About Stinging Nettle
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial herb used traditionally for urinary tract health, seasonal allergies, and joint discomfort. Nettle root is primarily studied for BPH symptoms (urinary flow, nocturia) — several RCTs show improvement vs placebo. Nettle leaf has anti-inflammatory properties and preliminary evidence for allergic rhinitis relief. Contains beta-sitosterol, scopoletin, lignans, and lectins. Generally well tolerated; occasional mild GI effects. No established RDA or UL.
What Stinging Nettle supports
- Supports prostate and urinary tract health (root)
- May relieve seasonal allergy symptoms (leaf)
- Traditional use for joint comfort and inflammation
How much Stinging Nettle to take
The RDA prevents deficiency. The effective range is what clinical trials used to actually move the outcome.
Effective
300–600
mg
Nettle root extract: 300–600 mg/day for prostate/urinary support. Nettle leaf extract: 300–600 mg/day for allergy and anti-inflammatory use. Whole herb/powder doses are higher (1–3 g/day).
Forms of Stinging Nettle compared
Nettle root extract
Standardized root extract — the form used in BPH and prostate RCTs.
Nettle leaf extract
Standardized leaf extract for allergic rhinitis and joint support.
Stinging nettle extract
Aerial-parts extract; less standardized than root or leaf alone.
Nettle root (whole)
Whole-root powder; lower potency than standardized extract.
Nettle leaf (whole)
Whole-leaf powder; bioactive content varies by harvest.
Nettle powder
Whole herb powder, low potency
Clinical evidence
Moderate clinical evidence. Several clinical trials for prostate and urinary symptoms; traditional anti-inflammatory use
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