Stinging Nettle: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant with pointed leaves and white to yellowish flowers. The root and above ground parts are used for diabetes.

The stinging nettle plant is typically 2-4 meters tall. It contains ingredients that might decrease swelling and increase urination. The leaves are sometimes eaten as a cooked vegetable.

People commonly use stinging nettle for diabetes. It is also used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, enlarged prostate, hay fever, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) with white dead nettle (Lamium album).

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Diabetes. Taking stinging nettle by mouth seems to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

There is interest in using stinging nettle for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Stinging nettle is possibly safe when used for up to 1 year. It might cause diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people.

When applied to the skin: Stinging nettle is possibly safe. Touching the stinging nettle plant can cause skin irritation.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Stinging nettle is likely unsafe to take during pregnancy. It might stimulate uterine contractions and cause a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if stinging nettle is safe to use during breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Lithium interacts with Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking stinging nettle might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle might lower blood sugar levels. Taking stinging nettle along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle above ground parts contain large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. By helping the blood clot, stinging nettle might decrease the effects of warfarin. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking stinging nettle along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of stinging nettle might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Stinging Nettle - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Lithium interacts with Stinging Nettle

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Stinging Nettle

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Stinging Nettle

Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Stinging Nettle

Dosing