Are you wondering if stinging nettles are safe for you?
Imagine a daily tea that would nourish your body, soothe anxiety and stress, and help you sleep better.
It sounds so simple and it is!
Here’s a quick warning, always check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or have any health concerns; especially taking diuretics.
Want to get started?
In this post, I’ll share how you can use stinging nettles during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond.
But first, grab this freebie to feel more confident using herbs while breastfeeding
What are Stinging Nettles?
Stinging nettles or Urtica dioica is a common weed found in North America and is most commonly known for the sting you get when you walk by. It can be cooked and eaten in popular recipes like nettle soup or nettle cheese, but its sting disappears when you cook it.
If you happen to get the kiss of the nettles, you can always search for Plantago major nearby – chew it up and place it on the sting to soothe the burn.
Personally, I love the sting as it signifies the start of Spring and “wakes up” my immune system.
Stinging Nettle Treatment
If you’ve received the kiss from Stinging nettles, don’t worry.
- Find Plantago major, otherwise known as plantain, chew in your mouth, and apply to the red, sting area
- Within moments your sting will subside
13 Stinging Nettles Benefits
There are so many benefits of stinging nettles during pregnancy and postpartum.
Stinging nettles…
- are filled with vitamins A, C, K, and B
- has minerals of CA, Iron {helps fight fatigue}, and Mg {helps soothe the nervous system}
- may increase milk production
- decreases allergies when using the freeze-dried nettles
- decreases inflammation
- decreases blood pressure
- it controls blood sugar- have a cup with chocolate cake
- fights fatigue
- decreases the risk of iron-deficient anemia
- reduces pelvic congestion
- reduce caffeine and sugar cravings
- prevents osteoporosis
- prevents varicosities
So, Are nettles safe while nursing?
- Stinging Nettles are considered a Level 1 herb by the German Commission E. and is safe while breastfeeding and during pregnancy
My favorite tea for breastfeeding moms is Earth Mama Milkmaid Tea which includes Stinging Nettles
Earth mama milkmaid tea ingredients:
Organic Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graecum) Seed, Organic Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) Seed, Organic Red Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus) Leaf, Organic Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Leaf, Organic Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) Seed, Organic Orange (Citrus Sinensis) Peel, Organic Anise (Pimpinella Anisum) Seed, Organic Caraway (Carum Carvi) Seed, Organic Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa) Leaf
3 Ways to use Stinging Nettles
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#1 The ONE daily tea
If you love making teas yourself, here is my favorite recipe for women of all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 part Stinging Nettles
- 1 part Milky Oat Tops
- Optional
- Add in lemon balm for happiness {Lemon balm may change the taste of your breastmilk if breastfeeding}
Instructions
- Place 2-3 tbs. of herbs in a cup.
- Cover with 3-4 cups of water.
- Steep for 8 hours overnight.
- Add in raw honey when warm if you desire.
- -
- Safe while breastfeeding
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#2 Stinging Nettle Supplement for allergies
One of the benefits of Stinging Nettles is to reduce seasonal allergies. Consider taking it 1-2 months daily before your allergy season begins.
- The best method for reducing allergies is to take it in a “freeze-dried” form. This means the stinging hairs of the plant are preserved in the capsule.
- You can open the capsule for children, animals and if you have poor digestion to take in a shake, tea or drink of your choice
- Freeze-dried stinging nettles in a supplement form
#3 Stinging Nettle Tincture
I prefer to drink Stinging Nettles for all the vitamins & minerals, but you may want to use it as a tincture as well.
How to use stinging nettles for postpartum depression
Conclusion
Stinging nettles are one of the most beneficial botanicals to nourish our body with vitamins and minerals and ease the everyday stress of motherhood. Taken as tea, you’ll notice the soothing effects immediately.
I hope you grow to love nettles as much as I do.
Have you tried Stinging Nettles? Let us know
xo
Tara
