More commonly called stinging nettle, nettle is a plant valued for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used to treat arthritis, gout, muscle aches and arthritis, nettle is now used to reduce symptoms of hay fever, benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary tract infections. More research is needed, however, to support these purported health benefits of nettle. Talk with your physician about the potential drug interactions nettle can induce before taking this supplement.
Anticoagulants
Stinging nettle contains a high level of vitamin K, a nutrient that helps your blood clot properly. Using stinging nettle in conjunction with anticoagulants, such as warfarin and clopidogrel, may reduce the blood-thinning effects of these drugs.
High Blood Pressure Drugs
Avoid taking stinging nettle in conjunction with high blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers. In combination, these treatments may severely lower your blood pressure -- a condition called hypotension. A significant drop in your blood pressure level may cause blurred vision, headache, fatigue, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Diabetes Drugs
If you are taking drugs to control your diabetes, avoid taking stinging nettle. This natural treatment may increase the blood-sugar-lowering effects of diabetes drugs and may cause hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or severely low blood sugar, may result in shakiness, sweating, hunger, irritability, difficulty thinking clearly, dizziness or headache.
Diuretics
Diuretics, also called water pills, help clear excess fluid waste from your body. Stinging nettle can have diuretic-like effects and shouldn't be used in conjunction with diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide. Combining these treatments may lead to dehydration, which can cause dry mouth, thirst, dry skin, confusion or headache.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
This herbal treatment may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diclofenac.
Lithium
Limit your use of stinging nettle if you're taking lithium. The diuretic effects of stinging nettle may make it harder for your body to metabolize lithium, increasing your risk of experiencing side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your daily dose of lithium if you're also taking stinging nettle.
Sedatives
Sedative medication shouldn't be used in conjunction with stinging nettle supplements because this treatment combination may cause severe sleepiness. Sedatives to avoid while taking this herbal supplement include zolpidem, phenobarbital and lorazepam.
Member Comments