Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica — also: Common nettle
Limited human evidence for allergy and prostate symptoms; nutritious as a cooked green.
European folk tonic; cooked as nutritious greens and used for joint and urinary complaints.
Leaf for allergic rhinitis and joint discomfort; root studied for benign prostate symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory compounds; nutrient-rich (vitamins/minerals) when cooked.
- Possible allergy and prostate-symptom support
- Nutritious cooked green
Small trials for rhinitis and BPH symptoms; nutrient value well established.
- Small studies
- Effect sizes unclear
- Sting (raw)
- BP/sugar/diuretic interactions
- People on BP/diabetes/diuretic meds without advice
Raw leaves sting; mild GI upset.
May affect blood pressure, blood sugar, and diuretic/anticoagulant effects.
Medicinal amounts not advised in pregnancy.
Wild-forageable (wear gloves); cooking/drying removes the sting.
- Small trials suggest leaf may ease allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- Root extracts studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms with modest signals.
- Nutrient-dense as a cooked green (vitamins/minerals).
Studies are small and varied; BP/blood-sugar/diuretic interactions warrant caution.
Adequately powered trials for rhinitis and BPH symptom scores.
A humble nutritious green with some allergy/prostate promise — watch BP/sugar meds.