Plant Part Used
Root, leaf
Introduction
Although it is often a painful annoyance on hikes through the forests of many regions, stinging nettle has gained a great deal of attention in the area of prostate health and support of allergies.
Interactions and Depletions
Interactions
Dosage Info
Dosage Range
Root: 250mg (standardized extract), 1-3 times a day.
Freeze-dried leaf: 300-1200mg daily in divided doses.
Leaf liquid extract: 30-120 drops of liquid extract, 2-3 times a day in beverage of a 1:1w/v (fresh plant) or a 1:4w/v (dry plant) extract.
Tea: 1.5 gm coarse powdered herb to water. (1)
Most Common Dosage
Root: 250mg (standardized extract), 2 times a day.
Freeze-dried leaf: 600mg, 2-4 times a day as needed.
Liquid extract: 30-60 drops, 2-3 times a day in beverage of a 1:1w/v (fresh plant) or a 1:4w/v (dry plant) extract.
Tea: 1.5 gm coarse powdered herb to water.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 1-2% plant silica per dose.
Reported Uses
The freeze-dried leaf of the stinging nettle has been used to treat allergies with promising results. One study suggested that nettle may significantly reduce hay fever symptoms compared to placebo. (2)
More recently, nettle root has been claimed to be beneficial in the treatment of benign enlargement of the prostate gland. (3) , (4) Nettle may help treat the effects of gout, arthritis, rheumatism and childhood eczema because of its reported ability to help the body rid itself of certain toxins. (5)
Although not scientifically validated, historical consumption of nettle in Europe has included use as a diuretic, astringent, and, to a lesser extent, as an aid in reducing blood pressure.
Toxicities & Precautions
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. (6)
Skin contact with the plant in mature form can induce hives.
Health Conditions
If you have a kidney disorder talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used in pregnant women.
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are breast-feeding an infant without first consulting a physician.
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
Read More
1) South Central America Herbs
References
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:731.
- View Abstract: Mittman P. Randomized, Double-blind Study of Freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis. Planta Med. Feb1990;56(1):44-47.
- View Abstract: Krzeski T, et al. Combined Extracts of Urtica dioica and Pygeum africanum in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Double-blind Comparison of Two Doses. Clin Ther. 1993;15(6):1011-20.
- View Abstract: Wagner H, et al. Biologically Active Compounds from the Aqueous Extract of Urtica dioica. Planta Med. 1989;55(5):452-54.
- View Abstract: Obertreis B, et al. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Urtica dioica folia Extract in Comparison to Caffeic Malic Acid. Arzneim-Forsch/Drug Res. Jan1996;46(1):52-56.
- Wichtl M, in Bisset NA, ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Scientific Press; 1994:508-09.
