Is nettle tea safe to consume during pregnancy? The nutritionist answers!

Food and nutrition are extremely important to everyone’s overall well-being. And if you are pregnant, your nutritional needs must be fully covered, not only for your health, but also for the all-round development of the baby. However, there are always conflicting opinions about what a pregnant woman should eat and drink, as there are certain types of food that can have a harmful effect on the body. One such food is nettle tea, which is made from nettle leaves from the nettle bush (Urtica dioica).

What is nettle tea and what are its benefits?

Nettle tea is very popular among Western herbalists (Northern Europe) and stinging nettle is a heart-shaped leaf commonly used to make juices and teas.

“It is blood nourishing and is commonly used in seasonal rhinitis. There are several studies that have suggested the use of nettle leaves to treat inflammatory disorders and diseases such as osteoarthritis, asthma, prostatic hypertrophy and diabetes. However, these facts have not been confirmed by sufficient clinical trials,” Sharanya Shastry, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, told Health Shots.

Is nettle tea good for pregnancy?

The risk in pregnancy is unknown for 91.2 percent (according to the study) of approved drugs prescribed to pregnant women. Therefore, consumption of nettle tea during pregnancy is also safe.

“Natural remedies are of course gentler during pregnancy, but it is important to include only those that are evidence-based and safe, as well as nutritious for mother and baby. For nettle leaves and tea made from them, naturopathic studies recommend using only ‘dried nettle’,” adds Shastry.

Read also: 5 signs of a high-risk pregnancy that every expectant mother should know

The benefits of nettle tea are:

1. It helps to overcome fatigue and is rich in minerals. The iron content is very important during pregnancy.
2. It improves the elasticity of veins and thereby reduces the occurrence of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
3. It has mild diuretic properties that reduce fluid retention.

A word of caution

According to Shastry, “Special attention should be paid to the use of ‘fresh nettle’ as it has a stimulating effect on the uterus, which can cause contractions in the uterine muscles, resulting in abortion. Therefore, it is contraindicated in pregnancy, especially in the early stages, and also if you are planning to conceive.

How to enjoy nettle tea?

Only 3 to 4 tablespoons of dried nettle is recommended, in the later stages of pregnancy, in the form of juice or tea. Even if you consume dried nettle, make sure it comes from a reliable source.

Dear expectant mothers, I wish you a safe and healthy pregnancy!