Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
In the world of health, herbal teas have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with because of the many health benefits they offer. It is, therefore, no surprise that they have a huge market. From shedding pounds to boosting immunity to enhancing prostate health and maintaining wellness, their many benefits are not simply conjectures; several studies support them.
According to one study, the high concentration of bioactive compounds like polyphenols in herbal teas may be responsible for the health advantages associated with their use.
Whilst other studies have shown that herbal teas are excellent providers of antioxidants that may help prevent the negative consequences of oxidative stress as well as other health issues.
So what about nettle tea? And what can you expect if drinking nettle tea before bed? Read on as we dive into nettle tea’s properties, effects, potential health benefits, and general impact on wellbeing. And crucially the effects of drinking nettle tea before bed and the impact it could have on your sleep and health.
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement or food into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements & foods may interfere with medications and/or cause allergic reactions.
But first: Back To Basics
Urtica dioica (Nettle Leaf) is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the family Urticaceae. It is also commonly referred to as the common nettle or stinging nettle (although not all plants of this species sting).
The plant is separated into six subgroups, five of which have numerous hollow stinging hairs on their leaves and stems called trichomes. These trichomes function like syringes, injecting histamine and other substances that cause a stinging sensation upon contact.
In both ancient and modern countries, the plant has an ancient legacy of use as a source of ethnic dishes, medicine, tea, and textile raw material. In addition, nettle leaf has numerous advantages, which go beyond health benefits. Its advantages and uses also extend to the culinary, agricultural, gardening, textile, and fibre industries.
Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is an herbal beverage made from the leaves of the nettle plant. To make nettle tea, you simply boil the leaves of stinging nettles in hot water. Vitamins A, C, and K are abundant in this tea, while iron, magnesium, and potassium are in moderate amounts.
Nettle tea is a tasty and healthy beverage that improves digestion, reduces pain and inflammation, and strengthens the immune system – as we’ll explain more on below.
Because of the flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals contained in the plant, nettle tea has a quick-acting effect on the body and can be highly potent.
Drinking herbal tea before bed is not an uncommon occurrence. But if you are thinking of drinking nettle tea before bed, listed below are some potential effects you can expect on your body.
Effects of Nettle Tea Before Bed
1. Pain Relief (& Better Sleep)
Due to nettle tea’s anti-inflammatory qualities, it can aid in reducing pain and inflammation. As a result, it can assist in relieving discomfort from health concerns such as headaches, joint pain, and muscle pain.
For those who consistently get headaches, body aches, and muscle soreness after a long and busy day, taking a cup of nettle tea before bed would help minimize aches and pain and could certainly help them get a restful and rejuvenating night rest.
A 2018 study verified that nettles can indeed aid in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms and joint discomfort, typically in the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
2. Better Digestion
Nettle tea also helps to improve digestion. The formation of pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract can be encouraged by excessive inflammation, which can, in turn, obstruct normal digestion.
Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, nettle tea can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, thus improving digestion.
It doesn’t end there either.
Drinking nettle tea can also help to manage constipation, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
In addition, nettle tea before bed may help people who struggle with bloating, indigestion, and constipation after their evening meal by easing these discomforts and allowing them to get a restful night’s sleep.
3. Heart Health
The high concentrations of vitamins and minerals found in nettle tea are heart-protective.
The plant contains beta carotene, vitamins A and C, and other carotenoids that may positively impact stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids, also found in nettles, can help lower blood pressure and minimize the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Heart disease manifests itself in various ways, including chest pain, palpitations, difficulty breathing and so on.
All of the aforementioned makes you uneasy and prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.
However, a cup of nettle tea before bed may help to mitigate all of these effects from happening, and give you a more restful night’s sleep.
4. May Cause Gastrointestinal Disturbances
As helpful as nettle tea is, consuming too much of it can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
Stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbances can interfere with your sleep and keep you awake throughout the night, and this may throw off your plans for the following day.
Even though this effect hasn’t been conclusively demonstrated, it is claimed to have happened in a few instances when nettle intake was substantial.
5. Drowsiness
Another effect of consuming too much nettle tea is drowsiness. Nettles can make you sleepy, so depending on your needs, drinking nettle tea at night may be helpful or detrimental.
Additionally, because nettles can make people drowsy, pairing them with sedative treatments like sleep aids and anti-anxiety drugs is not recommended.
It is possible to become overly sleepy when nettle tea is taken in combination with sedative drugs like eszopiclone (Lunesta), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others. If you are taking any form of medication, consult with your doctor before drinking nettle tea before bed.
6. Improved Energy Levels The Next Day
In addition to helping you fall asleep and guaranteeing a restful night’s sleep, nettle tea can also increase your energy.
For example, drinking nettle tea before bed would promote sound sleep, ease pain, and that will increase energy levels in preparation for the following day. That’s especially useful for people who engage in physically demanding daily activities.
General Effects That Nettle Tea has on the Body
1. Regulates Blood Pressure Levels
Nettle tea is believed to lower blood pressure levels due to its anti-inflammatory components and the high amount of potassium present in it. According to a Harvard study, potassium can prevent or control high blood pressure, thus, leading to fewer heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease.
Additionally, potassium has been proven to alleviate stress in arteries and blood vessels, boost healthy circulation, and promote proper oxygenation of the body. This can reduce the odds of having a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular issues.
Furthermore, a study found that nettles may include substances that function as calcium channel blockers. Calcium channels ease heart tension by lessening the force of contractions.
2. May Be Effective For Preventing Diseases
This is another effect of nettle tea on the body. Nettle tea is more akin to a general treatment because of the wide range of advantages it has.
The multi-functionality of nettle tea is a result of the fact that nettle tea is a source of polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant chemicals that aid in the prevention and management of chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, obesity, and many more.
Additionally, nettle tea has anti-inflammatory qualities that could aid in regulating digestion and lowering incidences of constipation and diarrhea.
3. Could Increase Bone Strength
Structural support, injury prevention, improved balance, and coordination are all benefits of having strong bones and muscles. A weak bone cannot carry out all of these tasks, which is why bones need to be strengthened.
For boosting bone strength, nettle tea is a good option. Nettle can strengthen bones since it contains various amino acids, proteins, flavonoids, and minerals that help form bones. Some of these minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicon, and zinc.
4. May Reduce Sensitivity & Allergens in the Skin
One of the most prevalent disorders today is skin sensitivity and allergies.
However, nettle tea calms skin reactions and allergies and can serve as the ideal treatment for long-standing allergies. Although the leaves occasionally hurt and may irritate the skin, the tea is a much better alternative because nettle tea contains significant levels of antihistamines, which help to reduce itching and allergies.
These properties are also quite effective in treating skin conditions like eczema and acne.
5. Interactions with Medications
Nettle tea may interfere with other medications; therefore, you must check with your medical advisor or doctor before drinking it.
Especially if you’re taking sedatives or anti-anxiety medication – this is because of nettle tea’s calming properties. When the calming properties of nettle tea are combined with sedative drugs, it can lead to excessive drowsiness and lightheadedness.
Additionally, nettle tea can also interfere with blood-thinning medications like aspirin and warfarin and cause blood clots to form. Always ask your doctor for advice.
Drinking Nettle Tea Before Bed: Wrapping Up
As we’ve seen, nettle tea offers wonderful advantages for the body as a whole and our ability to sleep at night.
However, there are other negative effects usually caused by overconsumption, so if you take the proper dosage, you should get the desired outcome.
According to the American Botanical Council, to get the most health advantages from nettle tea, it is advisable to steep 2-3 tablespoons of dried nettle leaves in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes.