What is nettle root good for?
Nettle root supplements are extracted from the roots of the Urtica dioica plant, also known as stinging nettle, or simply common nettle, a perennial flowering plant that is native to Europe and parts of Asia, although it can now be found across the globe.
History and characteristics
The name Urtica dioica is derived from the Latin word "uro", which means "to burn", as anyone who has had the misfortune of brushing their leg against nettles while on a summer walk will happily agree.
This is because the plant is bristling with thousands of trichomes, hollow stinging hairs on its leaves and stems which, for all intents and purposes, act precisely like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other mildly irritating chemicals that produce the characteristic burning sensation.
However, once the plant has been dried or cooked, the stinging aspect of the nettle is mostly neutralized and it can be safely consumed. Several parts of the nettle plant have been a staple in medicine for thousands of years, dating back as far as the ancient Egyptians, who would use nettle to treat conditions such as arthritis, and perhaps high blood pressure too.
Nettle root for inflammation and arthritis
These properties have been replicated in modern research, and it is now known that several compounds found within nettle can reduce inflammation.
For example, multiple in vitro and animal studies have observed that nettle extract supplementation was able to reduce the levels of several inflammatory markers by inhibiting the body's ability to produce them. Furthermore, modern human studies have been able to replicate the ancient Egyptian approach for treating arthritis by observing how nettle products applied topically are able to notably relieve symptoms associated with the condition.
Similar results have been observed when nettle extract was taken orally as a supplement, with a significant reduction in pain associated with arthritis, to the point where participants felt that they could reduce their dependency on standard painkillers in favor of the supplement.
Nettle root for inflammation
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate or simply BPH, is a debilitating condition that can affect up to 50% of men over the age of 50.
There is a growing body of research that suggests that nettle extract supplementation can serve as a treatment for BPH by preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a process which is thought to contribute to the development of BPH.
Nettle root for blood pressure, blood sugar and cardiovascular health
High blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease and suffering a stroke, and several animal and in vitro studies have found that nettle extract supplementation can help lower high blood pressure, and it appears to achieve this through a number of mechanisms.
On one hand, it is able to increase the production of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes and dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow and reducing the amount of pressure exerted on artery walls. On the other hand, some of the compounds found within nettle function as calcium blockers, meaning that they relax muscles and reduce the force exerted by the heart during contractions.
Additionally, multiple studies have demonstrated a direct link between nettle supplementation and lower blood sugar levels, and it is thought that this is due to the way in which some of nettle's compounds replicate the function of insulin.
One particular study that involved 46 people taking 500mg of nettle extract three times daily found that, over the course of three months, their blood sugar levels were lowered significantly when compared to the group that took a placebo.
When should I take nettle root?
There does not currently appear to be a clear consensus on whether nettle root should be taking in the morning or at night, however most manufacturers recommend taking it with a meal.
What does nettle root combine well with?
Nettle root and saw palmetto extract, for prostate health
Both nettle root and saw palmetto extract are known for their effectiveness in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, which involves the prostate becoming enlarged to the point where urination is made quite difficult.
There is research that suggests that taking both nettle root and saw palmetto extract together shows a synergistic effect, with more pronounced results in treating the condition than when the supplements are taken individually.
Nettle Root data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025