What is nettle?
Nettle is also known as White Nettle, Hemp Nettle, Common Nettle, Greater Nettle, Stinging
Nettle and Devil's Leaf.
Nettle has been used for prostate enlargement, kidney and bladder problems, allergies, chest
congestion, spasms and other conditions.
The use of the nettle plant in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a
primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the
uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health
care providers involved may be advantageous.
Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks
and/or advantages of nettle may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing
standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements
have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements
should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Nettle may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nettle?
Before taking nettle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Nettle may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant. It is not known whether nettle will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether nettle will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of nettle by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take nettle?
The use of nettle in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current
Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health
care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to take nettle, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor,
pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
Take the pill forms of nettle with a full glass of water.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of nettle with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Some forms of nettle can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of nettle at the
same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different
formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of nettle.
Store nettle as directed on the package. In general, nettle should be protected from light.
What happens if I miss a dose of nettle?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of nettle. Consult your doctor, pharmacist,
or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about nettle?
Your pharmacist has information about nettle written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of nettle?
Although rare, allergic reactions to nettle have been reported. Stop taking nettle and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects are also uncommon and reports have included mild stomach
upset.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about nettle?
Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks
and/or advantages of nettle plants may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking nettle?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking nettle, unless otherwise
directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect nettle?
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking nettle if you are
taking any other medicines or supplements including vitamins, minerals, or other herbal products..
What happens if I have an overdose of nettle?