Are you a tea lover? Instead of a strong coffee in the morning, do you prefer a hot cup of tea, perhaps nettle tea?
There’s really nothing wrong with that. But from the moment we realize that a little miracle is growing inside us, many expectant mothers begin to think more deeply about what they’re eating—and more importantly, whether it could harm the baby.
Nutrition during pregnancy is a topic that cannot be ignored. And that’s a good thing. Naturally, you only want the best for yourself and your child. Therefore, in addition to getting enough exercise, avoiding stress, and drinking enough fluids, it’s especially important to pay attention to your diet.
These considerations have surely led you to my article. I notice that nettle tea, its amount, and its intake are a big topic for you.
Therefore, I don’t want to beat around the bush any longer, but get straight to the answer to your question:
Nettle tea during pregnancy: yes or no?
Herbal teas during pregnancy are a hotly debated topic in scientific circles . While our ancestors could always rely on the healing power of nature and its products, today’s mothers are bombarded with ever-increasing amounts of information every day.
We don’t need to discuss the positive properties of nettle tea for long.
This type of tea is said to have antioxidant and diuretic properties.
It supports the liver, promotes drainage, and can even help with gallbladder problems. Nettle tea is made from the leaves of the nettle plant (Urtica dioica).
But is nettle tea good during pregnancy?
Nettle tea can be risky during pregnancy.
More specifically, you should avoid it completely, especially in the first and second trimester.
Here is the reason:
- Myth 1: Nettle tea relaxes body and mind
For many, starting or ending the day with a warm cup of tea is the ultimate relaxation ritual. However, not every type of tea is good for your body, especially when you’re pregnant.
Nettle tea by no means guarantees muscle relaxation! According to a 2015 study, it can actually trigger uterine contractions and cramps and even lead to miscarriages.
Thus, nettle tea could not only unnerve your body, but also cause inner unrest. This certainly doesn’t mean that your body and mind are in harmony and peace.
- Myth 2: Nettle tea helps with water retention
For a long time, there was a myth that nettle tea could help with water retention during pregnancy. However, this is precisely where many pregnant women often make a mistake. The nettle drink flushes the water out of the blood, not the tissue.
This, in turn, leads to thickening of the blood and increases the risk of thrombosis. Therefore, it would be best to steer clear of this type of tea. No beverage is worth these potential complications.
- Myth 3: Nettle tea is good for allergy sufferers
Most of us probably weren’t lucky enough to avoid the prickly and stinging leaves of stinging nettles as children. Redness and irritation appear on the skin shortly after contact.
However, if you consume nettle, it can trigger similar or identical reactions. Studies have shown that new allergies can be triggered, especially during pregnancy, when hormone levels and the immune system are changing.
Unfortunately, I have to admit at this point that I too have had such an experience.
During my pregnancy, I suddenly developed itching and numerous spots – my new allergy to strawberries!
Along with all the typical side effects of pregnancy, new allergies are the last thing you want to experience. Believe me!
I hope I have been able to give you a detailed explanation of why nettle tea is not necessarily good for you during pregnancy.
But if you still don’t want to miss out on your warm cup of tea, I have some safe alternatives for you.
You can replace nettle tea with this
As your doctor has probably already told you, in pregnancy, as in life, the principle of balance always applies. It’s never good to overdo it with any one food.
Whether it’s spicy food that satisfies your cravings, a spice like turmeric , or your favorite tea, if you’re cautious and want to forgo your favorite nettle tea for a while, I’d like to suggest some safe and healthy alternative teas.
- Peppermint tea
There is no need to worry about peppermint tea during pregnancy, especially if you are already past the first trimester.
An older, yet uncontroversial study claims that peppermint tea can trigger menstruation. Therefore, I would wait for the first three months to be on the safe side.
From then on, you no longer have to worry and can occasionally enjoy the freshness of peppermint tea even during pregnancy .
- Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea has many beneficial properties and can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy. It supports recovery and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Organic quality is especially important during pregnancy.
This way you don’t have to miss out on your relaxing tea moment and at the same time you’re doing something good for yourself and your baby.
Rooibos tea can be a good substitute during pregnancy if you want to enjoy a warm drink instead of nettle tea.
- Ginger tea
Ginger tea is not only good for your digestion, but also helps with colds and some of the less pleasant aspects of pregnancy. By that, I’m primarily referring to heartburn, nausea, and the gagging that many pregnant women experience, especially in the first trimester.
If you occasionally drink ginger tea instead of nettle tea, you could experience many positive effects. I’ve already written about this tea during pregnancy , and I’m sure it’s a good alternative for you.
Final thoughts
As much as the cravings and cravings for certain foods take hold of us, once we are in the midst of pregnancy, we think twice about whether our first choice is really the wisest.
Of course, this doesn’t just apply to spices and herbs like basil, a tempting tea sausage , or even smoked salmon. No, we also have the same concerns about juices, coffee, and, of course, teas. Be it our beloved nettle tea, chamomile tea , or even peppermint tea.
In this article, we’ve focused specifically on nettle tea. However, it would be advisable to take advantage of its beneficial properties after pregnancy.
Why not give tested and safe teas a chance during this special time?
Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new favorite tea!
