The spring is here. I’ve been thinking about doing a spring-cleanse with nettle tea all winter. And now the time has finally come. Why have I been so jazzed about it? Because I’ve learned that nettle is not only an excellent spring tonic, but also a wonderful remedy for women’s menstrual problems.

Key Benefits:

1. Nettle safely and gently cleanses the body of metabolic wastes by promoting the excretion of wastes through the kidneys. This, by itself, will guarantee a lighter mood and more vibrant energy.

2. It also cleanses your liver and enhances the liver’s ability to process estrogen more effectively, which reduces PMS symptoms. As written in an earlier post, liver Qi stagnation is the most common cause of PMS.

3. Rich in iron, nettle is a natural blood builder. It’s an excellent herb for anemia and fatigue, especially in women.

4. Nettle is often recommended for excessive menstrual bleeding. This means that it can reduce the length of your period and the severity of cramps, and make your flow lighter.

5. As a diuretic, nettle increases the secretion and flow of urine, helping with fluid retention and bladder infections.

6. Symbolically, nettle represents the ability to draw clear boundaries and protect oneself. This comes up as an issue for many women during the pre-menstrual phase of their cycles, when irritability, frustration and anger often occur.

How to Make Nettle Tea:

If you can pick fresh nettle yourself, that would surely be the best. But if you live in the city like me, your best bet is to get freshly dried nettle at your local Whole Foods or herbal store. It should be available right about now.

Put two or three teaspoons of dried nettle leaves in a medium-sized teapot and soak with freshly boiled water. Strain after five minutes. If you want to do a spring cleanse, drink one cup in the morning and save the remaining two cups to drink cold during the day.

I’ve heard that drinking too high a dose might cause mild irritation. So I recommend that you strain the leaves after five minutes and don’t let it steep for too long.

You can also combine nettle leaves with raspberry leaves, nourishing your uterus while cleansing your whole body.

I can’t wait to start my spring cleansing with the nettle tea. Let me know if you’re doing it, and if you feel lighter, happier and more energetic afterwards…

* Image credit: Growing Herbal Remedies