nettle precautions?

[nycmom18]

im wanting to start making a nettle infusion, but wonder about any precautions. would any of these be a problem?

-low blood pressure (get dizzy when i stand up too quickly)
-nursing a babe (read that it could have sedative effects)
-weak kidneys (would it help or hurt?)

[sunnygir1]

I have always considered nettle to be a mild, safe, and effective herb. I think of it as tonifying, so it shouldn't put strain on the kidneys.

The Energetics of Western Herbs (Peter Holmes) does not list any cautions or contraindications for nettle. It is not on his "aviod" list for pregnancy, but is on the "use with some caution during pregnancy" list.

[tanyalynn]

Originally Posted by nycmom18

im wanting to start making a nettle infusion, but wonder about any precautions. would any of these be a problem?

-low blood pressure (get dizzy when i stand up too quickly)
-nursing a babe (read that it could have sedative effects)
-weak kidneys (would it help or hurt?)

My understanding, and I'm still fairly new to herbs, is that nettles should help with #1 and #3 and I've never read of it being a problem for a nurseling.

[mbravebird]

Nettle infusion is really, really good for the kidneys. Some folks have healed their kidneys using it.

It's great for nursing (and for pregnancy); some women finds it increases their milk. It doesn't do that for me, but it's still great for nursing. It's been used during pregnancy and nursing for a loooooong time.

[Koalamom]

I make a daily nettle/alfalfa infusion and it makes my milk supply increase a ton. I have low blood pressure and I feel better with nettles.

[nycmom18]

awesome!!! i figured it was mostly good since all the ladies here on mothering use it! im feeling the need for some real nourishing for my body.

question: can you drink it everyday or should you stop for a week/month kind of thing?

thanks for all the replies!

[seawind]

does the daily intake of nettles/tea exert any significant estrogenic effect on the body?

[mbravebird]

Originally Posted by nycmom18

awesome!!! i figured it was mostly good since all the ladies here on mothering use it! im feeling the need for some real nourishing for my body.

question: can you drink it everyday or should you stop for a week/month kind of thing?

thanks for all the replies!

I drank it every day, or almost every day, during my pregnancy, and very regularly before that and since then. It's often used that way. It's a great nourisher and general tonic. In fact, I believe Susun Weed says that it's best used daily, because its tonifying effects are felt best that way, sort of like strengthening a muscle.

Seawind, I believe nettle root, not leaves, has some effects on hormone production; I don't remember what effect. But the leaves, which you make the infusion out of, don't have the same effect.

[springmum]

I have a quick question....

My nettle infusion didn't turn green this time. It's a brownish colour instead. Is this normal? It tastes/smells the same...

It is dried leaves from a new package, I've bought from the same company before and the infusion was a nice vibrant green....

Should I still drink it??

[tanyalynn]

Mine are always sort of brown-ish, not quite the same as black tea but in the same general vein... I've been fine, I thought this was the normal color.

[mbravebird]

So funny, my last order of herbs from Frontier made a green infusion rather than a dark/black one, which is what the normal color of the infusion was. I think Frontier started drying their herb differently. I actually switched to Mountain Rose at that point, so my infusions are back to black...

[springmum]

Hmm...well, I'll keep drinking this stuff until I can get my Mountain Rose order. It seems to be good quality. I wonder what the colour difference means...if anything.

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

when i saw this tittle i got a little worried i thought there was something bad about nettles (other than obvious stings *ouch*) in the past week i've made 2 pans of soup using nettles and vegetables .

[nycmom18]

does anyone know how long/if this is normal for mountain rose to be out of nettles right now?

[pianojazzgirl]

Originally Posted by nycmom18

does anyone know how long/if this is normal for mountain rose to be out of nettles right now?

Not sure, but why don't you send them an email to ask.