Nettle Iron-Rich Tea
Stinging nettle is one of the most nutritious herbs available — rich in iron, calcium, and chlorophyll. Ideal for anaemia and fatigue.
Benefits
Ingredients
- Dried nettle leaf — 3 tbsp
- Dried red raspberry leaf — 2 tbsp
- Dried oat straw — 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice (to serve) — A squeeze
Instructions
- Combine dried herbs in a jar.
- For a nourishing infusion: add 2 tablespoons to 500ml of just-boiled water.
- Cover and steep for 4–8 hours or overnight for a nutritive infusion.
- Strain, add lemon juice (enhances iron absorption), and drink.
Notes
A long infusion (4–8 hours) extracts far more minerals than a standard 10-minute steep. Vitamin C (lemon) significantly enhances iron absorption.
Interactions & contraindications
Dried nettle leaf
Full profilePregnancy
Likely SafeNettle leaf infusion is one of the most widely recommended pregnancy herbs by midwives — used throughout pregnancy as a mineral-rich nutritive tonic. Nettle root (used for prostate health) is a different preparation with less pregnancy safety data.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeWidely used and traditionally considered supportive of milk supply and postpartum recovery due to its mineral content.
Children
Likely SafeThe leaf is commonly used as a mild nutritive tea for children; be aware raw fresh nettle causes a stinging skin reaction and must be dried or cooked before use.
Blood thinners, blood pressure and blood sugar medications
Nettle may affect all three — monitor closely if combining.
Lithium
Diuretic effect may alter lithium clearance.
Dried red raspberry leaf
Full profile- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast/ovarian cancer, endometriosis) — phytoestrogenic activity possible
Pregnancy
Use CautionOne of the most well-known pregnancy herbs — widely used to tone the uterus and prepare for labor, but most midwives recommend waiting until the second or third trimester, since its uterine-toning effect is generally not advised in early pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Likely SafeCommonly continued after birth as a nutritive, mineral-rich tea; considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Children
Likely SafeSometimes used as a mild nutritive tea for older children; no significant safety concerns at normal amounts.
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Dried red raspberry leaf in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.
Dried oat straw
Full profile- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Dried oat straw in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Dried oat straw itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Insufficient DataNo specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.
Breastfeeding
Insufficient DataNo specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.
Children
Insufficient DataNo specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Dried oat straw in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.
Lemon juice (to serve)
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Lemon juice (to serve) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Lemon juice (to serve) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Insufficient DataNo specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.
Breastfeeding
Insufficient DataNo specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.
Children
Insufficient DataNo specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.
No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Lemon juice (to serve) in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.