Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesNutritionSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Nutrition
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), a weedy plant from the nettle family, is being studied for potential benefits in treating conditions such as allergies, arthritis, enlarged prostate, and heart problems.While results are promising, more research is needed to confirm its effects.
Stinging nettle has many active ingredients that may be responsible for its benefits. These include flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, isolectins, sterols, terpenes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and carotenoids.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Uses of Stinging Nettle
While more extensive research is necessary regarding effectiveness, people generally use stinging nettle to treat various health conditions.
Research is most robust for the following:
Stinging nettle plant.Westend61 / Getty Images
Westend61 / Getty Images
Allergies
Scientists used freeze-dried stinging nettle for allergies for one week. In this small study, stinging nettle relieved allergies better thanplacebo(a substance with no medicine in it).
While the results were positive, future research with larger and longer-term studies is warranted to understand the effects of stinging nettle better.
How to Get Rid of a Stinging Nettle Rash
Arthritis
According to a review article, nettle leaves reportedly lessened arthritis symptoms.
The review article also mentioned a small clinical trial that studied the effects of stewed nettle in combination with diclofenac, the active ingredient in such brands as Cambria (oral) and Voltaren (topical, meaning on the skin). And in this small study, the results showed that diclofenac with or without stewed nettle was equally effective at relieving acute (short-term) arthritis symptoms.
While promising, additional research with higher-quality and larger studies is necessary.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
An article evaluated four clinical trials which studied the effects of PRO 160/120 for about six months. PRO 160/120 is a combination herbal product that contains a fixed dose ofsaw palmettofruits and stinging nettle roots.
According to this evaluation article, PRO 160/120 improved benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms—likenighttime trips to the bathroom—better than the placebo. Compared to the standard of care (the normal medical treatment) for BPH, there were no differences between these medications and PRO 160/120.
Although these results were promising, additional research with higher-quality clinical trials is warranted.
Moreover, these clinical trials studied PRO 160/120, a combination product containing stinging nettle and saw palmetto.For this reason, knowing about stinging nettle’s effects alone is challenging.
Heart Failure and Chronic Venous Insufficiency
In a review article, results from a small study supported the potential use of nettle herb juice forheart failure (HF)andchronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
In the small clinical trial, the nettle herb juice acted like a diuretic (water pill). So, some study participants had a larger daily volume (amount) of urine. With less water retention, these participants also had slightly lower weight and blood pressure.
Further rigorous research with larger and longer-term studies is necessary to better understand these effects.
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Heart Health
A review article mentioned a small clinical trial that studied the effects of a particular extract of stinging nettle in participants withtype 2 diabetesfor eight weeks.
When compared to placebo, the stinging nettle extract loweredfasting (before-meal) blood sugarandtriglycerides—while raisinghigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol(“good cholesterol”) levels.
Moreover, the extract increased nitric oxide (NO) levels.NO is a naturally occurring gas. In your body, NO can relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.And long-term low NO levels might result in diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease.
In fact, results from this small study supported the addition of the stinging nettle extract to standard of care for diabetes to limit complications, such as heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes.
Although the results are positive, future extensive research with larger and longer-term studies is warranted.
Stinging nettle is a source of nutrition. In a 1-cup serving, stinging nettle contains the following nutrients.
What Are the Side Effects of Stinging Nettle?
Stinging nettle, as with many medications and natural products, may have side effects.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of stinging nettle may include:
Severe Side Effects
Possible serious side effects may include:
If you’re having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
A healthcare provider may advise against stinging nettle if any of the following applies to you:
Dosage: How to Use Stinging Nettle?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Some human studies using stinging nettle exist. However, more high-quality research is still necessary.
For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage for stinging nettle for any condition.
In an enlarged prostate study, however, 120 milligrams of stinging nettle root dry extract was used in a combination herbal product containing 160 milligrams of saw palmetto fruit extract. In this clinical trial, some study participants took two capsules daily for 24 weeks.
How to Incorporate Stinging Nettle Into Your Diet?
You can include stinging nettle into your diet in several ways. For example, you may cook and eat the young leaves from this plant.You may also use stinging nettle in soup, curries, bread, and pastries.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Stinging Nettle?
In general, stinging nettle is well-tolerated.But more information about the safety, toxicity, and overdose of stinging nettle in humans is needed.
However, overdose symptoms with stinging nettle are likely similar to symptoms of its common and serious side effects—but are excessive and more severe.
Stinging nettle might interact with the following medications:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included.
Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Supplement Facts
In general, stinging nettle has potential uses for arthritis, heart failure, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and enlarged prostate. Stinging nettle may potentially lower blood sugar, decrease triglycerides, and support heart health in people with type 2 diabetes.
So, other potentially similar supplements may include:
Only combine multiple natural products once you first talk with a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or dietitian. Checking in can help you avoid possible harmful interactions and side effects and ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Stinging Nettle & What to Look For
There are a few different sources of stinging nettle.
