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DESCRIPTION:
Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant with pointed leaves and white to yellowish flowers.
The root and above ground parts are used for diabetes.
The stinging nettle plant is typically 2-4 meters tall.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract contains ingredients that might decrease swelling and increase urination.
The leaves are sometimes eaten as a cooked vegetable.
Stinging nettle is most commonly used for diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is also sometimes used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, enlarged prostate, hay fever, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) with white dead nettle (Lamium album).
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.
Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm (1).
Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact.
The leaves have hair-like structures that sting and also produce itching, redness and swelling (2Trusted Source).
However, once it is processed into a supplement, dried, freeze-dried or cooked, stinging nettle can be safely consumed.
Studies link it to a number of potential health benefits.
Here are 6 evidence-based benefits of stinging nettle.
1. Stinging Nettle Root Extract Contains Many Nutrients
Stinging nettle’s leaves and root provide a wide variety of nutrients, including (1):
Vitamins: Vitamins A, C
and K, as well as several B vitamins
Minerals: Calcium, iron,
magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium
Fats: Linoleic acid,
linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid
Amino acids: All of the essential amino acids
Polyphenols: Kaempferol,
quercetin, caffeic acid, coumarins and other flavonoids
Pigments: Beta-carotene, lutein,
luteoxanthin and other carotenoids
What’s more, many of these nutrients act as antioxidants inside your body.
Antioxidants are molecules that help defend your cells against damage from free radicals.
Damage caused by free radicals is linked to aging, as well as cancer and other harmful diseases (3Trusted Source).
Studies indicate that stinging nettle extract can raise blood antioxidant levels (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
However, it is unlikely that the amount of stinging nettle in herbal supplements would provide significant amounts of most of these compounds.
Summary Stinging
nettle offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids,
polyphenols and pigments — many of which also act as antioxidants inside your
body.
2. Stinging Nettle Root Extract May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s way of healing itself and fighting infections.
However, chronic inflammation can inflict significant harm (6Trusted Source).
Stinging nettle harbors a variety of compounds that may reduce inflammation.
In animal and test-tube studies, stinging nettle reduced levels of multiple inflammatory markers by interfering with their production (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
In human studies, applying a stinging nettle cream or consuming stinging nettle products appears to relieve inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.
For instance, in one 27-person study, applying a stinging nettle cream onto arthritis-affected areas significantly reduced pain, compared to a placebo treatment (9Trusted Source).
In another study, taking a supplement that contained stinging nettle extract significantly reduced arthritis pain.
Additionally, participants felt they could reduce their dose of anti-inflammatory pain relievers because of this capsule (10Trusted Source).
That said, research is insufficient to recommend stinging nettle as an anti-inflammatory treatment.
More human studies are needed.
Summary Stinging
nettle may help suppress inflammation, which in turn could aid inflammatory
conditions, including arthritis, but more research is needed.
3. Stinging Nettle Root Extract May Treat Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Up to 50% of men aged 51 and older have an enlarged prostate gland (11Trusted Source).
An enlarged prostate is commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Scientists aren’t sure what causes BPH, but it can lead to significant discomfort during urination.
Interestingly, a few studies suggest that stinging nettle may help treat BPH.
Animal research reveals that this powerful plant may prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — a more powerful form of testosterone (12Trusted Source).
Stopping this conversion can help reduce prostate size (13Trusted Source).
Studies in people with BPH demonstrate that stinging nettle extracts help treat short- and long-term urination problems — without side effects (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
However, it’s unclear how effective stinging nettle is compared to conventional treatments.
Summary Stinging
nettle may help reduce prostate size and treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate
gland in men with BPH.
4. Stinging Nettle Root Extract May Treat Hay Fever
Hay fever is an allergy that involves inflammation in the lining of your nose.
Stinging nettle is viewed as a promising natural treatment for hay fever.
Test-tube research shows that stinging nettle extracts can inhibit inflammation that can trigger seasonal allergies (16Trusted Source).
This includes blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms (16Trusted Source).
However, human studies note that stinging nettle is equal to or only slightly better at treating hay fever than a placebo (17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
While this plant may prove a promising natural remedy for hay fever symptoms, more long-term human studies are needed.
Summary Stinging
nettle may reduce hay fever symptoms.
Yet, some research indicates that it may
not be much more effective than a placebo.
More studies are needed on stinging nettle’s effects on hay fever.
5. Stinging Nettle Root Extract May Lower Blood Pressure
Nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure (19Trusted Source).
High blood pressure is a serious health concern because it puts you at risk of heart disease and strokes, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide (20Trusted Source).
Stinging nettle was traditionally used to treat high blood pressure (21Trusted Source).
Animal and test-tube studies illustrate that it may help lower blood pressure in several ways.
For one, Stinging Nettle Root Extract may stimulate nitric oxide production, which acts as a vasodilator. Vasodilators relax the muscles of your blood vessels, helping them widen (21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
In addition, stinging nettle has compounds that may act as calcium channel blockers, which relax your heart by reducing the force of contractions (21Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
In animal studies, stinging nettle has been shown to lower blood pressure levels while raising the heart’s antioxidant defenses (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
However, stinging nettle’s effects on blood pressure in humans are still unclear.
