The nettle root extract or the use of the stinging nettle herb is known to treat men's health issues. Many people use it as a supplement for prostate health. Because of the association with men's health issues, you may hope that it also addresses other concerns such as hair loss and sex drive. Further, herbal supplements are not necessarily treatments in and of themselves. Always consult with a physician before beginning the supplemental treatment of any health concern.
Nettle Root
Nettle root extract comes from the stinging nettle herbal plant. The herb is used in many countries for cooking. The nettle root extract is used for medicinal purposes and can be found at local health food stores as an herbal supplement. Nettle root extract helps treat hair loss and has also been used for arthritis, asthma, kidney and urinary tract infections. Nettle root is also referred to as Urtica dioica or Urtica urens.
Nettle Root for Hair Loss
Hair loss researcher, R. Hartmann, found that nettle root extract partially blocks the enzymes that cause hair loss. No research supports other parts of the stinging nettle plant for hair loss; it is strictly the extract from the root. Nettle root extract is an ingredient in hair loss treatments but can also be taken directly as an herbal supplement in pill or liquid form for topical use on you scalp to promote hair growth.
Nettle Root for Sex Drive
Although stinging nettle and nettle root extract are used in the treatment of men's issues such as prostate health and male-patterned baldness, no evidence supports its use in improving sex drive. Nettle root extract can actually effect a woman's menstrual cycle, which in turn can affect sex drive and issues with fertility. Consult with your physician for other supplements and treatments to address sex drive concerns.
Taking Nettle Root Extract
Nettle root extract and the stinging nettle come in many forms. You can get the fluid extract of the root, fluid extract of the leaf or a tincture form of the root extract. Tincture contains alcohol. If you are looking to apply it topically to your scalp you can use the fluid extract or find it in cream form. Nettle root extract in capsule form is commonly combined with saw palmetto and vitamin A.
Nettle Root Cautions
Like many herbal remedies, nettle root extract has little research to support the results. Recall that nettle root extract comes from the stinging nettle plant. Applying topically to your scalp can cause irritation. When taken in capsule form you may experience feelings of indigestion and have difficulty urinating. Caution should also be taken if you are already taking other herbal or medicinal supplements. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding check with your physician about whether or not nettle root is safe for you and your baby.
References
- Hair Loss Learning Center: Nettle Root extract and Treating Hair Loss
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Stinging Nettle
- United States National Library of Medicine: Dietary Supplements Labels Database
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health: With alpha blockers, finasteride and nettle root
