by Eric Yarnell, ND, RH(AHG)
Last updated 23 Mar 2022
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Table of Contents
Clinical Highlights
Nettle is a gentle herb (except for the stings), usually requiring chronic use for optimal effects and with no adverse effects.
Nettle leaf is used internally as a diuretic, inflammation modulator, and nutritive (at food doses).
Fresh nettle leaf applied topically is a potent counterirritant.
Nettle seed is nephroprotective and nephrorestorative.
Nettle root helps reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Nettle leaf is used internally as a diuretic, inflammation modulator, and nutritive (at food doses).
Fresh nettle leaf applied topically is a potent counterirritant.
Nettle seed is nephroprotective and nephrorestorative.
Nettle root helps reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Urtica dioica habit in seed in Sarnau, Wales (photo copyright E. Yarnell)
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Urtica dioica leaf (photo copyright E. Yarnell)
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Clinical Fundamentals
Part Used: Fresh or carefully dried leaf, seed, and/or root are used. For topical use, only fresh leaves are effective for stinging.
Taste: The leaf is grassy. The root is earthy and bland. The seeds are flavorless to slightly woody.
Major Actions:
Leaf:
Major Organ System Affinities
Major Indications:
Leaf, internal:
One small randomized, double-blind trial originally purported to show that 600 mg freeze-dried nettle leaf was effective for allergic rhinitis (Mittman 1990). However, no intergroup comparative statistics were provided in this study, making it impossible to determine the actual outcome. A subsequent small randomized, double-blind trial using a nettle root extract 150 mg qid failed to find that it had any better effect on allergic rhinitis symptoms than placebo (Bakhshaee, et al. 2017).
Two open studies have shown that internal use of juice of leaf is either as effective as NSAIDs in arthritis patients, or enhances the efficacy of these drugs for pain relief (Sommer and Sinner 1996; Chrubasik, et al. 1997).
Topical application of fresh leaf was significantly more effective at relieving pain from osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb compared to application of fresh Lamium album in a double-blind clinical trial (Randall, et al. 2000).
Case studies have been published supporting that nettle seeds protect nephrons from harm, and possibly restore them to function, in patients with serious kidney disease (Treasure 2003).
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: In the largest, most recent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, use of a dried root extract of nettles (459 mg daily) was associated with a significant reduction in symptoms compared to placebo, with no measurable effect on urine flow rates (Schneider and Rubben 2004). This trial ran for one year. A combination of nettle root extract and Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) has been shown to be as effective as the drug finasteride for relieving symptoms of BPH in another double-blind, randomized, one year trial (Sökeland and Albrecht 1997). Additionally, adverse effects are far lower in men taking the herbal extract compared to finasteride. Many other clinical trials confirm the efficacy of nettle root for BPH (Bercovich and Saccomanni 2010; Pavone, et al. 2010; Lopatkin, et al. 2005; Popa, et al. 2005). It is unlikely nettle root will help men with prostates larger than 50 cc in volume, as it is not strong enough hormonally to actually shrink the tissue. It can keep the prostate from growing larger with continual use.
There is also some evidence from clinical trials that nettle root combined with saw palmetto and inflammation-modulating herbs can help patients with chronic prostatitis (Cai, et al. 2009).
Major Constituents
Leaf:
The iron content of nettle aerial parts was found to be low at 2.15 mg/100 g in one study in Greece, regardless of growth habit or altitude (Issopoulos, et al. 1996).
Aqueous or low alcohol extracts of roots contain the broadest range of these constituents (Lichius and Muth 1997).
Adverse Effects: Annoying or painful stings occur when the fresh leaf or seeds are touched (though this can be therapeutic). This is due to a combination of mechanical and chemical irritation (Cummings and Olsen 2011). Otherwise no part of the plant has any known toxicity. There is little danger from overdose other than nausea and vomiting in extreme cases.
Contraindications: Use of diuretics such as nettle leaf is not recommended in instances of enuresis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, nocturia, chronic prostatitis, or chronic renal failure, as it may exacerbate all these conditions. All parts are safe in pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions: There are no documented interactions with drugs. Use caution combining leaf or seed with lithium due to potential for altering its renal handling, though this is purely theoretical. It does appear to contain a relatively large amount of vitamin K (Issopoulos, et al. 1996). So if it is taken in food doses in a patient taking warfarin, be sure to monitor their international normalized ratio (INR) levels closely.
Taste: The leaf is grassy. The root is earthy and bland. The seeds are flavorless to slightly woody.
Major Actions:
Leaf:
- Diuretic (moderately potent) (Dizaye, et al. 2013; Tahri, et al. 2000; Kirchhoff 1983)
- Inflammation modulator
- Nutritive (food doses)
- Counterirritant (fresh leaf topically)
- Nephroprotective
- Nephrorestorative/regenerative
- Prostatic hyperplasia reducer
- Sex hormone-binding globulin inhibitor
Major Organ System Affinities
- Leaf: Urinary Tract
- Seed: Kidneys
- Root: Prostate
Major Indications:
Leaf, internal:
- Urinary tract infection (irrigation therapy)
- Kidney stone prevention (irrigation therapy)
- Acute kidney stone passage (irrigation therapy)
- Edema, including in congestive heart failure (Kirchhoff 1983)
- Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (Mittman 1990)
- Systemic inflammatory diseases
- Inflammatory arthritides (also topical) (Abd-Nikfarjam, et al. 2022)
- Weakness, malnutrition (as food)
- Inflammatory arthritides (also internal)
- Osteoarthritis (Randall, et al. 2000)
- Chronic kidney disease (Treasure 2003)
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (Men, et al. 2016)
- Elevated sex hormone-binding globulin levels
One small randomized, double-blind trial originally purported to show that 600 mg freeze-dried nettle leaf was effective for allergic rhinitis (Mittman 1990). However, no intergroup comparative statistics were provided in this study, making it impossible to determine the actual outcome. A subsequent small randomized, double-blind trial using a nettle root extract 150 mg qid failed to find that it had any better effect on allergic rhinitis symptoms than placebo (Bakhshaee, et al. 2017).
Two open studies have shown that internal use of juice of leaf is either as effective as NSAIDs in arthritis patients, or enhances the efficacy of these drugs for pain relief (Sommer and Sinner 1996; Chrubasik, et al. 1997).
Topical application of fresh leaf was significantly more effective at relieving pain from osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb compared to application of fresh Lamium album in a double-blind clinical trial (Randall, et al. 2000).
Case studies have been published supporting that nettle seeds protect nephrons from harm, and possibly restore them to function, in patients with serious kidney disease (Treasure 2003).
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: In the largest, most recent double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, use of a dried root extract of nettles (459 mg daily) was associated with a significant reduction in symptoms compared to placebo, with no measurable effect on urine flow rates (Schneider and Rubben 2004). This trial ran for one year. A combination of nettle root extract and Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) has been shown to be as effective as the drug finasteride for relieving symptoms of BPH in another double-blind, randomized, one year trial (Sökeland and Albrecht 1997). Additionally, adverse effects are far lower in men taking the herbal extract compared to finasteride. Many other clinical trials confirm the efficacy of nettle root for BPH (Bercovich and Saccomanni 2010; Pavone, et al. 2010; Lopatkin, et al. 2005; Popa, et al. 2005). It is unlikely nettle root will help men with prostates larger than 50 cc in volume, as it is not strong enough hormonally to actually shrink the tissue. It can keep the prostate from growing larger with continual use.
There is also some evidence from clinical trials that nettle root combined with saw palmetto and inflammation-modulating herbs can help patients with chronic prostatitis (Cai, et al. 2009).
Major Constituents
Leaf:
- Flavonoid glycosides
- Caffeic malic acid
- Minerals
- Vitamins
- Protein
- Formic acid
- Histamine
- Acetylcholine
- Leukotrienes (series 4 and 5)
- Terpenoids
- Unknown
- Scopoletin
- Beta-sitosterol
- 9-Hydroxy-10-trans-12-cis-octadecadienic acid
- Urtica dioica agglutinin
- Lignans
- Complex carbohydrates
The iron content of nettle aerial parts was found to be low at 2.15 mg/100 g in one study in Greece, regardless of growth habit or altitude (Issopoulos, et al. 1996).
Aqueous or low alcohol extracts of roots contain the broadest range of these constituents (Lichius and Muth 1997).
Adverse Effects: Annoying or painful stings occur when the fresh leaf or seeds are touched (though this can be therapeutic). This is due to a combination of mechanical and chemical irritation (Cummings and Olsen 2011). Otherwise no part of the plant has any known toxicity. There is little danger from overdose other than nausea and vomiting in extreme cases.
Contraindications: Use of diuretics such as nettle leaf is not recommended in instances of enuresis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, nocturia, chronic prostatitis, or chronic renal failure, as it may exacerbate all these conditions. All parts are safe in pregnancy and lactation.
Drug Interactions: There are no documented interactions with drugs. Use caution combining leaf or seed with lithium due to potential for altering its renal handling, though this is purely theoretical. It does appear to contain a relatively large amount of vitamin K (Issopoulos, et al. 1996). So if it is taken in food doses in a patient taking warfarin, be sure to monitor their international normalized ratio (INR) levels closely.
Pharmacy Essentials
Tincture of Leaf, Seed, or Root: 1:2–1:3 w:v ratio, 30–40% ethanol
Dose:
Acute, adult: 4–6 ml every 2–3 h, adjusted for body size and sensitivities
Chronic, adult: 4–6 ml three times per day
Child: as adult but adjusted for body size
Glycerite of Leaf: 1:2–1:3 w:v ratio, 75%+ vegetable glycerin
Infusion or Decoction: 5–50 g of leaf infused in recently boiled water in 250–500 ml of water for 10–15 min. The amount of water used can be adjusted to patient taste in subsequent cups. For seeds or roots, 3–5 g (1 tbsp) simmered for 15 min in 250 ml water.
Dose:
Acute, adult: 1 dose up to q2h
Chronic, adult: 1 cup three times per day
Child: as adult but adjusted for body size
Fresh leaves topically: apply directly to inflamed body part as needed for pain relief
Crude leaf, seed or root powder or freeze-dried: 3–5 g every 2–3 h acutely, or 1–2 g three times per day chronically
Fresh leaf juice: 1–2 oz three times per day or more often (for acute situations)
If you need help formulating with this herb, or any other, you can use the formulation tool. Remember that when using this herb in a formula, due to synergy, you can usually use less.
Dose:
Acute, adult: 4–6 ml every 2–3 h, adjusted for body size and sensitivities
Chronic, adult: 4–6 ml three times per day
Child: as adult but adjusted for body size
Glycerite of Leaf: 1:2–1:3 w:v ratio, 75%+ vegetable glycerin
Infusion or Decoction: 5–50 g of leaf infused in recently boiled water in 250–500 ml of water for 10–15 min. The amount of water used can be adjusted to patient taste in subsequent cups. For seeds or roots, 3–5 g (1 tbsp) simmered for 15 min in 250 ml water.
Dose:
Acute, adult: 1 dose up to q2h
Chronic, adult: 1 cup three times per day
Child: as adult but adjusted for body size
Fresh leaves topically: apply directly to inflamed body part as needed for pain relief
Crude leaf, seed or root powder or freeze-dried: 3–5 g every 2–3 h acutely, or 1–2 g three times per day chronically
Fresh leaf juice: 1–2 oz three times per day or more often (for acute situations)
If you need help formulating with this herb, or any other, you can use the formulation tool. Remember that when using this herb in a formula, due to synergy, you can usually use less.
Urtica dioica habit in flower (photo copyright E. Yarnell)
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Urtica dioica habit in fruit (photo copyright E. Yarnell)
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Other Names
Latin synonyms:
Current correct Latin binomial: Urtica dioica L
Urtica eckloniana Blume
Urtica galeopsifolia Wierzb ex Opiz
Urtica haussknechtii Boiss
Urtica sicula Gasp ex Guss
Urtica submitis Boiss
Urtica tibetica WT Wang ex CJ Chen
English Common Names: stinging nettle, California nettle, common nettle, European nettle, great nettle, great stinging nettle, nettle, slender nettle, stinging, stinging netle
Arabic Common Names: قراص كبير, القراص, القريص الشائك, حريق, قراص, قريص
Armenian Common Name: երկտուն եղինջ (ergdun eghinch)
Assamese Common Nme: chorat
Basque Common Name: asun handia
Catalan Comon Names: ortiga grossa, estrigal, ortiga gran, ortiga major, ortiga verda, ortriga, picamanes, picamoros, urdigues, xiripia, xordiga
Czech Common Names: kopřiva dvoudomá, kopoiva dvoudomá, kopřiva dvoudomá pravá
Danish Common Names: Brænde nælde, hede-nælde, tvebo nælde, stor nælde
Dutch Common Names: grote brandnetel, brandnetel, brandnetelsoort, grote
Esperanto Common Names: granda urtiko, brulfolio granda, urtiko granda
Estonian Common Name: kõrvenõges
Faroese Common Name: tvibýlisnota
Finnish Common Names: nokkonen, etelännokkonen, isonokkonen, nukalainen, tavallinen nokkonen, viholainen
French Common Names: grande ortie, ortie dioique, ortie, ortie brulante, ortie commune, ortie dioïque d'europe
German Common Names: grosse Brennessel, Brennessel, grosse Nessel, Hanfnessel
Greek (Modern) Common Names: κνίδη η δίοικος, πολυετής τσουκνίδα, πολύετής τσουκνίδα, τσουκνίδα, τσουκνίδα κοινή, τσουκνίδα πολυετής
Hebrew Common Name: סרפד (srfd)
Hindi Common Names: बिच्छू bichchhu, बिछुआ bichhua, कंडाली kandadli, बिच्छूबूटी bichchhu buti
Hungarian Common Name: nagy csalán
Icelandic Common Names: brenninetla, sérbýlisnetla
Irish Common Names: neantóg, neantóg loiscneach
Italian Common Names: ortica, ortica comune, ortica grande, ortica maschio, orticone, urtica dioica
Japanese Common Names: いらくさ 蕁麻 irakusa, せいよういらくさ seiyōirakusa
Kannada Common Names: ಚುಱಚಿ, ಚುರಚಿ churachi
Mandarin Chinese Common Names: 蕁麻 (traditional) 荨麻 (simplified) xún má, 异株荨麻 yìn zhū xún má
Nepalese Common Name: सिस्नो (sisno)
Norwegian Common Names: brennesle, brennekopp, brennenota, brenngras, brennhette, brennhuttu, netle, njåsjle, nøsle, stornesle, brennesle, stornesle
Persian Common Names: گزنه (guzn) گزنده, گزنه (guznh guzndh)
Polish Common Names: pokrzywa zwyczajna, pokrzywa pospolita
Portuguese Common Names (Continental): urtiga comum, ortigão, urtiga, urtiga-de-cauda, urtiga-maior, urtiga-vivaz, urtiga-vulgar, urtigão
Portuguese Common Names (Brazilian): urtiga, urtigão
Russian Common Names: крапива двудомная, крапива
Sanskrit Common Name: वृश्चिकाली vṛścikālī
Scottish Gaelic Common Names: deanntag, neanntag, caol-faile, eanntag, feanntagach, lotag, cùl-fàith, feanntag, sradag, ionntag, loiteag, dionntag
Serbian Common Name: коприва (kopriva)
Slovak Common Name: pŕhľava dvojdomá
Slovenian Common Names: velika kopriva, kopriva velika
Spanish Common Names: ortiga mayor, achum, achume, achune, ardiga, ortiga, ortiga verde, ortiga., urtica dioica
Swedish Common Names: nässla, brännässla
Turkish Common Names: büyük ısırgan, büyük isirganotu, dızlagan, isirganotu
Ukrainian Common Names: кропива́ дводо́мна (kropyvá dvodómna), кропива дводомна (kropyva dvodomna)
Vietnamese Common Name: tầm ma (loan word from Chinese)
Welsh Common Names: danadl poethion, danadl ysgar, danhadlen
Nettle is derived from Old English name for the plant, netele, from the Old German nazza and Danish naedlae, from Proto-Germanic *natǭ.
