Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has a long history of traditional use and continues to attract scientific interest for a surprisingly wide range of potential benefits. Research suggests that the leaf extract may help support a healthy inflammatory response and provide relief during seasonal allergy periods, possibly by influencing histamine pathways. Studies indicate that the root extract, in particular, has been investigated for its role in supporting prostate and urinary tract health, especially in aging men experiencing benign prostatic changes. Preliminary research has also explored nettle's potential effects on blood sugar regulation and joint comfort, though more large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these findings. Available in both leaf and root extract forms, stinging nettle remains one of the more well-studied botanicals in the herbal supplement space.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) possesses meaningful anti-inflammatory properties, with multip...
View studies →Research suggests that stinging nettle, particularly its root, shows promise for supporting prostate health in the co...
View studies →Research suggests that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may support blood sugar regulation through several complementa...
View studies →Research suggests that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) may offer modest benefits for urinary tract health, particular...
View studies →Research suggests that stinging nettle is among the more commonly self-reported herbal remedies used by people managi...
View studies →Research suggests mixed and preliminary findings on stinging nettle for joint pain relief. The available evidence con...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 300–600 mg | Three times daily | Allergic rhinitis and anti-inflammatory effects | Used in clinical trials including Mittman (1990) Planta Medica; freeze-dried leaf extract common |
| Capsule | 1,340 mg | Three times daily | Joint pain relief in osteoarthritis | Dose used in Randall et al. (2000) Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine comparing nettle to NSAID therapy |
| Extract | 120–360 mg | Three times daily | Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary tract health | Common in European RCTs; often used as root extract standardized preparations (e.g., IDS 23) |
| Extract | 500–1,000 mg | Twice daily | Blood sugar regulation and anti-inflammatory support | Based on RCTs including Kianbakht et al. (2013) Phytotherapy Research on type 2 diabetes patients |
| Powder | 5–10 g | Daily | General nutritional support and anti-inflammatory use | Traditional use and herbal medicine references; leaf powder preparations |
| Topical | — | As needed | Joint pain relief via urtication (deliberate skin application of fresh leaves) | Studied in Randall et al. (2000, 2008); applied directly to painful joint areas |