Stinging Nettle

Description

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a common herbaceous perennial plant found in temperate regions worldwide. Known for its characteristic stinging hairs that release histamine and other irritants upon contact, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, culinary preparations, and even textile production. The leaves, stems, and roots are all utilized for their therapeutic properties. Rich in vitamins (A, C, K, B vitamins), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium), amino acids, fatty acids, and powerful antioxidants like carotenoids and polyphenols, Stinging Nettle is a nutritional powerhouse. Its diverse phytochemical composition contributes to its wide array of purported health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic effects. Traditionally, Stinging Nettle has been employed to address a variety of ailments, from joint pain and eczema to urinary issues and hay fever. Modern research has begun to support some of these traditional uses, particularly concerning its role in prostate health, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms of seasonal allergies due to its antihistamine properties.

Sources
Leaves, stems, and roots of the Stinging Nettle plant (Urtica dioica)Herbal teasExtracts and tincturesCapsules and tablets
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Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith food
Best taken with food to minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum300 mg
Maximum600 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Product stats
Price per product
Average$25.17
Median$23.21
Price per serving
Average$0.69
Median$0.58
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.82
Median$0.42
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Active Sterols (2)85
Active sterols, primarily beta-sitosterol, are key bioactive compounds found in Stinging Nettle, especially concentrated in the root. These phytosterols are thought to modulate prostate cell growth and interact with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), potentially increasing free (bioavailable) testosterone levels. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall health and prostate wellness.
Pros
  • Provides targeted action for prostate health and hormone modulation
  • Often standardized for potency, ensuring consistent dosage of active compounds
  • Contributes to increasing free testosterone by inhibiting SHBG binding
Cons
  • May not offer the full spectrum of benefits from other nettle compounds found in whole extracts
  • Can be isolated from other botanical sources besides nettle, so source purity is important
Per product
Avg$32.18
Med$32.18
Per serving
Avg$0.72
Med$0.72
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.72
Med$0.72
Price distribution
Urtica dioica (2)75
Urtica dioica encompasses the entire Stinging Nettle plant, including leaves, stems, and roots. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Traditionally used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and for general vitality. The leaves are particularly known for their anti-inflammatory effects, while the roots are studied for prostate health and hormone modulation.
Pros
  • Offers whole-plant synergy with a wide range of nutrients
  • Has a long history of traditional use for general wellness
  • Leaves are well-regarded for anti-inflammatory properties
Cons
  • Potency and specific benefits can vary depending on the plant parts used (leaf vs. root)
  • Less concentrated for specific effects compared to standardized extracts
  • Raw plant can cause temporary skin irritation due to stinging hairs
Per product
Avg$18.39
Med$18.39
Per serving
Avg$0.53
Med$0.53
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.10
Med$0.10
Price distribution
Urtica dioica Root Extract (2)90
Urtica dioica Root Extract is derived specifically from the roots of the Stinging Nettle plant. It contains lignans, phytosterols (like beta-sitosterol), and other compounds that are believed to inhibit the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) to testosterone, thereby increasing the amount of free, bioavailable testosterone. It is also extensively studied for its benefits in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and general prostate health, helping to reduce prostate size and urinary symptoms.
Pros
  • Highly effective and targeted for prostate health support (e.g., BPH symptoms)
  • Well-documented for increasing free testosterone by inhibiting SHBG binding
  • Concentrated and often standardized for key active compounds
Cons
  • May be more expensive than whole herb forms due to extraction and standardization
  • Can have a strong diuretic effect due to its natural properties
Per product
Avg$20.52
Med$20.52
Per serving
Avg$0.59
Med$0.59
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.09
Med$0.09
Price distribution
Urtica urens Root Extract (2)80
Urtica urens, also known as Dwarf Nettle, is a species closely related to Urtica dioica. Its root extract contains similar bioactive compounds, including lignans and phytosterols, that are believed to offer comparable benefits for prostate health and potentially influencing hormone balance by similar mechanisms, such as interacting with SHBG. While less extensively studied than Urtica dioica, it is considered to have similar therapeutic potential.
Pros
  • Potential for similar benefits to Urtica dioica root extract for prostate and hormonal health
  • Provides an alternative source of compounds beneficial for testosterone support
  • Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties common to the nettle family
Cons
  • Less extensive scientific research and clinical evidence compared to Urtica dioica root extract for specific goals
  • Availability may be more limited than Urtica dioica forms
Per product
Avg$20.52
Med$20.52
Per serving
Avg$0.59
Med$0.59
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.09
Med$0.09
Price distribution
Nettle (1)75
The term 'Nettle' typically refers to the Stinging Nettle plant (Urtica dioica), frequently emphasizing its aerial parts (leaves and stems) when used in teas or general supplements. It is a popular herbal remedy used to support joint health, urinary tract function, and reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. The leaves contain compounds with significant anti-inflammatory properties, while the root is more specifically associated with prostate and testosterone support.
Pros
  • Versatile and widely available in various forms (teas, capsules)
  • Supports general wellness and provides a good source of nutrients
  • Leaves are recognized for broad anti-inflammatory and allergy-relief properties
Cons
  • Ambiguous regarding specific plant part (leaf vs. root), which can significantly affect targeted benefits
  • Potency and compound profile may vary considerably between products
Per product
Avg$21.58
Med$21.58
Per serving
Avg$1.34
Med$1.34
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.06
Med$1.06
Price distribution
Silica (1)50
Stinging Nettle is a natural source of organic silica (silicon dioxide), an essential trace mineral crucial for the formation and maintenance of healthy connective tissues, bones, hair, skin, and nails. While vital for structural integrity and beauty benefits, silica is not considered a primary active compound responsible for Stinging Nettle's testosterone-modulating or direct potent anti-inflammatory effects.
Pros
  • Supports bone health and mineralization
  • Contributes to healthy skin elasticity and collagen production
  • Strengthens hair and nails, reducing brittleness
Cons
  • Not the primary active compound in nettle for achieving testosterone or direct anti-inflammatory goals
  • Can be obtained from many other dietary and supplemental sources besides nettle
Per product
Avg$26.79
Med$26.79
Per serving
Avg$0.89
Med$0.89
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.59
Med$0.59
Price distribution