Herbs

Nettle

Also called: stinging nettle, urtica dioica

Leaves and root of the stinging nettle.

Why people take it
Hay fever, prostate, joint pain.
What the evidence says
Limited evidence.
How it is usually taken
Usually 300 to 600 mg of leaf or root extract a day, or tea.
Be careful
May add to blood pressure, diabetes and blood-thinning medicines.
Medicines it can interact with
May affect blood pressure, diabetes, diuretic and lithium medicines; leaf contains vitamin K (warfarin).

Other herbs

EchinaceaElderberryGarlic extractGingerPeppermint oilMilk thistleSaw palmettoSt John's wortValerianChamomileLemon balmPassionflowerKavaRhodiolaGinkgoMoringaFenugreekCinnamonBlack seedLicorice

Common questions

What is Nettle?

Leaves and root of the stinging nettle.

Why do people take Nettle?

Hay fever, prostate, joint pain.

Does Nettle work?

Limited evidence.

How much Nettle do people take?

Usually 300 to 600 mg of leaf or root extract a day, or tea.

Is Nettle safe?

May add to blood pressure, diabetes and blood-thinning medicines.

Does Nettle interact with medicines?

May affect blood pressure, diabetes, diuretic and lithium medicines; leaf contains vitamin K (warfarin).

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.