Current correct Latin binomial: Urtica dioica L
Urtica eckloniana Blume
Urtica galeopsifolia Wierzb ex Opiz
Urtica haussknechtii Boiss
Urtica sicula Gasp ex Guss
Urtica submitis Boiss
Urtica tibetica WT Wang ex CJ Chen
English Common Names: stinging nettle, California nettle, common nettle, European nettle, great nettle, great stinging nettle, nettle, slender nettle, stinging, stinging netle
Arabic Common Names: قراص كبير, القراص, القريص الشائك, حريق, قراص, قريص
Armenian Common Name: երկտուն եղինջ (ergdun eghinch)
Assamese Common Nme: chorat
Basque Common Name: asun handia
Catalan Comon Names: ortiga grossa, estrigal, ortiga gran, ortiga major, ortiga verda, ortriga, picamanes, picamoros, urdigues, xiripia, xordiga
Czech Common Names: kopřiva dvoudomá, kopoiva dvoudomá, kopřiva dvoudomá pravá
Danish Common Names: Brænde nælde, hede-nælde, tvebo nælde, stor nælde
Dutch Common Names: grote brandnetel, brandnetel, brandnetelsoort, grote
Esperanto Common Names: granda urtiko, brulfolio granda, urtiko granda
Estonian Common Name: kõrvenõges
Faroese Common Name: tvibýlisnota
Finnish Common Names: nokkonen, etelännokkonen, isonokkonen, nukalainen, tavallinen nokkonen, viholainen
French Common Names: grande ortie, ortie dioique, ortie, ortie brulante, ortie commune, ortie dioïque d'europe
German Common Names: grosse Brennessel, Brennessel, grosse Nessel, Hanfnessel
Greek (Modern) Common Names: κνίδη η δίοικος, πολυετής τσουκνίδα, πολύετής τσουκνίδα, τσουκνίδα, τσουκνίδα κοινή, τσουκνίδα πολυετής
Hebrew Common Name: סרפד (srfd)
Hindi Common Names: बिच्छू bichchhu, बिछुआ bichhua, कंडाली kandadli, बिच्छूबूटी bichchhu buti
Hungarian Common Name: nagy csalán
Icelandic Common Names: brenninetla, sérbýlisnetla
Irish Common Names: neantóg, neantóg loiscneach
Italian Common Names: ortica, ortica comune, ortica grande, ortica maschio, orticone, urtica dioica
Japanese Common Names: いらくさ 蕁麻 irakusa, せいよういらくさ seiyōirakusa
Kannada Common Names: ಚುಱಚಿ, ಚುರಚಿ churachi
Mandarin Chinese Common Names: 蕁麻 (traditional) 荨麻 (simplified) xún má, 异株荨麻 yìn zhū xún má
Nepalese Common Name: सिस्नो (sisno)
Norwegian Common Names: brennesle, brennekopp, brennenota, brenngras, brennhette, brennhuttu, netle, njåsjle, nøsle, stornesle, brennesle, stornesle
Persian Common Names: گزنه (guzn) گزنده, گزنه (guznh guzndh)
Polish Common Names: pokrzywa zwyczajna, pokrzywa pospolita
Portuguese Common Names (Continental): urtiga comum, ortigão, urtiga, urtiga-de-cauda, urtiga-maior, urtiga-vivaz, urtiga-vulgar, urtigão
Portuguese Common Names (Brazilian): urtiga, urtigão
Russian Common Names: крапива двудомная, крапива
Sanskrit Common Name: वृश्चिकाली vṛścikālī
Scottish Gaelic Common Names: deanntag, neanntag, caol-faile, eanntag, feanntagach, lotag, cùl-fàith, feanntag, sradag, ionntag, loiteag, dionntag
Serbian Common Name: коприва (kopriva)
Slovak Common Name: pŕhľava dvojdomá
Slovenian Common Names: velika kopriva, kopriva velika
Spanish Common Names: ortiga mayor, achum, achume, achune, ardiga, ortiga, ortiga verde, ortiga., urtica dioica
Swedish Common Names: nässla, brännässla
Turkish Common Names: büyük ısırgan, büyük isirganotu, dızlagan, isirganotu
Ukrainian Common Names: кропива́ дводо́мна (kropyvá dvodómna), кропива дводомна (kropyva dvodomna)
Vietnamese Common Name: tầm ma (loan word from Chinese)
Welsh Common Names: danadl poethion, danadl ysgar, danhadlen
Nettle is derived from Old English name for the plant, netele, from the Old German nazza and Danish naedlae, from Proto-Germanic *natǭ.
Interchangeability of Species
Urtica urens (dog nettle) is completely interchangeable. The aerial parts of Parietaria judaica = P. diffusa (spreading pellitory-of-the-wall) and P. officinalis (eastern pellitory-of-the-wall), also in the Urticaceae family, are also used as nephroprotectives, surpassing the efficacy of stinging nettle seeds for this purpose in Dr. Yarnell's experience, and having a much longer history of use as nephroprotectives.
Advanced Clinical Information
Additional Actions:
Leaf:
Additional Indications:
A meta-analysis of 8 randomized clinical trials concluded that while nettle leaf can significantly lower fasting serum glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, it did not have a significant effect on insulin resistance, insulin levels, or glycosylated hemoglobin levels (Ziaei, et al. 2020). This casts doubt on the overall utility of nettle for people with diabetes. On the other hand, another meta-analysis (this time of 13 clinical trials) found significantly reduced fasting serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, and C-reactive protein levels compared to controls, suggesting a real benefit for patients with diabetes (Tabrizi, et al. 2022). So, as is often the case with medical research, the exact extracts of nettle used, the doses, the duration, and the characteristics of the participants in the study could all lead to very different results, making overall assessment of efficacy difficult. Given the high degree of safety of nettle, there is little harm in trying it with diabetic patients, but don't promise too much.
A double-blind trial randomized 59 Iranian adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis to either Urtica dioica leaf hydroethanolic extract 400 mg tid or placebo for 12 weeks (Nematgorgani, et al. 2017). Patients were all taking a variety of conventional treatments including mesalazine, corticosteroids, and/or other immunosuppressive drugs. Serum C-reactive protein (but not the erythrocyte sedimentation rate) decreased while health-related quality of life improved significantly with nettle leaf compared to placebo.
