Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Table of Contents

Other names

Stinging Nettle
Nettle Leaf
Nettle Root
Common Nettle

Synopsis

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial flowering plant found throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. Though infamous for its stinging hairs that can cause temporary skin irritation, nettle is one of the most nutrient-dense and therapeutically versatile herbs used in both traditional and modern herbal medicine. The plant is valued for its leaves, root, seeds, and stems, each offering distinct medicinal properties.

Nettle leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and silica. They also contain flavonoids, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and biologically active amines like histamine and serotonin, contributing to their anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antihistamine, and nutritive effects.

The leaf is most commonly used to support seasonal allergies, detoxification, joint pain, urinary health, and skin conditions. It acts as a gentle diuretic and anti-inflammatory, often used for rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and hay fever. Its high iron and chlorophyll content also make it a traditional remedy for anemia, fatigue, and postpartum recovery. Dried nettle leaf is frequently made into tea, capsules, or tinctures, while fresh nettles can be consumed as a spring tonic or wild food (once cooked to neutralize the sting).

The root of nettle has a different medicinal profile, primarily used in men’s health, especially for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary flow issues. It exerts mild antiandrogenic effects and may help reduce prostate inflammation and frequency of urination without affecting libido. Some research also supports its use in balancing inflammatory markers and reducing symptoms of chronic prostatitis.

Nettle seeds are a lesser-known but increasingly popular remedy for adrenal fatigue, kidney support, and thyroid regulation. They are rich in oils, nutrients, and antioxidant compounds and have a reputation for rebuilding stamina and vitality.

Historical Use
Nettle has a long medicinal history across cultures, dating back to Ancient Egypt, where it was used to treat arthritis and back pain. In Greco-Roman traditions, physicians like Galen and Dioscorides prescribed nettle for wound healing, nosebleeds, and dog bites. Roman soldiers reportedly used nettle to stimulate circulation by flogging their limbs with fresh stalks—a technique known as urtication.

In medieval European herbalism, nettle was a staple for blood purification, spring detox, and rheumatism. Culpeper, a 17th-century English herbalist, described nettle as a valuable remedy for spleen obstructions, menstrual regulation, and gout. It was also used to stimulate lactation and reduce bleeding.

In Ayurvedic medicine, nettle (referred to by regional names) is considered cooling, bitter, and astringent, and used for inflammatory skin conditions, urinary disorders, and pitta imbalances. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), its applications overlap in tonic formulas for the liver and kidneys, though it is not as prominently featured.

Today, nettle remains one of the most commonly prescribed herbs in Western herbal medicine, valued for its multi-system support, safety, and versatility. It is often used in formulas for allergy relief, joint health, detoxification, and hormonal support, as well as in nourishing tonics and daily teas.

Uses: Health Conditions

Edema (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Nose Bleeds (Traditional)
Nursing (Traditional)
Breast Milk (dry up) (Traditional)
Allergies (respiratory) (Scientific)
Anemia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (Scientific)
Blood Clots (prevention of) (Neither)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Energy (lack of) (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Influenza (Traditional)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Scientific)
Phlebitis (Traditional)
Prostatitis (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)

Body Systems

Blood (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Breasts (Traditional)
Estrogen (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Hair (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Prostate (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Adrenal Glands (Traditional)
Arteries (Traditional)
Bladder (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)