Nettle Tea
Stinging Nettle Tea has a number of health benefits. It’s known for its ability to detoxify the body, boost immunity, and ease seasonal allergies.
This tea is also filled with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It’s a good source of potassium, iron, and magnesium too.

​A Word of Warning!
If you are feeling adventurous and want to pick your own Stinging Nettle leaves to make tea, be careful! The leaves of this plant have hair-like parts that can cause a temporary burning sensation when you come into contact with them. Your skin may itch, become red, or swell.
Now we know why it has the name it does! Thankfully, once Stinging Nettle is processed through cooking or drying, it can be safely consumed.