A double-blind trial compared U. dioica root extract 150 mg tid (standardized to 22 mg alanine/dose) with acupuncture or sham acupuncture to acupuncture with placebo and sham acupuncture with placebo in 68 Iranian women with menopausal hot flashes (Kargozar, et al. 2019). Each subject got either 11 normal or sham acupuncture treatments over the 7 weeks they were taking either nettle root or placebo. Nettle root and acupuncture both significantly lowered hot flash frequency and intensity compared to controls; the combination of the two was not more effective than either one individually. There were no significant adverse effects.
One randomized clinical trial failed to find that nettle leaf had any effect on sleep quality in patients undergoing regular hemodialysis (Alizadeh, et al. 2021). It is hard to understand why anyone thought that it would.
A growing literature has also found that feeding stinging nettle to farmed fish promotes their growth and makes them more resistant to bacterial infections (De Vico, et al. 2018).
Leaf:
- Galactagogue
- Inflammation modulating in diabetics (Namazi, et al. 2011)
- Decrease cisplatin toxicity (Özkol, et al. 2012)
- Anti-adhesive against uropathogenic E. coli by blocking receptors on urothelium (Rafsanjany, et al. 2013)
- Antidiabetic (Bnouham, et al. 2010)
- Insulin secretagogue in rats (Farzami, et al. 2003)
- PPAR activator in vitro (Rau, et al. 2006)
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor in vitro (Onal, et al. 2005); reduces intestinal glucose absorption in rats (Bnouham, et al. 2003)
- Beta-cell protective in rats (Golalipour and Khour 2007)
- Nettle seed oil counters colitis in rodents (Genc, et al. 2011)
- Hepatoprotective in rats (Yener, et al. 2009; Kanter, et al. 2003)
- Antagonism of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) receptor (Hryb, et al. 1995; Gansser and Spiteller 1995b)
- Prevent SHBG from carrying as much estrogen or testosterone (Schöttner, et al. 1997)
- Aromatase inhibition, mild (Gansser and Spiteller 1995a)
- UDA blocks SARS-CoV adhesion to cells (Kumaki, et al. 2011)
Additional Indications:
- Diabetes mellitus, leaf (Tabrizi, et al. 2022; Ziaei, et al. 2020; Said, et al. 2008; Otoom, et al. 2006)
- Hair loss (shampoo of any part, mainly leaf)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (leaf, Nematgorgani, et al. 2017)
- Insufficient lactation
- Hypertension (leaf, as diuretic)
- Menopausal hot flashes (root, Kargozar, et al. 2019)
- Neuralgia (topical fresh leaf)
- Sciatica (topical fresh leaf)
- Tendinitis (topical fresh leaf)
A meta-analysis of 8 randomized clinical trials concluded that while nettle leaf can significantly lower fasting serum glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, it did not have a significant effect on insulin resistance, insulin levels, or glycosylated hemoglobin levels (Ziaei, et al. 2020). This casts doubt on the overall utility of nettle for people with diabetes. On the other hand, another meta-analysis (this time of 13 clinical trials) found significantly reduced fasting serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglyceride, and C-reactive protein levels compared to controls, suggesting a real benefit for patients with diabetes (Tabrizi, et al. 2022). So, as is often the case with medical research, the exact extracts of nettle used, the doses, the duration, and the characteristics of the participants in the study could all lead to very different results, making overall assessment of efficacy difficult. Given the high degree of safety of nettle, there is little harm in trying it with diabetic patients, but don't promise too much.
A double-blind trial randomized 59 Iranian adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis to either Urtica dioica leaf hydroethanolic extract 400 mg tid or placebo for 12 weeks (Nematgorgani, et al. 2017). Patients were all taking a variety of conventional treatments including mesalazine, corticosteroids, and/or other immunosuppressive drugs. Serum C-reactive protein (but not the erythrocyte sedimentation rate) decreased while health-related quality of life improved significantly with nettle leaf compared to placebo.
A double-blind trial compared U. dioica root extract 150 mg tid (standardized to 22 mg alanine/dose) with acupuncture or sham acupuncture to acupuncture with placebo and sham acupuncture with placebo in 68 Iranian women with menopausal hot flashes (Kargozar, et al. 2019). Each subject got either 11 normal or sham acupuncture treatments over the 7 weeks they were taking either nettle root or placebo. Nettle root and acupuncture both significantly lowered hot flash frequency and intensity compared to controls; the combination of the two was not more effective than either one individually. There were no significant adverse effects.
One randomized clinical trial failed to find that nettle leaf had any effect on sleep quality in patients undergoing regular hemodialysis (Alizadeh, et al. 2021). It is hard to understand why anyone thought that it would.
A growing literature has also found that feeding stinging nettle to farmed fish promotes their growth and makes them more resistant to bacterial infections (De Vico, et al. 2018).
