Nettle is also known as common nettle, stinging nettle, or its botanical name, Urtica dioica. The common name, stinging nettle, comes from the fine hairs and chemicals on its leaves that irritate human skin (similarly to mullein). Aside from its itchy, painful fine hairs, nettle can be identified by its coarsely toothed leaves that are several inches long and pointed at the end. The plant grows 2 to 5 feet tall and has become naturalized throughout the United States (1).

Stinging nettle shoots (botany) can be picked in spring and used as a tonic and vegetable. Aerial parts (above-ground plant structures), such as stems, leaves, petioles, flowers, and seeds, can be harvested in the summer after the plant has flowered. Nettle roots can be wildcrafted in autumn.

If you plan to forage for nettle, always harvest ethically. If you’re venturing beyond your backyard, never collect anything from private property without direct permission. When harvesting from public spaces, consider the impacts on native plant populations. Due to the uncertainty of surrounding plants, be careful not to disturb them as they could be an endangered or threatened species. Always be kind to the earth and only harvest what you need.

As noted, the hairs on nettle leaves can irritate human skin and cause a nettle rash. I recommend cautiously handling fresh plants and using long gloves (or gloves with a long-sleeved shirt). If you experience a nettle rash, I recommend using calendula. A homemade calendula salve is a simple, beginner-friendly remedy for nettle rash. I like to keep calendula salve in the fridge for a nice cooling application.

According to one of my favorite herbal resources, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, nettle’s aerial parts (above-ground plant structures), such as stems, leaves, petioles, flowers, fruits, and seeds, key constituents are flavonoids (quercitin), amines (histamine, choline, acetylcholine, serotonin), glucoquinone, minerals (calcium, potassium, silicic acid, iron). Nettle root’s key constituents are plant phenols and sterols (stigmast-4-en-zone and stigmasterol). Its key herbal actions include:

• Anti-allergic: prevents or relieves allergic reactions and their symptoms.
• Antihemorrhagic: promotes hemostasis to stop bleeding and prevent hemorrhaging.
• Anti-inflammatory: helps the body control inflammation.
• Astringent: constricts mucus to reduce discharge and lessens bleeding from minor wounds.
• Diuretic: stimulates urine flow.
• Tonic: restores, maintains, or nourishes the body.

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Research-Backed Health Benefits of Nettle

Common nettle has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times in Egypt and Greece (2). It has several potential health benefits, including but not limited to:

Rich In Antioxidants

Nettle is packed with potent antioxidants, which help neutralize or prevent the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. The buildup of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease (3). An animal study gave rats 50 mg/kg of Urtica dioica and noted positive effects on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities while slowing the formation of mammary tumors after five and a half months (4). Human studies found antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) increased significantly after eight weeks of using stinging nettle extract (5).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Although inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to detrimental health effects. Chronic inflammation has been linked with many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (6). Thankfully, nettle possesses an array of compounds that may reduce inflammation.

In-vitro (test tube) and ex-vivo (outside of the body) studies found that nettle reduced numerous inflammatory hormones by interfering with their production (7). Although most commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, studies have found nettle extract can suppress cytokine production (8). The suppression of cytokine production, often called suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS), helps eliminate proinflammatory signals (9).

May Promote Heart Health

Unfortunately, heart disease is the world’s number one cause of death (10). Due to the incredibly complex determinants of heart disease and various possible contributions, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact way to prevent it. Still, you can at least take steps to lower your overall risk. That’s where stinging nettle may come in.

Nettle has antihypertensive and channel-blocking effects that can help manage hypertension (11). The previously discussed human study that found nettle extract increased antioxidant enzymes also noted decreased triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels after eight weeks of use (5). Additionally, animal studies demonstrate nettle’s ability to effectively lower blood pressure levels in hypertensive rats (12).

May Help Control Diabetes & Blood Sugar Levels

As of 2020, 34.2 million (1 in 10) Americans have diabetes, and another 88 million (1 in 3) Americans have prediabetes (3). Thankfully, nettle’s compounds mimic the effects of insulin, an important hormone secreted by the pancreas that manages blood sugar levels (14,15). Type 2 diabetic patients who took 500 mg nettle leaf (capsules) every 8 hours for three months combined with conventional oral (by mouth) anti-hyperglycemic drugs experienced improved fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) blood levels (16). Additionally, the previously discussed study that increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased TG, LDL, and HDL also noted nettle’s ability to lessen risk factors of cardiovascular incidence and other complications in diabetes mellitus patients (5).

