nettle Health Article

Generic name(s):

nettle

Brand name(s):

nettles

What is the most important information I should know about nettle?

Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of nettle plants may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What is nettle?

Nettle is also known as White Nettle, Hemp Nettle, Common Nettle, Greater Nettle, Stinging Nettle and Devil's Leaf.

Nettle has been used for prostate enlargement, kidney and bladder problems, allergies, chest congestion, spasms and other conditions.

The use of the nettle plant in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of nettle may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Nettle may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take nettle?

Before taking nettle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Nettle may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether nettle will harm an unborn baby. Do not take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether nettle will harm a nursing infant. There is no information available regarding the use of nettle by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take nettle?

The use of nettle in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take nettle, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of nettle with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of nettle with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of nettle can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of nettle at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of nettle.

Store nettle as directed on the package. In general, nettle should be protected from light.