Additional human studies are needed before recommendations can be made.
Summary Stinging
nettle may help lower blood pressure by allowing your blood vessels to relax
and reducing the force of your heart’s contractions.
Yet, more human studies
are needed to confirm these effects.
6. Stinging Nettle Root Extract May Aid Blood Sugar Control
Both human and animal studies link stinging nettle to lower blood sugar levels (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source).
In fact, this plant contains compounds that may mimic the effects of insulin (31Trusted Source).
In a three-month study in 46 people, taking 500 mg of stinging nettle extract three times daily significantly lowered blood sugar levels compared to a placebo (30Trusted Source).
Despite promising findings, there are still far too few human studies on stinging nettle and blood sugar control.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica and the closely related Urtica urens) has a long medicinal history.
In medieval Europe, it was used as a diuretic (to rid the body of excess water) and to treat joint pain.
Stinging nettle has fine hairs on the leaves and stems that contain irritating chemicals, which are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin.
The hairs, or spines, of the stinging nettle are normally very painful to the touch.
When they come into contact with a painful area of the body, however, they can actually decrease the original pain.
Scientists think nettle does this by reducing levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body, and by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals.
General Uses
Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia.
Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is also used for urinary tract infections, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Stinging nettle root is used widely in Europe to treat BPH.
Studies in people suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving symptoms such as reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate.
These symptoms are caused by the enlarged prostate gland pressing on the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder).
Some studies suggest that stinging nettle is comparable to finasteride (a medication commonly prescribed for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells.
However, unlike finasteride, the herb does not decrease prostate size. Scientists aren't sure why nettle root reduces symptoms.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract may be because it contains chemicals that affect hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), or because it acts directly on prostate cells.
Stinging Nettle Root Extract is important to work with a doctor to treat BPH, and to make sure you have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.
Osteoarthritis
The leaves and stems of nettle have been used historically to treat arthritis and relieve sore muscles.
While studies have been small, they suggest that some people find relief from joint pain by applying nettle leaf topically to the painful area.
Other studies show that taking an oral extract of stinging nettle, along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), helps people reduce their NSAID dose.
Hay fever
One preliminary human study suggested that nettle capsules helped reduce sneezing and itching in people with hay fever.
In another study, 57% of patients rated nettles as effective in relieving allergies, and 48% said that nettles were more effective than allergy medications they had used previously.
Researchers think that may be due to nettle's ability to reduce the amount of histamine the body produces in response to an allergen.
More studies are needed to confirm nettle's antihistamine properties.
Some doctors recommend taking a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettle well before hay fever season starts.
Other
Preliminary animal studies indicate that nettle may lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
However, more research is needed to determine whether this is also true in humans.
Summary While
stinging nettle may help lower blood sugar levels, more human studies are
crucial before recommendations can be made.
Other Potential Benefits
Stinging nettle may offer other potential health benefits, including:
Reduced bleeding: Medicines containing stinging nettle extract have been found to reduce excessive
bleeding, especially after surgery (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source).
Liver health: Nettle’s antioxidant properties may protect your liver against damage by toxins, heavy
metals and inflammation (34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source).
Natural diuretic: This plant may help your body shed excess salt and water, which in turn could lower blood pressure temporarily.
Keep in mind that these findings are from animal studies (31Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source).
Wound and burn healing: Applying
stinging nettle creams may support wound healing, including burn wounds (37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source).
Summary Stinging
nettle’s other potential health benefits include lessened bleeding, boosted
liver health and wound healing.
Plant Description
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants.
Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today.
Stinging nettle grows well in nitrogen-rich soil, blooms between June and September, and usually reaches 2 to 4 feet high.
Stems are upright and rigid. Leaves are heart shaped, finely toothed, and tapered at the ends, and flowers are yellow or pink.
The entire plant is covered with tiny stiff hairs, mostly on the underside of the leaves and stem, that release stinging chemicals when touched.
What's Stinging Nettle Root Extract Made Of?
Stinging nettle products are usually made from the leaves and stems, and sometimes the roots.
Root preparations are used to relieve symptoms of BPH.
Available Forms
Stinging nettle is available as dried leaf, freeze-dried leaf, extract, capsules, tablets, and as root tincture (a solution of the herb in alcohol), juice, or tea.
It also comes in the form of an ointment or cream that can be applied to the skin.
The root appears to have different pharmacological effects than the leaves.
How to Take Stinging Nettle Root Extract
Pediatric
Although stinging nettle is available in many combination formulas to treat colds, asthma, and allergies in children, a specific safe and effective dose for children has not yet been established.
Talk to your doctor before giving stinging nettle to a child, so the doctor can determine the proper dose.
Adult
Stinging nettle is used in many forms, including as teas, tinctures, fluid extracts, and creams.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT STINGING NETTLE ROOT EXTRACT:
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product.
