Nettle, known for its stinging properties, has traditionally been used as a cooked pot herb in salads and as a medicinal herb to manage a variety of conditions. In Germany, nettle is approved for treating inflammation in the urinary tract and for treating and preventing kidney stones. However, nettle does not have approval for medicinal use in the United States, and therefore should not be taken without the supervision of a doctor.
Identification and Dosage
Nettle, or Urtica dioica, is also commonly known as stinging nettle because the leaves have bristles that are irritating to the skin when touched. The above-ground parts, or the flowers, leaves, and stems, are used medicinally. According to Drugs.com, the commonly used dose of nettle herb is 8g to 12g daily for diuretic effects. The commonly used dose range of nettle root for urinary problems is 4g to 6g a day.
Uses
Some proponents of alternative medicine believe the nettle is useful for treating hay fever, benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and urinary tract infections. Nettle is also used to purportedly enhance the loss of water from the body, to relieve spasms, to loosen phlegm and to treat asthma.
Effectiveness
According to the information website DrugDigest, animal and human research studies have shown nettle to have some efficacy as a diuretic. However, there is still not enough information from human studies to determine if nettle is effective for any of its uses. As of May 2011, nettle is being studied for its efficacy in treating hay fever and as an irrigation agent for the urinary tract, according to Drugs.com.
Considerations
Nettle can cause allergic reactions when taken by mouth. Skin irritation and burning may occur when nettle is applied to the skin and can last for up to 12 hours or longer. Nettle should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation because it can cause miscarriage and affect the menstrual cycle.