Classic Formulas
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Encapsulated Formula
Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit 95% liposterolic extract 320 mg
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root hydrotheranolic extract 100 mg
Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed) seed oil 100 mg
Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome extract 50 mg
Sig: 2 caps qd cc
Dr. Yarnell's Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Liquid Formula
Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit with seed tincture 25%
Ammi visnaga (khella) fruit tincture 20%
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root tincture 15%
Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed) aerial parts tincture 15%
Opuntia spp (prickly pear) flower tincture 10%
Fouquieria splendens (ocotillo) bark tincture 10%
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root glycerite 5%
Sig: 5 ml (1 tsp) tid
Dr. Silena Heron's Diuretic and Tonic Liquid Formula
Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf fluid extract 20%
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf glycerite 10%
Solidago canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) flowering tops tincture 10%
Galium aparine (cleavers) aerial parts glycerite 10%
Agropyron repens (couch grass) rhizome tincture 10%
Aphanes arvensis (parsley-piert) aerial parts tincture 10%
Equisetum arvense (horsetail) aerial parts syrup 10%
Parietaria judaica (pellitory-of-the-wall) aerial parts tincture 10%
Chimaphila umbellata (pipsissewa) whole plan tincture 5%
Althaea officinalis (marshmallow) leaf glycerite 5%
Sig: 5 ml (1 tsp) tid
Dr. Christopher's Tea for Infant Eczema
Urtica dioica leaf 1 part
Scrophularia nodosa (figwort) leaf 1 part
Trifolium repens (red clover) flower 1 part
Sig: Take as a tea three times daily.
Dr. Christopher's Tea for Hypothyroidism
Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack) thallus 2 parts
Urtica dioica leaf 1 part
Avena sativa (oat) mature fruit 1 part
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) aerial parts 1 part
Turnera diffusa (damiana) leaf 1 part or Cola nitida (kola nut) seed 1 part
Sig: Take as a tea three times daily.
Dr. Christopher's Healthy Blood Tea
Mentha x piperita (peppermint) 3 fresh leaves
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) 2 fresh leaves
Plantago major (broadleaf plantain) 1 fresh leaf
Sig: boil the plants for 3 min in 1 cup of water, then steep. Drink warm before breakfast for 1 month. If using dried plants, double the doses.
Dr. Christopher's Nettle Hair Rinse
"Make an infusion, let cool, and use the tea as a final rinse after shampooing. For healthier, shinier hair, bring to a boil 1 pint apple cider vinegar. Pour over 2 ounces dried nettles. Cover and place in a cool, dark place for seven days, shaking daily. Strain and store in a dark glass jar. To use, mix 2–3 tbsp of herbal vinegar with 1 cup warm water. Use as a rinse and rub into scalp. In applying nettle to the scalp to stimulate hair growth, the freshly expressed juice can also be applied, as well as a decoction of the root." (Vance undated)
Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit 95% liposterolic extract 320 mg
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root hydrotheranolic extract 100 mg
Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed) seed oil 100 mg
Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome extract 50 mg
Sig: 2 caps qd cc
Dr. Yarnell's Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Liquid Formula
Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit with seed tincture 25%
Ammi visnaga (khella) fruit tincture 20%
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root tincture 15%
Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed) aerial parts tincture 15%
Opuntia spp (prickly pear) flower tincture 10%
Fouquieria splendens (ocotillo) bark tincture 10%
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root glycerite 5%
Sig: 5 ml (1 tsp) tid
Dr. Silena Heron's Diuretic and Tonic Liquid Formula
Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaf fluid extract 20%
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf glycerite 10%
Solidago canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) flowering tops tincture 10%
Galium aparine (cleavers) aerial parts glycerite 10%
Agropyron repens (couch grass) rhizome tincture 10%
Aphanes arvensis (parsley-piert) aerial parts tincture 10%
Equisetum arvense (horsetail) aerial parts syrup 10%
Parietaria judaica (pellitory-of-the-wall) aerial parts tincture 10%
Chimaphila umbellata (pipsissewa) whole plan tincture 5%
Althaea officinalis (marshmallow) leaf glycerite 5%
Sig: 5 ml (1 tsp) tid
Dr. Christopher's Tea for Infant Eczema
Urtica dioica leaf 1 part
Scrophularia nodosa (figwort) leaf 1 part
Trifolium repens (red clover) flower 1 part
Sig: Take as a tea three times daily.
Dr. Christopher's Tea for Hypothyroidism
Fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack) thallus 2 parts
Urtica dioica leaf 1 part
Avena sativa (oat) mature fruit 1 part
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) aerial parts 1 part
Turnera diffusa (damiana) leaf 1 part or Cola nitida (kola nut) seed 1 part
Sig: Take as a tea three times daily.
Dr. Christopher's Healthy Blood Tea
Mentha x piperita (peppermint) 3 fresh leaves
Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) 2 fresh leaves
Plantago major (broadleaf plantain) 1 fresh leaf
Sig: boil the plants for 3 min in 1 cup of water, then steep. Drink warm before breakfast for 1 month. If using dried plants, double the doses.
Dr. Christopher's Nettle Hair Rinse
"Make an infusion, let cool, and use the tea as a final rinse after shampooing. For healthier, shinier hair, bring to a boil 1 pint apple cider vinegar. Pour over 2 ounces dried nettles. Cover and place in a cool, dark place for seven days, shaking daily. Strain and store in a dark glass jar. To use, mix 2–3 tbsp of herbal vinegar with 1 cup warm water. Use as a rinse and rub into scalp. In applying nettle to the scalp to stimulate hair growth, the freshly expressed juice can also be applied, as well as a decoction of the root." (Vance undated)
Monograph from Eclectic Materia Medica (Felter 1922)
URTICA
The leaves and root of Urtica dioica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Urticaceae). Common in Europe and the United States. Dose, 20 to 40 grains.
Common Names: Nettle, Stinging Nettle.
Principal Constituents.--A volatile oil, tannic and gallic acids, and probably formic acid.
Preparation.--Specific Medicine Urtica. Dose, 1/2 to 20 drops.
Specific Indications.--Excessive mucous discharges; choleraic discharges; profuse gastric secretion, with eructations and vomiting; eczema of infants.