Food Sources of Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is naturally available as a plant, and you may cook and eat the young leaves.
Aside from using this plant in soup and curries, you may add stinging nettle to bread and pastries.
Stinging Nettle Supplements
Stinging nettle supplements are commonly available in a capsule form.Other dosage forms of stinging nettle are:
But some of these other dosage forms might be in combination with other ingredients. You may also see vegetarian and vegan options.
Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to get regarding effects. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. For this reason, following a healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is essential.
Summary
Stinging nettle is a weedy plant from the nettle family calledUrticaceae. Stinging nettle has potential uses for arthritis, heart failure, chronic venous insufficiency, and enlarged prostate.
Stinging nettle may also have the potential use of lowering blood sugar, decreasing triglycerides, and supporting heart health in people with type 2 diabetes. Since further extensive research is necessary, it’s important not to delay the diagnosis and treatment of your medical conditions.
Before using stinging nettle, involve a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStinging nettle is a weedy plant from the nettle family calledUrticaceae.The stinging nettle is a tall plant that may grow up to 6.5 feet tall. Its leaves and stems are covered in plant hairs. Stinging nettle may also have tiny dense clusters (groups) of flowers, which are either green or white. You will likely see these flower clusters hanging from the plant’s stems.Stinging nettle a good source of various nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.Stinging nettle may also have several potential uses, such as for enlarged prostate.Stinging nettle supplements are available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules potentially being the most common.Yes. Manufacturers in the United States make stinging nettle products.To safely take natural products—like stinging nettle—inform healthcare providers and pharmacists about all medications you take.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements.They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving stinging nettle a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Stinging nettle is a weedy plant from the nettle family calledUrticaceae.
The stinging nettle is a tall plant that may grow up to 6.5 feet tall. Its leaves and stems are covered in plant hairs. Stinging nettle may also have tiny dense clusters (groups) of flowers, which are either green or white. You will likely see these flower clusters hanging from the plant’s stems.
Stinging nettle a good source of various nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.Stinging nettle may also have several potential uses, such as for enlarged prostate.
Stinging nettle a good source of various nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Stinging nettle may also have several potential uses, such as for enlarged prostate.
Stinging nettle supplements are available in a few different dosage forms—with capsules potentially being the most common.
Yes. Manufacturers in the United States make stinging nettle products.
To safely take natural products—like stinging nettle—inform healthcare providers and pharmacists about all medications you take.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements.They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving stinging nettle a fair trial at appropriate doses.
To safely take natural products—like stinging nettle—inform healthcare providers and pharmacists about all medications you take.This includes over-the-counter (OTC), herbal, natural medicines, and supplements.
They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure that you’re giving stinging nettle a fair trial at appropriate doses.
23 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al.Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): a review.Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717Taheri Y, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, et al.Urtica dioica-derived phytochemicals for pharmacological and therapeutic applications.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:4024331. doi:10.1155/2022/4024331Oelke M, Berges R, Schläfke S, et al.Fixed-dose combination PRO 160/120 of sabal and urtica extracts improves nocturia in men with LUTS suggestive of BPH: re-evaluation of four controlled clinical studies.World J Urol. 2014;32(5):1149-54. doi:10.1007/s00345-014-1338-xThe Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource: Operation Supplement Safety.Nitric oxide supplements.Bryan NS.Pharmacological therapies, lifestyle choices and nitric oxide deficiency: a perfect storm.Pharmacol Res. 2012;66(6):448-456. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2012.09.009United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central: Stinging nettles, blanched (Northern Plains Indians).LactMed.Stinging nettle.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Benign prostatic hyperplasia and complementary and integrative approaches: what the science says.Puig J, Griffin AS, Montoliu P.Neurological signs following suspected exposure to stinging nettles in two dogs.Vet Rec Case Rep. 2019;7(1):e000672. doi:10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000672Petruzzello M.Stinging Nettle. Encyclopaedia Britannica.Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al.Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): a review.Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717Adhikari BM, Bajracharya A, Shrestha AK.Comparison of nutritional properties of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) flour with wheat and barley flours.Food Sci Nutr. 2015;4(1):119-24. doi:10.1002/fsn3.259National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements: in depth.United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Urtica dioica.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database: Urtica dioica.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: stinging nettle.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.6 things to know about type 2 diabetes and dietary supplements.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cardiovascular disease.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Grape seed extract.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Rheumatoid arthritis: in depth.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al.Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): a review.Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717Taheri Y, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, et al.Urtica dioica-derived phytochemicals for pharmacological and therapeutic applications.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:4024331. doi:10.1155/2022/4024331Oelke M, Berges R, Schläfke S, et al.Fixed-dose combination PRO 160/120 of sabal and urtica extracts improves nocturia in men with LUTS suggestive of BPH: re-evaluation of four controlled clinical studies.World J Urol. 2014;32(5):1149-54. doi:10.1007/s00345-014-1338-xThe Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource: Operation Supplement Safety.Nitric oxide supplements.Bryan NS.Pharmacological therapies, lifestyle choices and nitric oxide deficiency: a perfect storm.Pharmacol Res. 2012;66(6):448-456. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2012.09.009United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central: Stinging nettles, blanched (Northern Plains Indians).LactMed.Stinging nettle.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Benign prostatic hyperplasia and complementary and integrative approaches: what the science says.Puig J, Griffin AS, Montoliu P.Neurological signs following suspected exposure to stinging nettles in two dogs.Vet Rec Case Rep. 2019;7(1):e000672. doi:10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000672Petruzzello M.Stinging Nettle. Encyclopaedia Britannica.Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al.Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): a review.Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717Adhikari BM, Bajracharya A, Shrestha AK.Comparison of nutritional properties of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) flour with wheat and barley flours.Food Sci Nutr. 2015;4(1):119-24. doi:10.1002/fsn3.259National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements: in depth.United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Urtica dioica.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database: Urtica dioica.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: stinging nettle.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.6 things to know about type 2 diabetes and dietary supplements.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cardiovascular disease.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Grape seed extract.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Rheumatoid arthritis: in depth.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al.Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): a review.Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717Taheri Y, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, et al.Urtica dioica-derived phytochemicals for pharmacological and therapeutic applications.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:4024331. doi:10.1155/2022/4024331Oelke M, Berges R, Schläfke S, et al.Fixed-dose combination PRO 160/120 of sabal and urtica extracts improves nocturia in men with LUTS suggestive of BPH: re-evaluation of four controlled clinical studies.World J Urol. 2014;32(5):1149-54. doi:10.1007/s00345-014-1338-xThe Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource: Operation Supplement Safety.Nitric oxide supplements.Bryan NS.Pharmacological therapies, lifestyle choices and nitric oxide deficiency: a perfect storm.Pharmacol Res. 2012;66(6):448-456. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2012.09.009United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central: Stinging nettles, blanched (Northern Plains Indians).LactMed.Stinging nettle.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Benign prostatic hyperplasia and complementary and integrative approaches: what the science says.Puig J, Griffin AS, Montoliu P.Neurological signs following suspected exposure to stinging nettles in two dogs.Vet Rec Case Rep. 2019;7(1):e000672. doi:10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000672Petruzzello M.Stinging Nettle. Encyclopaedia Britannica.Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al.Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): a review.Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717Adhikari BM, Bajracharya A, Shrestha AK.Comparison of nutritional properties of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) flour with wheat and barley flours.Food Sci Nutr. 2015;4(1):119-24. doi:10.1002/fsn3.259National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements: in depth.United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Urtica dioica.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database: Urtica dioica.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: stinging nettle.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.6 things to know about type 2 diabetes and dietary supplements.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cardiovascular disease.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Grape seed extract.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Rheumatoid arthritis: in depth.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Bhusal KK, Magar SK, Thapa R, et al.Nutritional and pharmacological importance of stinging nettle (Urtica dioicaL.): a review.Heliyon. 2022;8(6):e09717. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717
Taheri Y, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, et al.Urtica dioica-derived phytochemicals for pharmacological and therapeutic applications.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:4024331. doi:10.1155/2022/4024331
Oelke M, Berges R, Schläfke S, et al.Fixed-dose combination PRO 160/120 of sabal and urtica extracts improves nocturia in men with LUTS suggestive of BPH: re-evaluation of four controlled clinical studies.World J Urol. 2014;32(5):1149-54. doi:10.1007/s00345-014-1338-x
The Department of Defense Dietary Supplement Resource: Operation Supplement Safety.Nitric oxide supplements.
Bryan NS.Pharmacological therapies, lifestyle choices and nitric oxide deficiency: a perfect storm.Pharmacol Res. 2012;66(6):448-456. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2012.09.009
United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central: Stinging nettles, blanched (Northern Plains Indians).
LactMed.Stinging nettle.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Benign prostatic hyperplasia and complementary and integrative approaches: what the science says.
Puig J, Griffin AS, Montoliu P.Neurological signs following suspected exposure to stinging nettles in two dogs.Vet Rec Case Rep. 2019;7(1):e000672. doi:10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000672
Petruzzello M.Stinging Nettle. Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Adhikari BM, Bajracharya A, Shrestha AK.Comparison of nutritional properties of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) flour with wheat and barley flours.Food Sci Nutr. 2015;4(1):119-24. doi:10.1002/fsn3.259
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Omega-3 supplements: in depth.
United States Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central:Urtica dioica.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database: Urtica dioica.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: stinging nettle.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.6 things to know about type 2 diabetes and dietary supplements.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cardiovascular disease.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Grape seed extract.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Hawthorn.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Horse chestnut.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Rheumatoid arthritis: in depth.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
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