Nettle
Important Disclaimer
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any remedy, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or managing a health condition.
Overview
Stinging nettle is a perennial herb found throughout temperate regions worldwide, notorious for its stinging hairs that inject formic acid and histamine on contact. Despite this, nettle is one of the most nutritious and medicinally versatile plants available. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, iron, calcium, and magnesium, nettle is a powerful nutritive tonic. Medicinally, it is used for allergies, joint health, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and as a general tonic. Cooking or drying completely neutralizes the sting.
Traditional Use
Nettle has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used nettle for arthritis and lower back pain. Roman soldiers reportedly rubbed nettle on their skin to stay warm in cold climates (urtication). In medieval Europe, nettle was used for joint pain, urinary complaints, and as a nutritive food during spring. Traditional herbalists across Europe and North America prescribed nettle for allergies, anemia, arthritis, and as a spring tonic. Native American tribes used nettle for joint pain, pregnancy support, and as a food source.
Key Active Compounds
Lectins & Polysaccharides
Immune-modulating compounds that reduce inflammatory cytokines, particularly relevant for allergic responses and joint inflammation.
Scopoletin
A coumarin with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that contributes to nettle's effects on allergies and joint pain.
Beta-sitosterol
A phytosterol in nettle root that inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase, supporting prostate health and hormonal balance.
Vitamins & Minerals
Exceptionally rich in vitamins A, C, K, B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, and silica — making nettle one of the most nutritious wild plants available.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Allergy relief (hay fever)
Moderate evidenceFreeze-dried nettle leaf has been shown in clinical studies to reduce hay fever symptoms including sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. Works by inhibiting histamine release and inflammatory pathways.
Joint health and arthritis
Moderate evidenceClinical trials show nettle leaf extract significantly reduces pain and disability in osteoarthritis, with some studies showing it allows reduction of NSAID use. Urtication (stinging therapy) has also shown benefits for joint pain.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Moderate evidenceNettle root extract is approved in Germany for BPH. Multiple clinical trials show it reduces urinary symptoms, improves urine flow, and reduces prostate size when combined with saw palmetto.
Nutritive tonic
Strong evidenceNettle is one of the most nutrient-dense plants available, providing highly bioavailable iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins. Excellent for anemia, pregnancy, and general nutritional support.
Common Preparation Methods
Nettle Tea
Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried nettle leaf in 8 oz of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink. Fresh nettle can also be used — blanching neutralizes the sting.
Dosage: 3-4 cups dailyExcellent nutritive tonic. Drink consistently for allergy and joint benefits.
Freeze-Dried Capsules (for allergies)
Take freeze-dried nettle leaf capsules (300-600mg) at the first sign of allergy symptoms.
Dosage: 300-600mg, 2-3 times dailyFreeze-drying preserves the anti-allergy compounds better than heat-drying.
Nettle Root Tincture (for BPH)
Use a 1:5 nettle root tincture in 45% alcohol. Take 2-4 ml three times daily.
Dosage: 2-4 ml, 3 times dailyUse root for prostate support; use leaf for allergies and nutrition.
Cooked Nettle (Food)
Wearing gloves, harvest young nettle tops. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes (neutralizes sting). Use like spinach in soups, pasta, pesto, or sauteed with garlic.
Dosage: As a food, freelyCooking completely neutralizes the sting. Highly nutritious spring green.
Safety & Cautions
Please read carefully before use
Contraindications
- Pregnancy: avoid large medicinal doses (may stimulate uterine contractions)
- Kidney disease: consult healthcare provider (diuretic effect)
- Allergy to nettle (rare)
- Diabetes: monitor blood sugar (may lower blood glucose)
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants: high vitamin K content may affect INR; maintain consistent intake
- Diuretics: additive effects
- Diabetes medications: may enhance blood sugar-lowering effects
- Blood pressure medications: may have additive effects
- Lithium: diuretic effect may increase lithium levels
Possible Side Effects
- Stinging and skin irritation from fresh plant (neutralized by cooking/drying)
- Mild digestive upset
- Rare allergic reactions
- Fluid retention reduction (diuretic effect)
Special Populations
- Pregnancy: safe as food when cooked; avoid large medicinal doses
- Children: safe as cooked food
- Anticoagulant users: maintain consistent intake to avoid INR fluctuations
- Kidney disease: consult healthcare provider
Sources & References
Phytomedicine
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
Quick Reference
Urticaceae
Leaves, Root, Seeds, Aerial parts
Earthy, slightly grassy, mineral-rich, similar to spinach when cooked
Safety First
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new remedy, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.