Action and Therapy.--External. Contact with growing nettle produces an intense stinging, probably due to an unorganized ferment in the hairs of the plant, though by some formic acid is believed to be the irritating substance. A lotion of Specific Medicine Urtica, 2 fluidrachms; Rose Water, enough to make 2 fluidounces, is reported to have been effective in stubborn eczema of the face and scalp. The crusts should first be removed by means of olive oil and asepsin soap. Its internal use should accompany its external application.
Internal. Profuse choleraic and excessive mucous discharges, as in cholera infantum and dysentery, are reputed to have been controlled by urtica, while it also has a restraining effect in gastric affections with excessive gastric secretion, and eructations, and vomiting. Chronic cystitis, with large mucous diuresis, is also asserted to have been benefited by it.
The leaves and root of Urtica dioica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Urticaceae). Common in Europe and the United States. Dose, 20 to 40 grains.
Common Names: Nettle, Stinging Nettle.
Principal Constituents.--A volatile oil, tannic and gallic acids, and probably formic acid.
Preparation.--Specific Medicine Urtica. Dose, 1/2 to 20 drops.
Specific Indications.--Excessive mucous discharges; choleraic discharges; profuse gastric secretion, with eructations and vomiting; eczema of infants.
Action and Therapy.--External. Contact with growing nettle produces an intense stinging, probably due to an unorganized ferment in the hairs of the plant, though by some formic acid is believed to be the irritating substance. A lotion of Specific Medicine Urtica, 2 fluidrachms; Rose Water, enough to make 2 fluidounces, is reported to have been effective in stubborn eczema of the face and scalp. The crusts should first be removed by means of olive oil and asepsin soap. Its internal use should accompany its external application.
Internal. Profuse choleraic and excessive mucous discharges, as in cholera infantum and dysentery, are reputed to have been controlled by urtica, while it also has a restraining effect in gastric affections with excessive gastric secretion, and eructations, and vomiting. Chronic cystitis, with large mucous diuresis, is also asserted to have been benefited by it.
Monograph from Specific Medication and Specific Medicines (Scudder 1890)
Urtica dioica. (Common Nettle)
Preparation. Prepare a tincture from the fresh plant, 8 ounces to alcohol 76%, 1 pint. Dose, from one to ten drops.
The Urtica has been employed in some diseases of the bowels, with reported good results. An old practitioner informs me, that in chronic disease of the large intestines with increased mucous secretion, he has never found anything so beneficial as this remedy. It has also been used in diseases of the urinary organs.
It is now but little used, but deserves investigation.
Preparation. Prepare a tincture from the fresh plant, 8 ounces to alcohol 76%, 1 pint. Dose, from one to ten drops.
The Urtica has been employed in some diseases of the bowels, with reported good results. An old practitioner informs me, that in chronic disease of the large intestines with increased mucous secretion, he has never found anything so beneficial as this remedy. It has also been used in diseases of the urinary organs.
It is now but little used, but deserves investigation.
Monograph from Culpeper's Complete Herbal (Culpeper 1653)
Nettles are so well known, that they need no description; they may be found by feeling, in the darkest night.
Government and virtues: This is also an herb Mars claims dominion over. You know Mars is hot and dry, and you know as well that Winter is cold and moist; then you may know as well the reason why Nettle-tops eatin in Spring consume the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moistness of Winter hath left behind. The roots or leave boiled, or the juice of either of them, or both made into an electuary with honey and sugary, is a safe and sure medicine to open the pipes and passages of the lungs, which is the cause of wheezing and shortness of breath, and helps to expectorate tough phlegm, as also to raise the imposthumed pleurisy; and spent it by spitting; the same helps the swelling of the almonds of the throat, the mouth and throat being gargled therewith. The juice is also effectual to settle the palate of the mouth in its place, and to heal and temper the inflammations and soreness of the mouth and throat. The decoction of leaves in wine, being drank, is singularly good to provoke women's courses, and settle the suffocation, strangling of the mother, and all other diseases thereof; it is also applied outward with a little myrrh. The same also, or the seed provokes urine, and expels the gravel and stone in the reins or the bladder, often proved to be effectual in many that have taken it. The same kills the worms in children, eaes pains in the sides, and dissolves the windiness in the spleen, as also in the body, although others think it only powerful to provoke venery. The juice of the leaves taken two or three days together, stays bleeding at the mouth. The seed being drank, is a remedy against the stinging of venomous creatures, the biting of mad dogs, the poisonous qualities of Hemlock, Henbane, Nightshade, Mandrake, or other such like herbs that stupify or dull the senses; as also the lethary, especially to use it outwardly, to rub the forehead or temple in the lethargy, and the places stung or bitten with beasts, with a little salt. The distilled water of the herb is also effectual (though not so powerful) for the diseases aforesaid; as for outward wounds and sores to wash them, and to cleanse the skin from morphew, leprosy, and other discolourings thereof. The seed or leaves bruised, and put into the nostrils, stays the bleeding of them, and takes away the flesh growing in them called polypus. The juice of the leaves, or the decoction of them, or of the root, is singularly good to wash either old, rotten, or stinking sores or fistulous, and gangrenes, and such as fretting, eating or corroding scabs, manginess, and itch, in any part of the body, as also green wounds, by washing them therewith, or applying the green herb bruised thereunto, yea, although the flesh were separated from the bones; the same applied to our wearied members, refresh them, or to place those that have been out of joint, being first set up again, strengthens, dries, and comforts them, as also those places troubled with aches and gouts, and the defluxion of humours upon the joints or sinews; it eases the pains, and dries or dissolves the defluctions. An ointment made of the juice, oil, and a little wax, is singularly good to rub cold and benumbed members. An handful of the leaves of green Nettles, and another of Wallwort, or Deanwort, bruised and applied simply themselves to the gout, sciatica, or joint aches in any part, hath been found to be an admirable help thereunto.