May Support Wound Healing

Wound healing is the complex and dynamic process of restoring damaged tissue structure as closely as possible to its normal state (17). Thankfully, nettle’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help support wound healing. An animal study showcased the wound closure ability of nettle on rats with full-thickness wounds, which had a 92.39% closure thanks to unsaturated fatty acids and high concentrations of plant compounds like lupeol (18). Another study demonstrated significant improvements in fibrosis parameters after 42 days of using nettle on rats with second-degree burns compared to silver sulfadiazine and vaseline (19).

May Reduce Bleeding

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is often prescribed to promote blood clotting and control bleeding (20). Unfortunately, like all pharmaceuticals, this medication has a long list of side effects, including unusual bleeding or bruising and worse (21). Thankfully, nettle has been used and studied for its ability to reduce excessive bleeding. One study found a spray mixture of Thymus Vulgaris (thyme), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice), Vitis Vinifera (common grape vine), Alpinia Officinarum (lesser galangal), and Urtica Dioica (nettle), known as ankaferd blood stopped (ABS) lessened bleeding in comparison to an isotonic saline solution during episiotomy repairs (22). Another study demonstrated the outstanding potential of ABS as an effective hemostatic agent for excessive bleeding after dental surgery in patients with hemorrhagic diathesis (23).

May Improve Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms occur when your body’s immune system responds to foreign objects by releasing histamines, causing inflammation and attracting white blood cells to isolate the culprit and fight it off (24). In-vitro studies exhibit nettle extract’s ability to inhibit inflammation, block histamine receptors, and stop immune cells that trigger allergy symptoms (25).

Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system and inflammation, stinging nettle’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help, especially with hay fever (26). Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is a response resulting in inflammation of the nose lining due to outdoor or indoor allergens (pollen, dust, animals, etc.) and is often associated with symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure (27). Although human studies demonstrate nettle helps control allergic rhinitis, it’s important to note that placebo groups had similar results (28).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

According to mainstream sources, when taken orally, nettle is possibly safe for up to one year of use, but it may cause tummy problems like diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people. They note that stinging nettle might stimulate uterine contractions and cause miscarriage, so it’s likely unsafe during pregnancy. They also note that there isn’t enough reliable information to know if nettle is safe while breastfeeding (29).

Conversely, trusted herbalist Richard Whelan states that no adverse reactions are expected with nettle. Nettle may safely be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding and may actually encourage healthy milk production. Whelan also notes that you must be very careful handling fresh nettles, but once dried or taken as a tincture, they are incredibly safe to use, even in high or frequent doses (30).

As previously noted, the hairs on nettle leaves can irritate human skin and cause a nettle rash. I recommend cautiously handling fresh plants and using long gloves (or gloves with a long-sleeved shirt). If you experience a nettle rash, my favorite herbal resource, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, recommends using calendula for skin concerns like hives and inflamed rashes. A homemade calendula salve is a simple, beginner-friendly remedy for nettle rash. I like to keep calendula salve in the fridge for a nice cooling application.

How to Use Nettle & Product Recommendations

I try to buy local herbs when I make herbal remedies. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands:

• Anthony’s Goods
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I haven’t made many herbal remedies with nettle aside from infusions (tea), but I recommend a few herbal products, including:

• Gaia Herbs Nettle Leaf Capsules promote respiratory and sinus health, keeping you breathing easy while supporting a healthy swelling response. These vegan liquid phyto-capsules contain 225 mg of organic Gaia-grown stinging nettle leaf extract per capsule, making them a go-to when seasonal transitions present immune challenges.
• Herb Pharm’s Pollen Defense offers traditional support for normal eye and sinus secretions. This liquid extract is expertly formulated with eyebright, stinging nettle, and other rapidly absorbed herbs to ensure a broad spectrum of therapeutic plant compounds.
• Herb Pharm’s Sinus Samurai is a certified organic formula combining Nettle, Eyebright, Reishi, and other sinus-supportive herbs. This alcohol-free herbal extract/tincture helps respiratory response during seasonal changes in children and adults.
• Herb Pharm’s Stinging Nettle Blend combines the aerial parts and seeds to support a healthy respiratory system. This easily absorbed liquid engages the senses of taste and smell to help the body recognize and use herbs in an organic cane alcohol extraction medium for optimal potency.
• MaryRuth’s Organic Stinging Nettle Liquid Extract is a tonic herb that can support overall health in many ways. Traditionally used as a diuretic, nettle may help the body’s natural detoxification processes. This herb has also shown the potential to support healthy glucose metabolism.
• MaryRuth’s Organic Women’s Wellness & Menstrual Support is a robust herbal blend for menstruating bodies. These vegan liquid drops contain raspberry leaf, eleuthero root, chaste tree berry, dong quai root, and 11 other herbs that help relieve common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

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