Nettle Tea for Postpartum Fatigue & Anxiety

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ettles are a great restorative and soothing medicinal used to help with the deep fatigue and some of the anxiety that many women feel in the postpartum time and early years of motherhood. Nettle tea is very nourishing though it has a robust leafy flavor. I sometimes have it instead of a cup of black tea because it gives me a slight pick me up, but it’s calming at the same time unlike black tea. It’s deep green chlorophyll helps create strong rich blood which strengthens a woman’s vitality. Since they are both calming and restorative herbs, nettles are a great choice as part of a natural treatment for postpartum fatigue and postpartum anxiety.

Nettles are one of the top western herbs that is used for all stages of childbearing, from fertility to breastfeeding. Here are the many other great ways that nettles can support you in all stages of maternal health.

• Fertility booster
• Creates calmness
• Gentle diuretic and laxative
• Anti-hemorrhagic support for labor
• Rejuvenator, overall tonic
• Supports the kidneys to cleanse the blood in pregnancy
• Pain reducer in labor because of it’s high calcium content
• Increases breast milk
• Prevents hemorrhoids

Nettles have high amounts of my favorite mama nutrients and much more:

• Folic Acid
• Calcium
• Iron

Susan Weed, one of the great modern herbalists and women’s health advocate, strongly suggests nettles for all aspects of motherhood. I highly recommend Susan Weed’s books if you are interested in herbal medicine. She has a unique perspective, and I consider her one of the wise women in natural healing.

Instructions for Taking Nettle Tea

I like Traditional Medicinals Organic Nettle Leaf for convenience but its stronger if you can find it dried loose leaf. The tea is made by pouring 2/3 cup boiling water over 1 teabag or 3 teaspoons (4 g) of herb, steeping for five to ten minutes and straining. This dose is repeated twice per day. Nettle need to be taken for a few months to get the most benefits.

Stinging nettle leaf can raise blood sugar, so if you’re diabetic, monitor your blood sugar carefully. Some people can be allergic to nettle tea and get a rash. Stop taking the herb If a reaction occurs.