Evidence supporting the use of: Nettle
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nettle (Urtica dioica) has a long history of traditional use for supporting hair health. In various European folk medicine traditions, nettle has been used both topically (as a rinse or oil) and internally (as a tea or supplement) to promote hair strength, shine, and growth. The rationale for its use is largely based on its rich nutrient profile, including vitamins (such as A, C, and K), minerals (notably iron, silica, and magnesium), and antioxidant compounds, which are believed to nourish the scalp and hair follicles.

Despite its popularity in traditional medicine, scientific studies specifically investigating nettle's effects on human hair growth or hair health are limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that nettle extracts may have anti-inflammatory and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory effects, which theoretically could support hair growth by reducing scalp inflammation or modulating hormones involved in hair loss (such as dihydrotestosterone, DHT). However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most of the support for nettle’s use in hair health remains anecdotal or rooted in historical use rather than well-established scientific validation.

In summary, nettle is traditionally used to support hair health, but the scientific evidence is limited and does not rise above preliminary or theoretical findings.

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