DIY stinging nettle support for women

View our short video on youtube of how to make our simple overnight infusion.

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Stinging nettle (Urtica incisa) is a powerhouse herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its myriad health benefits. Among its many virtues, stinging nettle is particularly beneficial for women experiencing period pain and menopause cramps due to its high iron and magnesium content. This article explores how to utilize stinging nettle to alleviate these common issues and provides a simple recipe for a stinging nettle infusion.

## The Nutritional Powerhouse: Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle is packed with essential vitamins A, C, K & D and minerals that support overall health and wellbeing. Two of its key components, iron and magnesium, are particularly effective in helping to manage period pain and menopause cramps.

### Iron
Iron is crucial for maintaining healthy blood levels and preventing anemia, a condition that can exacerbate fatigue and menstrual discomfort. Women, especially those of childbearing age, often need more iron due to blood loss during menstruation. Stinging nettle is a rich source of non-heme iron, making it a valuable addition to the diet to boost iron levels naturally.

### Magnesium
Magnesium plays a vital role in muscle function and relaxation, making it highly effective in alleviating cramps. It helps to soothe the muscles of the uterus during menstruation and reduces the severity of cramps experienced during menopause. Additionally, magnesium supports overall stress reduction, which can further ease the discomfort associated with these conditions.

## Simple Stinging Nettle Infusion Recipe

Making a stinging nettle infusion is a simple and effective way to incorporate this herb into your daily routine. The infusion can be prepared using either fresh or dried nettle leaves. Here’s how to make it:

### Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh stinging nettle leaves (or ½ cup dried nettle leaves)
- 4 cups boiling water
- Mason jar or similar glass container

### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Nettle:** If using fresh stinging nettle leaves, wear gloves to avoid getting stung. Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. If using dried nettle leaves, measure out ½ cup.

2. **Combine Nettle and Water:** Place the nettle leaves into a clean mason jar. Pour the boiling water over the nettle leaves, filling the jar.

3. **Steep the Infusion:** Cover the jar with a lid and let the nettle leaves steep in the boiling water overnight for a stronger infusion. This allows the nutrients to fully extract into the water.

4. **Cool and Refrigerate:** After steeping, let the infusion cool to room temperature and refrigerate.

5. **Drink and Enjoy:** Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the nettle leaves. Transfer the strained infusion to a clean container. Drink a cup of the nettle infusion in the morning to start your day with a nutrient boost. You can enjoy it cold, or gently warm it if you prefer. The infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

## Benefits of Stinging Nettle Infusion

### Alleviating Period Pain
The iron and magnesium in stinging nettle help to alleviate the symptoms of period pain by promoting healthy blood flow and reducing muscle cramps. Regular consumption of nettle infusion can help maintain adequate iron levels, preventing anemia-related fatigue and weakness.

### Easing Menopause Cramps
For women experiencing menopause cramps, the magnesium in nettle infusion provides relief by relaxing uterine muscles and reducing cramp severity. Additionally, nettle’s anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate overall discomfort.

### Supporting Overall Health
Beyond managing period pain and menopause cramps, stinging nettle infusion offers numerous other health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and a variety of minerals that support immune function, bone health, and overall vitality.

## Conclusion

Stinging nettle is a natural and effective remedy for managing period pain and menopause cramps. Its high iron and magnesium content, combined with its anti-inflammatory and overall health-boosting properties, make it an excellent addition to any woman’s wellness routine. By preparing a simple nettle infusion, you can easily incorporate this powerful herb into your daily life and enjoy its numerous benefits.