Who should not drink nettle tea?

Who Should Not Drink Nettle Tea?
Nettle tea, derived from the leaves of the stinging nettle plant, is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and rich nutrient content. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Here’s a closer look at who should avoid this herbal infusion.
1. Individuals on Certain Medications
One of the primary groups that should refrain from drinking nettle tea includes those taking specific medications. Nettle can interact with various drugs, particularly blood thinners, diuretics, and medications for high blood pressure. The tea has a strong diuretic effect, which can exacerbate the effects of diuretics and lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, anyone on these medications should consult their healthcare provider before incorporating nettle tea into their diet.
2. Pregnant and Nursing Women
Pregnant and nursing women are often advised to avoid nettle tea due to its potential effects on uterine contractions. While some herbalists advocate for its use during pregnancy for its nutritional benefits, the lack of comprehensive studies means that caution is warranted. The safety of nettle tea during lactation is also not well-established, making it prudent for nursing mothers to avoid it unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
3. People with Allergies
Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Urticaceae family, which includes stinging nettle, should avoid nettle tea. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and consuming nettle tea could trigger symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, or respiratory issues.
4. Those with Kidney Issues
Nettle tea’s diuretic properties can be problematic for individuals with kidney disorders. For those with compromised kidney function, the increased urination caused by nettle tea could lead to further complications, including dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes. It is crucial for individuals with such conditions to consult their healthcare provider before consuming nettle tea.
5. Individuals with Low Blood Pressure
For those who already experience low blood pressure, nettle tea may exacerbate this condition. The tea can lower blood pressure further, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or fatigue. It is advisable for individuals with hypotension to avoid nettle tea or to consume it only under medical supervision.
Conclusion
While nettle tea offers a range of health benefits, it is essential to recognize that it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals on certain medications, pregnant or nursing women, those with allergies, people with kidney issues, and those with low blood pressure should exercise caution. Consulting with a healthcare professional before adding nettle tea to one’s diet is always a wise choice to ensure safety and avoid adverse effects.

What medications does nettle tea interfere with?

Possible Interactions

• Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) Stinging nettle may affect the blood’s ability to clot, and could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, including:
• Drugs for high blood pressure.
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Drugs for diabetes.
• Lithium.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Why is nettle bad for kidneys?

Older nettle leaves can contain oxalate, which can irritate the kidneys.

What does nettle tea do for the heart?

In addition, stinging nettle has compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax your heart by reducing the force of contractions ( 21 , 23 ). In animal studies, stinging nettle has been shown to lower blood pressure levels while raising the heart’s antioxidant defenses ( 24 , 25 ).

Is nettle hard on the kidneys?

Cautions. Avoid nettles if you have severe kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have fluid retention due to congestive heart failure. Nettles may interfere with blood pressure medication. Do not eat the raw leaves.

Is it safe to drink nettle tea everyday?

Yes, it’s quite safe to drink nettle tea everyday, provided that it is not specifically contraindicated as above.

What are the side effects of nettle tea?

When taken by mouth: Stinging nettle is possibly safe when used for up to 1 year. It might cause diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people.

What is the best time of day to drink nettle tea?

You can enjoy nettle tea any time of the day without worrying about the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Who should avoid nettle?

Avoid stinging nettle if you’re allergic or sensitive to nettle or plants in the same family. Avoid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding because there isn’t enough information on its safety. Use with caution if you’re elderly because of the potential of causing low blood pressure.

What is the warning for nettle leaf tea?

Drug interactions
Since nettle tea contains high levels of vitamins A and K, it may interact with blood thinners and increase bleeding tendency in predisposed people. Nettle tea can cause a drop in blood sugar levels. If you drink this tea while taking blood sugar medicine, you may experience dizziness or fainting.

Does nettle tea affect blood pressure?

U. dioica has been used as an anti-hypertensive remedy for many years. Nettle extract could improve cardiac performances by decreasing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (37).