Nettle, the super herb
It's time to talk about one of my favorite herbs EVER, Nettle. I'm going to jump right into it but before I do, I want to preface this with you should always speak with your practitioner and do your own research before implementing any new lifestyle practices or herbs. This is based on my own personal experience, knowledge and research as a Holistic Health Practitioner who regularly includes herbal allies into my life.
And without further ado...
NETTLE.
Nettle is a garden and wild herb that is easy to grow and find. It is common in commerce and you can buy it as a loose leaf herb or a boxed tea. This incredible herb is known as one of the most nutritious and safe herbal remedies on Mother Earth. It's no surprise as just one little cup of super-infused nettle leaf tea offers around 500mg of calcium in a highly bioavailable form.
Wait wait wait..
What does super infused mean?
aaand bioavailable?
Super Infused
When you make tea from leaves and flowers of a plant you are making an infusion. Larger amounts of herbs and longer steeping times result in a super infusion. For example, steeping a particular herb for at least 4 hours or over overnight, opposed to steeping for 1-2 hours which would be a fresh herb infusion. A super infusion makes a stronger tasting tea and is more potent.
Super-Infused: When you make tea from leaves and flowers of a plant you are making an infusion. Larger amounts of herbs and longer steeping times result in a super infusion. For example, steeping a particular herb for at least 4 hours or over overnight, opposed to steeping for 1-2 hours which would be a fresh herb infusion. A super infusion makes a stronger tasting tea and is more potent.
Bioavailability: Refers to how easy it is for the body to absorb a nutrient and actually put it to use. This is so important if you are trying to get the most nutrient absorption out of whatever it is you are consuming.
We often are told that dairy, oxalate-rich leafy greens, beans, seeds & grains that contain phytic acid can be great sources of calcium. But we might be overlooking the fact that these foods contain other compounds that can hinder the absorption or even increase the excretion of calcium. Not that some of these foods can't have amazing benefits, but if you are looking to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to certain nutrients, looking for high bioavailability can be really beneficial.
So let's talk some more about this super herb.
I mentioned that Nettle is one of the most nutrient dense herbs out there. Let me explain.
Nettle contains high amounts of incredible vitamins & minerals like..
-Silica
We've all heard that silica is amazing for hair, skin & nails. Stop buying those processed biotin gummies and silica hair products and start nourishing yourself with bioavailable silica from your kitchen cabinet. This trace mineral provides strength and flexibility to the connective tissues of the body. Your skin, hair, nails, bones, teeth, cartilage, and blood vessels will all benefit.
-Magnesium
Magnesium is a common deficiency in the United States. This is concerning because this nutrient is crucial for optimal bodily functions, including muscle, nerve function, energy creation (ATP), protein formation, and repairing DNA & RNA. When our body has sufficient amounts of magnesium we can relieve symptoms like constipation, sleep problems, muscle cramps and more.
-Potassium
Potassium helps you muscles to contract and your nerves to function properly. Without potassium your body also cannot bring nutrients into cells or excrete toxins from cells properly. With enough potassium in an absorbable form, it can help people with high blood pressure as it offsets the bodies sodium levels. Enough potassium can also help with symptoms like cramping and balancing the fluid in our bodies helping us feel more hydrated.
-Chlorophyll
Nettle is an impressive green food that is super rich in chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is crucial for plants to stay healthy and green. When you buy supplements, they come in the form of chlorophyllin which contain copper instead of magnesium, and this is thought to allow our bodies to absorb it. When doses of chlorophyllin are taken, copper can be found in the plasma which indicates it has been absorbed by the body Check out the study here. Chlorophyll typically doesn't stay in the digestive system long enough for our bodies to absorb it, but due to nettles bioavailability of other nutrients, maybe the same could be said for the chlorophyll it contains? Just a theory of mine.
Any other benefits?
YEP! Nettle leaves take the role of a gentle diuretic to help you pee (just be mindful if you are taking medication, as any diuretic will excrete the effects of them sooner). Nettle also works as a gentle kidney cleanser, and mild antihistamine.
ON TOP OF THIS nettle can help you eliminate uric acid, which could potentially relieve gout.
To receive the true benefits of this beautiful plant, it is best in my experience to drink a super infusion on a daily basis for a consistent amount of time versus just once in a while or when symptoms arise. It is similar to taking supplements, where you usually need to take them on a daily basis to get levels to an optimal place.
I make a super infusion every morning and let it steep all day with chamomile, and drink a cup before bed.
This helps:
-Bring down inflammation in my body helping me fall asleep and keep my skin clear.
-Keeping my hair & nails strong & healthy.
-Helping me recover from workouts quicker & improve my bone density over time due to its bioavailability of calcium.
So if you aren't convinced you should look into nettle for yourself by now, reach out to me with any questions you may have! I love to talk about my favorite herb.
Chat soon ,
Leah xo
