The Nurturing Benefits of Nettle Tea for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Moms

The Nurturing Benefits of Nettle Tea for Breastfeeding Moms

Are you wondering if stinging nettles are safe for you?

Imagine a daily tea that nourishes your body, soothes anxiety and stress, and helps 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 when taking diuretics.

Want to get started?

In this post, I'll share how you can use stinging nettles during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond.

What are Stinging Nettles?

• Stinging nettles or Urtica dioica are a common weed found in North America and are 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 get the nettles' kiss, you can always search for Plantago major nearby - chew it up and place it on the sting to soothe the burn.

• I love the sting as it signifies the start of Spring and "wakes up" my immune system.

Stinging nettles are considered a B2 in safety, taken by a limited number of pregnant women without an increase in harmful effects. Safe in small amounts during the third trimester.

• It’s used as an anti-inflammatory and for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and allergic rhinitis.

• Dose: Take as a tea or freeze-dried stinging nettle capsule to reduce allergy symptoms

Nutritional Benefits of Nettle Tea

There are so many benefits of stinging nettles during pregnancy and postpartum. 

Stinging nettles...

1. are filled with vitamins A, C, K, and B

2. has minerals of CA, Iron {helps fight fatigue}, and Mg {helps soothe the nervous system}

3. may increase milk production

4. Decreases allergies when using the freeze-dried nettles

5. decreases inflammation

6. Decreases blood pressure

7. It controls blood sugar- have a cup with your chocolate cake!

8. fights fatigue

9. decreases the risk of iron-deficient anemia

10. reduces pelvic congestion

11. Reduce caffeine and sugar cravings

12. prevents osteoporosis

13. prevents varicosities

Nettle tea and hormone regulation

• Nettle tea's potential to influence hormone regulation is another area of interest for breastfeeding mothers. During the postpartum period, hormonal fluctuations can contribute to a range of physical and emotional changes, including mood swings, fatigue, and even postpartum depression.

• Nettle tea is believed to have a balancing effect on hormones, which can be particularly helpful for breastfeeding mothers. The herb contains compounds that may help regulate the production and metabolism of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones involved in the postpartum recovery process. This hormonal balancing act can, in turn, help alleviate common postpartum symptoms and support overall well-being.

Nettle Tea and Milk Supply

• Additionally, some research suggests that nettle tea may have a positive influence on prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.

• By supporting prolactin levels, nettle tea may help maintain a healthy milk supply, which is crucial for successful breastfeeding. This hormonal support can be especially beneficial for mothers experiencing challenges with low milk production or irregular menstrual cycles during the postpartum period.

So, are nettles safe while nursing?

• Stinging Nettles are considered a Level 1 herb by the German Commission E. and are safe while breastfeeding and during pregnancy 

How to Prepare Nettle Tea for Breastfeeding Moms

#1 The ONE daily tea 

If you love making teas yourself, here is my favorite recipe for women of all ages.[amd-yrecipe-recipe:14]

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A post shared by Natural Postpartum Recovery (@tarajgregorio)

#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. 

Other herbal teas for breastfeeding moms

• While nettle tea is a standout choice for breastfeeding mothers, it's not the only herbal tea that can provide valuable support during this time. Other herbs and herbal blends that may be beneficial for breastfeeding moms include:

  • Fenugreek: Known for its ability to boost milk supply, fenugreek is a popular herb used by breastfeeding mothers to increase their milk production.

  • Fennel: This licorice-flavored herb is believed to have galactagogue properties and may also help alleviate digestive issues common in the postpartum period.

  • Chamomile: With its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and provide relief for sore nipples or engorgement.

  • Ginger: Ginger tea can be a warming and soothing option for breastfeeding mothers, as it may help alleviate nausea, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.

• These herbal teas can be enjoyed individually or combined in various blends to cater to the unique needs and preferences of each breastfeeding mother. It's important to research and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the safety and effectiveness of any herbal tea consumed during the breastfeeding journey.

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

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 me know in the comment area below.

xo

Tara

P.S. Struggling with overwhelm? Watch this video to see how stinging nettles can help calm heart palpitations.