Government and virtues: This is also an herb Mars claims dominion over. You know Mars is hot and dry, and you know as well that Winter is cold and moist; then you may know as well the reason why Nettle-tops eatin in Spring consume the phlegmatic superfluities in the body of man, that the coldness and moistness of Winter hath left behind. The roots or leave boiled, or the juice of either of them, or both made into an electuary with honey and sugary, is a safe and sure medicine to open the pipes and passages of the lungs, which is the cause of wheezing and shortness of breath, and helps to expectorate tough phlegm, as also to raise the imposthumed pleurisy; and spent it by spitting; the same helps the swelling of the almonds of the throat, the mouth and throat being gargled therewith. The juice is also effectual to settle the palate of the mouth in its place, and to heal and temper the inflammations and soreness of the mouth and throat. The decoction of leaves in wine, being drank, is singularly good to provoke women's courses, and settle the suffocation, strangling of the mother, and all other diseases thereof; it is also applied outward with a little myrrh. The same also, or the seed provokes urine, and expels the gravel and stone in the reins or the bladder, often proved to be effectual in many that have taken it. The same kills the worms in children, eaes pains in the sides, and dissolves the windiness in the spleen, as also in the body, although others think it only powerful to provoke venery. The juice of the leaves taken two or three days together, stays bleeding at the mouth. The seed being drank, is a remedy against the stinging of venomous creatures, the biting of mad dogs, the poisonous qualities of Hemlock, Henbane, Nightshade, Mandrake, or other such like herbs that stupify or dull the senses; as also the lethary, especially to use it outwardly, to rub the forehead or temple in the lethargy, and the places stung or bitten with beasts, with a little salt. The distilled water of the herb is also effectual (though not so powerful) for the diseases aforesaid; as for outward wounds and sores to wash them, and to cleanse the skin from morphew, leprosy, and other discolourings thereof. The seed or leaves bruised, and put into the nostrils, stays the bleeding of them, and takes away the flesh growing in them called polypus. The juice of the leaves, or the decoction of them, or of the root, is singularly good to wash either old, rotten, or stinking sores or fistulous, and gangrenes, and such as fretting, eating or corroding scabs, manginess, and itch, in any part of the body, as also green wounds, by washing them therewith, or applying the green herb bruised thereunto, yea, although the flesh were separated from the bones; the same applied to our wearied members, refresh them, or to place those that have been out of joint, being first set up again, strengthens, dries, and comforts them, as also those places troubled with aches and gouts, and the defluxion of humours upon the joints or sinews; it eases the pains, and dries or dissolves the defluctions. An ointment made of the juice, oil, and a little wax, is singularly good to rub cold and benumbed members. An handful of the leaves of green Nettles, and another of Wallwort, or Deanwort, bruised and applied simply themselves to the gout, sciatica, or joint aches in any part, hath been found to be an admirable help thereunto.
Botanical Information
Botanical Description:
U. dioica in general: Perennial. Produces tiny clusters of tiny dull white flowers from leaf nodes in summer. The stems and leaves are covered with tiny visible stinging hairs. Dark green leaves, serrated edges, protruding in opposite or whorled fashion from stem. Rhizomes are present with roots being relatively small branches from the rhizome. Very easy to cultivate. Spreads by runners and tends to grow in stands. Also spreads readily by seeds.
U. dioica var dioica: European origin. Dioecious. Stinging hairs occur on upper and lower leaf surfaces.
U. dioica var procera: American origin. Monoecious. Stinging hairs on lower surface of leaf only.
U. urens: Annual. much smaller than U. dioica. It does not spread by runners and thus often appears by itself and not in stands. It is relatively difficult to grow. The stings of dog nettle tend to be much worse than from stinging nettle. Root is a taproot.
Native range: Stinging nettle has a circumboreal distribution. This plant is ruderal, preferring waste places and disturbed soil. It will grow almost anywhere in a temperate climate provided there is fairly ample water available. It has also now been introduced to many countries in the Southern Hemisphere and tropics.
U. dioica in general: Perennial. Produces tiny clusters of tiny dull white flowers from leaf nodes in summer. The stems and leaves are covered with tiny visible stinging hairs. Dark green leaves, serrated edges, protruding in opposite or whorled fashion from stem. Rhizomes are present with roots being relatively small branches from the rhizome. Very easy to cultivate. Spreads by runners and tends to grow in stands. Also spreads readily by seeds.
U. dioica var dioica: European origin. Dioecious. Stinging hairs occur on upper and lower leaf surfaces.
U. dioica var procera: American origin. Monoecious. Stinging hairs on lower surface of leaf only.
U. urens: Annual. much smaller than U. dioica. It does not spread by runners and thus often appears by itself and not in stands. It is relatively difficult to grow. The stings of dog nettle tend to be much worse than from stinging nettle. Root is a taproot.
Native range: Stinging nettle has a circumboreal distribution. This plant is ruderal, preferring waste places and disturbed soil. It will grow almost anywhere in a temperate climate provided there is fairly ample water available. It has also now been introduced to many countries in the Southern Hemisphere and tropics.
Harvest, Cultivation, and Ecology
Cultivation: Stinging nettle is in widespread cultivation for use as medicine in North America and Europe.
Wildcrafting:Stinging nettle is widely harvested from the wild, with no reason to use caution ecologically speaking, due to the prolific, weedy nature of the plant.
Ecological Status: This extremely widespread and adaptable plant is under no threats whatsoever.
Wildcrafting:Stinging nettle is widely harvested from the wild, with no reason to use caution ecologically speaking, due to the prolific, weedy nature of the plant.
Ecological Status: This extremely widespread and adaptable plant is under no threats whatsoever.
References
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