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nutritive

Stinging Nettle Leaf

Urtica dioica

荨麻叶

Pinyin: Qián Má Yè

🌿

Plant Family

Urticaceae

Part Used

Leaf, root, seed

Origin

Europe, Asia, North Africa; naturalized worldwide

Safety Level

Safe

Overview

Stinging nettle is a perennial plant covered in tiny stinging hairs that inject histamine and other compounds when touched. Despite its sting, nettle is one of the most nutritious and versatile medicinal plants. Both the leaf and root have different medicinal uses. Nettle has been used for food, fiber, and medicine for thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties

Nature (四气)

cool

Flavors (五味)

bitter, sweet

Meridians (归经)

kidney, liver, blood

Health Benefits

✓ Reduces symptoms of hay fever / allergic rhinitis
✓ May reduce symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH - root extract)
✓ Highly nutritious (vitamins, minerals, protein)
✓ Natural diuretic (increases urination without depleting potassium)
✓ Anti-inflammatory (arthritis, gout)
✓ May help with anemia (iron + vitamin C for absorption)
✓ Supports kidney and urinary tract health
✓ May help with blood sugar regulation
✓ Hair health (may reduce hair loss and promote growth)

Traditional Uses

  • Nutritive tonic (rich in vitamins and minerals)
  • Allergies and hay fever (root and leaf)
  • Prostate enlargement (root - BPH)
  • Diuretic and kidney support
  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Anemia (high iron content)
  • Women's health (PMS, menopause)
  • Hair health (topical rinses)
  • Eczema and skin conditions
  • Bleeding (astringent effect)

Active Constituents

The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:

Flavonoids: quercetin, kaempferol, rutinSterols: beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol (especially in root)Serotonin, histamine, acetylcholine (in stinging hairs)SilicaChlorophyll (very high content)Vitamins A, C, K, B complex, folateMinerals: iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon, zinc, chromiumAmino acids and protein (up to 25% dry weight)PolysaccharidesLignans (root)

Usage & Dosage

How to Use

Leaves used as tea, soup, pesto, smoothies, powder, capsules, and tincture. Drying or cooking removes the sting. Root is used for prostate and allergies. Nettle is one of the most nutrient-dense herbs available.

Suggested Dosage

Tea: 1-2 tsp dried leaf steeped 10 min, 2-3 cups daily. Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily. Capsules: 500-2000mg daily. Root extract for BPH: 120-600mg daily standardized extract.

Quality & Storage

Harvest Season

Leaves: spring, before plants flower (highest nutrient content). Root: autumn, from plants 2-3 years old. Seeds: autumn, when ripe.

Quality Indicators

Dried leaf: dark green color, fresh herbal scent, no brown/black spots. Root: brown, woody. Organic or wild-harvested from clean, pesticide-free areas. Avoid nettles growing near roads or in fertilized areas.

Storage

Dried leaf: airtight container, cool dark place, 1 year. Root: 2-3 years. Fresh nettle: refrigerate for 2-3 days, or blanch and freeze.

Safety Information

Contraindications

Kidney disease (diuretic effect - medical supervision)Pregnancy (may stimulate uterus - avoid medicinal doses; food amounts are fine)Breastfeeding: generally considered safeLow blood pressure (may lower BP)Diabetes (may lower blood sugar)Bleeding disorders (vitamin K content)Prostate cancer (may affect hormone levels - consult doctor)Kidney stones (may contain oxalates - use cautiously)

Possible Side Effects

  • Generally very safe when dried/cooked
  • Fresh plant: stinging sensation, rash, itching (contact dermatitis)
  • Dried/cooked: mild digestive upset (rare)
  • Allergic reaction (very rare when dried)
  • Increased urination (normal diuretic effect)
  • Note: Always cook or dry nettles before eating to remove stingers!

Drug Interactions

  • Diuretics (water pills) - additive effect
  • Blood pressure medications (may lower BP)
  • Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
  • Blood thinners (warfarin - vitamin K may affect INR - but nettle has relatively little vitamin K)
  • Lithium (may increase levels due to diuretic effect)
  • Prostate medications (additive effect with BPH drugs)
  • Generally low to moderate interaction risk

Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.

References & Research

Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.

ℹ️ Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.

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