Nettle Root Vs. Nettle Leaf

Nettle is a weed-like plant that grows in many different regions throughout the world, and both its leaves and roots are used in herbal medicinal preparations. It’s also called “stinging nettle” or Urtica dioica. Its leaves have tiny hairs that cause a stinging sensation to the skin when touched. You should consult your physician before taking nettle leaf or nettle root to discuss proper dosage, potential health risks and possible interactions with any medications you’re currently taking.

History

Since the time of ancient Greece, nettle leaves and roots have been used in medicinal remedies for treating hair loss, arthritis, tuberculosis and coughs, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Native Americans and European herbalists used a tea made from the nettle plant to treat respiratory or lung problems, as well as to assist in pregnancy, childbirth and lactation, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Modern Uses

Today, nettle root is more commonly used in herbal remedies than the leaves. You might use nettle root to help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or “BPH” (references 1 & 3). Nettle leaf is more commonly used to help to treat allergies such as hay fever, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You might also take nettle leaf preparations for arthritis, lung congestion, inflammation, spasms and urinary tract conditions, as well as to promote urination as a diuretic, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Talk to your health-care provider before taking nettle leaf or root remedies to treat any type of health condition.

Functions

The constituent scopoletin contained in nettle leaf appears to inhibit your body’s production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation, says the University of Michigan. This function may also account for nettle leaf’s potential use in treating allergies and arthritis. Nettle root seems to affect the proteins and hormones in your body that affect estrogen and testosterone production, which may account for the root’s use in treating BPH, according to the University of Michigan Health System. No human clinical trials have conclusively confirmed these actions from nettle root or leaves, however.

Dosages

You might take nettle root to treat BPH in the form of a fluid extract or tincture. You would take 1 ½ mL of nettle root fluid extract or 1 to 4 mL of tincture three to four times per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To treat allergies, arthritis and urinary tract problems, you can take nettle leaf in the form of capsules, fluid extract or tea. Take 2 to 5 mL of nettle leaf fluid extract or 2 to 4 grams of dried leaf capsules three times daily. Or, you might take 300 mg twice daily of freeze-dried nettle leaf capsules for allergies, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Discuss the proper dosage of nettle leaf or root with your doctor before taking any type of herbal preparation.

Scientific Evidence

A double-blind clinical trial published in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy in 2009 found that nettle leaf can effectively help to relieve inflammation associated with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A 1985 double-blind study conducted in Germany of men with mild BPH found that taking nettle root capsules might help to treat the condition, says the University of Michigan Health System. Also, a laboratory study of nettle root’s chemical constituents that was published in Planta Medica in 1994 discovered that the root affects sex hormones, which may account for its benefits in men with BPH. Another double-blind crossover study published in the Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy in 2006 found that taking nettle root relieved all measures of BPH severity substantially better than placebo over the course of six months. This study involved 558 Iranian men, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A preliminary double-blind study of 69 people published in Planta Medica in 1990 found that taking freeze-dried nettle leaf capsules might improve allergy symptoms. Another double-blind study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 1996 indicated that topical applications of nettle leaf may help to treat joint pain.

Warnings

Because nettles have been consumed as a food for centuries, the herb is generally considered safe, says the University of Michigan Health System. Some reported side effects from taking nettle leaf or root preparations included gastrointestinal upset, sweating and skin rashes or irritations, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. These side effects are rare, however. Although no cases have been reported, nettle leaf or root may potentially interact with certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, sedatives, antihypertensive drugs and anti-diabetes medications, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Talk with your doctor before taking nettle leaf or root remedies if you take these medications.

References

• University of Michigan Health System: Nettle
• Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Nettle
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Nettle
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle