Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Circulatory
- 4 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial growing up to about 5 ft (1.5 m), recognized by its lance-shaped, serrated leaves and tiny greenish flowers. Though capable of “stinging,” nettle leaves and seeds are rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and have a broad range of therapeutic effects, from anti-allergenic to diuretic.
Traditional uses & properties
Nutritive & Mineralizer: Abundant in iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, making it an excellent tonic for anemia, bone health, and pregnancy. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergenic: Calms hay fever, asthma, and skin issues; stabilizes mast cells and supports respiratory health. Diuretic & Kidney Tonic: Encourages excretion of uric acid, helpful for gout and rheumatism; seeds may benefit renal function. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Studies show root extracts can improve urinary symptoms in men.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Make an infusion using 25 g of herb to 3 cups (750 ml) of water. Sip the whole dose at intervals throughout the day.
Safety & precautions
Stinging Hairs: Fresh leaves can irritate the skin; dried or cooked nettle does not sting. General Safety: Extremely safe when used in normal amounts.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Nettle grows in temperate zones worldwide, often in disturbed soils, near water, and in woodland edges. Young shoots are collected in spring; aerial parts are harvested during flowering in summer; the roots in autumn.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Nettle (Urtica dioica) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Nettle (Urtica dioica) as follows: Nutritive & Mineralizer: Abundant in iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, making it an excellent tonic for anemia, bone health, and pregnancy. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergenic: Calms hay fever, asthma, and skin issues; stabilizes mast cells and supports respiratory health. Diuretic & Kidney Tonic: Encourages excretion of uric acid, helpful for gout and rheumatism; seeds may benefit renal function. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Studies show root extracts can improve urinary symptoms in men.
How is Nettle (Urtica dioica) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Anemia: Make an infusion using 25 g of herb to 3 cups (750 ml) of water. Sip the whole dose at intervals throughout the day.
What safety cautions apply to Nettle (Urtica dioica)?
Stinging Hairs: Fresh leaves can irritate the skin; dried or cooked nettle does not sting. General Safety: Extremely safe when used in normal amounts.
Related herbs
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