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Stinging Nettle

Posting Date: 07/14/2002

Dose

For leaves, stems, and flowers: 8 to 12 g herb per day, or its equivalent.

The infusion is made by pouring 2/3 cup boiling water over 3 teaspoons (4 g) of herb, steeping for ten minutes, and straining. This dose is repeated two to four times per day.

For root: 600 to 1,200 mg dried extract per day; or 4 to 6 g daily of dried root taken as an infusion; or 5 ml per day of alcohol-based extract.

To make the tea: Place a heaping teaspoon of the coarsely powdered root in a cup of cold water, bring to a boil, and boil for one minute, then steep for ten minutes. This provides approximately 1.5 g herb.

Stinging nettle may be taken for as long as it is helpful.

Special Precautions

Stinging nettle leaf and aboveground parts should not be used when fluid retention is due to congestive heart failure or kidney problems. Such serious conditions require active medical management.

Pregnant women should not use this herb.

Because stinging nettle leaf appears to raise blood sugar, diabetics should exercise caution and monitor blood sugar carefully if they choose to try this herb. Please discuss this issue with your physician.

Although the symptoms of an enlarged prostate may be alleviated with stinging nettle root, men should not self-diagnose this condition. A medical diagnosis is required to determine that the cause of urinary difficulties may be safely treated with the herb and does not require medical intervention.

Periodic checkups are recommended.

Adverse Effects

Side effects are uncommon for both the aboveground herb and the root. Mild digestive upset has been reported with each.

In addition, some people develop allergic reactions such as rash after taking stinging nettle leaf. If such a reaction occurs, the herb should be discontinued.

Contact with the stinging hairs of the plant can cause pain for twelve hours or more. Anyone collecting the plant material should exercise due caution.

Possible Interactions

No interactions have been reported in the literature.