Two UK chemists are launching, on 8th March 2021, Emunity; the very first health drink to harness the healing and immunity-boosting benefits of Nettle and make it available in a ready to drink can.

The Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica to give it its scientific name), has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is an ordinary plant with some extraordinary qualities.

Nettle contains a significant amount of biologically active compounds, particularly carotenoids and polyphenols, that are good for you and your body (1). Nettle is known to lower blood pressure (2) and blood sugar levels (3), it reduces the effects of skin photoaging (4), helps in fighting the symptoms of hay fever (5). It has anti-bacterial properties (6) and boosts your immune system (7).

But to be fair, Nettle on its own isn’t very tasty, so pharmacists Roy Lamb and Nasir Isaji, have infused it with a range of garden botanicals, each with their own health properties.

Emunity is available in two great tasting flavours: Wild Strawberry and Gooseberry.

Emunity Wild Strawberry contains immune boosting Nettle, wild strawberries,

meadowsweet, chamomile and cucumber. Evoking the taste of a summer day in the garden, this drink is packed with nutrients and antioxidants (8/9) which help to reduce cholesterol (10), blood pressure (11) and oxidative stress (12).

Emunity Gooseberry contains immune boosting Nettle, gooseberries, dandelion, rosemary and thyme. With that late summer taste of the garden harvest, this drink is packed with nutrients which help improve eyesight and memory (13) and even help slow the aging process (15).

Rosemary has proven useful in the improvement of liver (17) and digestive health (18). It has been shown to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics (19) and improve memory and learning (20).

Dandelion has been used to treat digestive conditions (21) and inflammation (22). It shows promising antitumor effects (23) as well as aiding blood sugar control (24). The plant is so nutritious that it helps aid weight loss (25/25a) and also supports the immune system (26).

Meadowsweet is a perennial herb known for reducing the symptoms of cold and bronchitis (27), stomach ulcers (28), heart burn (29) and is an adjuvant in bladder infections (30). It also helps decrease inflammation (31) and even contains agents of salicylate that are similar to aspirin (32)

Cucumber promotes hydration in the body and contains flavonoids and tannins that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It has significant carminative and antacid properties (33), benefits liver protection (34), ulcerative colitis (35), and helps wound healing activity (36).

Thyme is antibacterial (37) and can help fight acne (38) and boost immunity (39) against colds, coughs, and sore throats. It also has a beneficial effect on enhancing one’s mood (40). Chemical analysis of the thyme shows it contains copper, iron, manganese and vitamins A and C (41), making this an herb packed full of benefits.

Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory (42) and helps promote blood sugar control (43). The high levels of antioxidants (44) play a role in lowering the risk of developing heart disease (45). It has proven benefits in anxiety disorders (46) and sleep disorders (47).

Fibruline (Inulin) is a low calorie soluble dietary fibre extracted by a natural process from chicory roots. It is not digested by the alimentary canal but provides both a probiotic effect and essential dietary fibre. Research on dietary inulin supplements shows that it may improve blood lipid profiles and alter the colic environment in a beneficial manner (48).

Apple Juice contains 30 nutritional and biologically active substances. The most significant being Potassium, Chromium, Hydroxycinnamic acids and Pectins.

Grape Juice contains 30 nutritional and biologically active substances. The most significant being Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Flavanoids and Hydroxycinnamic acids.

“We’re both passionate about helping people stay healthy, and so developing a drink full of genuine health benefits seemed the obvious thing to do.” says Nasir.

“The recipe for Emunity is inspired by my herbalist great-Grandfather who used to create a ‘cure-all tea’ from nettle. When I looked into it, I could see why nettle was so effective.” says Roy.

Emunity has transformed the humble Nettle into a great tasting, refreshing drink loaded with immune boosting health benefits. It is 100% natural, with no artificial Ingredients and only 53 calories per can.

Emunity is available from www.Emunity.co.uk, Amazon, and independent health stores from 8th March in 250ml grab-and-go cans. RRP £1.49

With the huge demand for health drinks since the start of the pandemic. Emunity is set to be a hit, helping us all enjoy a soft drink with added benefits- and proof that Nettles are much more than their sting!