Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Stinging nettle is a plant. The root and above ground parts are used as medicine.

Stinging nettle root is taken by mouth for urination problems related to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]). These problems include nighttime urination, urination that is too frequent, painful urination, inability to urinate, and irritable bladder.

Stinging nettle root is also used for elevated blood glucose, joint ailments, as a "water pill" (diuretic), and as an astringent. It is also used in women who have high levels of male sex hormones. This condition is called hyperandrogenism.

Stinging nettle above ground parts are used along with large amounts of fluids in so-called "irrigation therapy" for urinary tract infections (UTI), urinary tract inflammation, and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). The above-ground parts are also used for seasonal allergies (hay fever) and osteoarthritis.

The above ground parts of stinging nettle are also taken by mouth for internal bleeding, including uterine bleeding, nosebleeds, and bowel bleeding. The above ground parts are also used for anemia, poor circulation, an enlarged spleen, diabetes and other hormone disorders, too much acid in the stomach, diarrhea, asthma, lung congestion, heart failure, rash, eczema, cancer, preventing the signs of aging, "blood purification," wound healing, and as a general tonic.

Stinging nettle above ground parts are applied to the skin for muscle aches and pains, oily scalp, oily hair, and hair loss (alopecia).

In foods, young stinging nettle leaves are eaten as a cooked vegetable.

In manufacturing, stinging nettle extract is used as an ingredient in hair and skin products.

Stinging nettle leaf has a long history of use. It was used primarily as a diuretic and laxative in ancient Greek times.

Don't confuse stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) with white dead nettle (Lamium album).

How does it work?

Stinging nettle contains ingredients that might decrease inflammation and increase urine output.

Osteoarthritis.
Hay fever.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Bleeding.
Diabetes.
Excess male hormone levels in women (hyperandrogenism).
Anemia.
Asthma.
Diarrhea.
Poor circulation.
Water retention.
Wound healing.

By mouth

For osteoarthritis: 9 grams of crude stinging nettle leaf has been used daily. Also, an infusion containing 50 mg of stinging nettle leaf has been taken along with 50 mg of diclofenac daily for 14 days.

By skin

For osteoarthritis: Fresh stinging nettle leaf has been applied to painful joints for 30 seconds once per day for one week. Also a specific cream containing stinging nettle leaf extract (Liquid Phyto-Caps Nettle Leaf by Gaia Herbs) has been applied twice daily for 2 weeks.

Stinging nettle is SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 2 years or when applied to the skin appropriately. However, it might cause stomach complaints and sweating. Touching the stinging nettle plant can cause skin irritation.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Stinging nettle is LIKELY UNSAFE to take during pregnancy. It might stimulate uterine contractions and cause a miscarriage. It's also best to avoid stinging nettle if you are breast-feeding.

Diabetes: There is some evidence that stinging nettle above ground parts can decrease blood sugar levels. This might increase the chance of blood sugar levels becoming too low in people being treated for diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.

Low blood pressure: Stinging nettle above ground parts might lower blood pressure. In theory, stinging nettle might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people prone to low blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, discuss stinging nettle with your healthcare provider before starting it.

Kidney problems: The above ground parts of stinging nettle seem to increase urine flow. If you have kidney problems, discuss stinging nettle with your healthcare provider before starting it.