Evidence supporting the use of: Nettle (unspecified)
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

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

Nettle (Urtica dioica), commonly known as stinging nettle, has a long history of traditional use for supporting hair health. In European and Western herbalism, nettle has been used as a rinse or tonic believed to strengthen hair, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth. Traditional practices often involved boiling nettle leaves to create a hair rinse or adding nettle extract to scalp treatments. The rationale was largely based on nettle’s rich content of vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (especially iron and silica), and antioxidants, all of which are important for overall hair and scalp health. Some traditional systems, such as Ayurveda and Western folk medicine, attributed hair benefits to nettle’s potential to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. However, scientific evidence directly supporting nettle’s efficacy for hair growth or preventing hair loss is limited. While some laboratory studies suggest nettle extracts may have anti-inflammatory and 5α-reductase inhibitory effects (the latter being relevant in androgenic alopecia), robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Most support for nettle’s use in hair care remains anecdotal or based on its general nutritional profile, rather than specific, well-controlled clinical research. In summary, nettle’s use for hair is primarily traditional, with only modest scientific rationale and sparse clinical validation. Its popularity in hair formulations persists largely due to its historical reputation and general nutritional content rather than definitive proof of efficacy.

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