Nettle Root

Nettle root

Other Names

Nettle root derives from Urtica dioica or Urtica urens.

nettle
stinging nettle
dog nettle
California nettle
dwarf nettle

What Is It?

Nettle root consists of the dried or fresh roots of Urtica dioica or Urtica urens. However, in many instances in herbals, nettle root is not referred to or recommended separately from the whole plant. Most often, herbals refer to nettle as the whole plant, and describe its uses accordingly. Germany’s Commission E and ESCOP recommend nettle root specifically for relieving urinary disorders associated with BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia. 1,2 The British herbal Compendium recommends nettle leaf or herb as a mild diuretic and as a hemostatic (to check blood flow). 3 But nettle’s uses are far broader. Dr. James Duke cites a multitude of therapeutic uses for nettle, which are listed here. In only a few instances does Dr. Duke specify leaf or herb versus whole plant. Those uses are noted here. He recommends use of nettle for allergies (leaf), Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis (leaves), asthma, baldness (leaves), bladder infections, bronchitis, bursitis, cough (leaves), gingivitis, gout, hives, kidney stones, laryngitis, multiple sclerosis, PMS, enlarged prostate (roots), sciatica, and tendonitis. 3

Medicinal History

Nettle root or whole plant has been used in traditional folk medicine as an astringent, a diuretic, and a tonic herb. Internally nettle has been employed to treat anemia, uterine hemorrhage, excessive menstruation, hemmorhoids, arthritis, rheumatism, gout and skin eruptions. Topically, preparations of nettle have been employed to relieve arthritic pain, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, hemmorhoids, sclap and hair problems, burns and insect bites and stings. 4

Nettle was used during the time of Hippocrates to treat bites and stings, and European herbalists employed nettle tea for respiratory disorders. Native Americans employed nettle for a plethora of purposes, including as a snuff for nosebleeds, an analgesic and antirheumatic, as an herbal steam to relieve pain, as a whip to relieve rheumatic pain, as an infusion to aid delivery, as a poultice applied to aching joints, as a decocotion or infusion for various bladder and urinary disorders, as an inhalant for for grippe or pneumonia, as an infusion for fevers, as a general tonic, a hair wash, and to relieve skin inflammations. 5

Habitat & Cultivation

Nettle is found widely throughout North America and Europe, where it grows abundantly as a weed. The leaves and stems are covered with stinging hairs, thus the name stinging nettle. The plant grows commonly in ditches, thickets, fields and pastures. Typically the whole plant is harvested, as the root is therapuetically valuable. Nettle is typically dried prior to preparation as a medicine, but fresh nettle is also be juiced or extracted for therapeutic purposes. 4, 6, 7

How It Works

Though nettle’s therapeutic activities aren’t completely understood, the plant contains a variety of antioxidant compounds which protect cells and enhance tissue health. The plant contains a number of anti-inflammatory compounds, which may account for its multiple uses for treating inflammation. The plant is also rich in minerals of value to skin and hair, which may explain its beneficial uses for both. Nettle also contains diuretic agents and phytochemicals which help to control bleeding. 6,7,8,9

Contemporary Uses Approved by Authoritative Bodies

Germany’s Commission E and ESCOP approve the use of nettle root:

For symptomatic treatment of urinary disorders in cases of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH. Nettle root helps to promote healthy urinary flow.

1,2,8

Potential Risks

Safety issues and concerns

None known

Contraindications – based on conditions and medication intake, etc.

None known

Potentially harmful drug interactions

None known

Allergy precautions

Some people may be allergic to nettle.

Usage Tips

Steep 1.5 grams of nettle root in 150 ml (5 ounces) of boiled water for 10 – 20 minutes. Strain and drink, 3-4 times daily. 1,8

If you are using nettle root extracts or other supplement products, follow usage instructions on the labels.

Product Choosing/Buying Tips

Choose certified organically grown nettle or certified organic nettle preparations, whenever the choice is available.

Science Update

The use of nettle root for treating urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia is positive.

Nettle root contains a number of beneficial phytochemicals which appear to influence the function of the prostate, interact with sex hormones, slow the growth of prostate cells, fight prostate cancer, and reduce inflammation.1, 10,11,12,13

Studies involving a total of over 15,000 men with BPH have found significant improvements in prostate size, nighttime urination, urination frequency, urine flow, and residual urine. 2

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 50 men over 9 weeks found a significant increase in urination volume and urine flow rate. 14

In another double-blind placebo-controlled study, treatment of 67 men with nettle produced a 14% improvement in urine flow and a 53% decrease in residual urine. 15

Lastly, a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 40 men found a significant decrease in frequency of urination after 6 months. 2

Trivia

One traditional use of nettle involves whipping oneself with the whole plant. This painful self-flaggelation is performed to relieve pain of rehumatism, which it purportedly does well.

References:

1. Blumenthal M, Busse W, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. S. Klein, R.S. Rister (trans.). 1st ed., (Austin, TX: American Botanical Council. 1998). 216

2. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. 1^st ed., (Exeter, U.K.: ESCOP 1997). Fascicule 2

3. Duke, J., The Green Pharmacy 1^st ed (Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA 1997) multiple p’s.

4. Bown, Deni. The Herb Society Of America Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. (1^st ed., (New York: Dorling Kindersley,1995). 366-367

5. Moerman, D., Native American Ethnobotany. 1^st ed., (Portland, Oregon Timber Press 1998) 580

6. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, 2nd ed., (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1996). 384-385

7. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed., (Paris: Lavoisier Publishing 1993). 603-604

8. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J (eds). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 1^st ed., (Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications. 2000). 370-371

9. Agricultural Research Service, Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical

Databases. http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/

10. Hryb DJ, Khan MS, Romas NA, et al. The effect of extracts of the roots of the

stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human

prostatic membranes. Planta Med. 1995;61:31–32.

11. Wagner H, Willer F, Samtleben R, et al. Search for the antiprostatic principle of

stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) roots. Phytomedicine. 1994;1:213–224.

12. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal

Medicine. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag; 1998:229.

13. Konrad L, Muller HH, Lenz C, et al. “Antiproliferative effect on human prostate

cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract.” Planta Med.

2000;66:44–47.

14. Vontobel HP, Herzog R, Rutishauser G, et al. “Results of a double-blind study on

the effectiveness of ERU(extractum radicis Urticae) capsules in conservative treatment of

benign prostatic hyperplasia [translated from German]”. Urologe A. 1985;24:49–51.

15. Dathe G, Schmid H. “Phytotherapy of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH); double-

blind study with stinging nettle root extract (Extractum Radicis Urticae - ERU)”

[translated from German]. Urologe B. 1987;27:223–226.