Nettles

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 16, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Uritica dioica L.
• Uritica dioica
• Urtica urens L.
• Urtica urens
• Bichu
• Common Nettles
• Feuille d’Ortie
• Graine d’Ortie
• Grande Ortie
• Great Stinging Nettle
• Great Stinging Nettles
• Nettle
• Nettle Leaf
• Nettle Seed
• Nettle Worth
• Ortie
• Ortie Brûlante
• Ortie des Jardins
• Ortie Dioïque
• Ortie Méchante
• Ortiga
• Prostaherb
• Prostamon
• Small Nettle
• Small Nettles
• Soii (Kashmiri)
• Stinging Nettle
• Stinging Nettles
• Uritica
• Uritica Plus
• Urtica dioica
• Urtica urens
• Urticae Herba et Folium
• Urticae Radix
• Urtidin

What is this product used for?

Nettles may help some men with signs of an enlarged prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Nettles may also help with a runny nose and other problems caused by allergies.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not take this product if you are breastfeeding.

• Do not use this product in children younger than 12 years of age or children who have not gone through puberty.

• This product may cause you to pass more urine.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs called “water pills.” These drugs, like nettles, can decrease the potassium in your blood. These are drugs like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or chlorothiazide.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Kidney problems

  • Diabetes

• Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar, especially if you have blood sugar problems.

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Itching when applied to the skin

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

• Enlarged breasts in men or women

• Increased breast milk production

• Very bad belly pain

• Very bad loose stools

• No urine or problems passing urine

Last Reviewed Date

2024-07-08

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