
General Information
OTHER NAMES: Urtica dioica, stinging nettle
HISTORY: Used in Greek times
PROPERTIES: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial, expectorant
Considered Uses
Respiratory: Flu, allergies, nose bleeds, asthma, lung congestion (expectorant).
Cardiovascular: Promotes circulation, may support better blood pressure
Gastrointestinal: Stomach issues, internal bleeding, stomach acid, ulcers, diarrhea (tea), dysentery, laxative
Genitourinary: UTIs, kidney stones, BPH (Benign prostatic hypertrophy) (root), may increase testosterone
Musculoskeletal: Rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, joint ailments, osteoarthritis (oral and topical), muscle aches, muscle building
Neurologic: Possibly sedating
Skin: Rash, eczema, wound healing, oily hair, alopecia (hair loss)
Glucose: May help to decrease blood sugar
Cancer: May support the body in fighting against certain cancers
Psych: Possibly antianxiety, antidepressant
Other: Diuretic, anemia, anti-aging
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, dermatitis (skin irritation), hypoglycemia, hypotension (low blood pressure), sedation, sweating
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Caution is advised if taking diabetic medications, blood thinners, blood pressure-lowering medication, clotting disorders, as well as in those with low blood pressure, preexisting kidney problems, taking sedatives, diuretics, or lithium.
FORMS: Elixers, capsules, teas, extracts, tablets, tinctures, ointment/cream, leaves, "irrigation" (Europe)
RECOMMENDED BRANDS
No currently available recommended products
Dosage
As directed on the product label.
Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Amounts used in studies vary widely depending on the formulation and purpose. These study amounts are not clinical recommendations and may not apply to consumer products.
Commonly reported amounts include:
One cup of nettle tea up to three times daily
Up to 1300 mg of capsule form daily, depending on the product and intended use
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
