Properties and Benefits of Nettle



Nettle benefits












This post was updated on Saturday / July 4th, 2020 at 12:40 AM

8 thoughts on “Properties and Benefits of Nettle”

  1. Does stinging nettle balance blood sugar high or low and which herb balances blood sugar to its normal state?

    • Hello, Harris. There is research that shows stinging nettle is both good and bad for diabetes and blood sugar control. For example, there is evidence from some studies that it can raise blood sugar, making it potentially unsafe for consumption if you have hyperglycemia or diabetes. However, the majority of studies portray stinging nettle as a good food to eat for diabetes and hyperglycemia. The leaves and stems in particular have been shown to decrease carbohydrate digestion and absorption by inhibiting the activity of certain pancreatic enzymes, resulting in a controlled rise in blood sugar and improved insulin activity with potential benefits for diabetes sufferers.

      Stinging nettle leaf extract has been shown to help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance in patients with advanced type 2 diabetes. Another study shows an extract made from 100 g of powder stinging nettle and 100 ml of water efficiently inhibit a pancreatic protein responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates called alpha-amylase, resulting in slower digestion of carbohydrates, slower rise in blood sugar levels and improved glycemic control. In another study, diabetic participants were given either a placebo or a hydroalcoholic nettle extract for 8 weeks. Results showed the nettle extract significantly improved inflammation markers (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) and was concluded it has potential benefits for diabetics. Animal studies on insulin-resistant rats given 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg a day of nettle extract showed the rats receiving nettle extract had significantly lower blood sugar and insulin levels.

      1) Kianbakht S, Khalighi-Sigaroodi F, Dabaghian FH. Improved glycemic control in patients with advanced type 2 diabetes mel-litus taking Urtica dioica leaf extract: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Clin Lab. 2013; 59 (9-10): 1071-1076.
      2) Rahimzadeh M, Jahanshahi S, Moein S, et al. Evaluation of alpha- amylase inhibition by Urtica dioica and Juglans regia extracts. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2014; 17: 465-469.
      3) Ahangarpour A, Mohammadian M, Dianat M. Antidiabetic effect of hydroalcholic Urtica dioica leaf extract in male rats with fructose-induced insulin resistance. Iran J Med Sci. 2012; 37(3): 181-186.
      4) The Use of Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle) as a Blood Sugar Lowering Herb: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature. Available from
      Most studies show nettle extracts lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin production and use, often potentiating the effects of regular diabetic medicines. However, it is recommended to ask your doctor whether nettle is safe for you to use and monitor your blood sugar levels constantly. Also, remember that stinging nettle can produce allergic reactions so, again, make sure you are not allergic and it’s safe for you to use. Hope this helps and wishing you lots of health.

    • No, Gordon. I only write about stinging nettle benefits, nutritional value and therapeutic uses. Look for it online or ask about it in a health food store in your area. Make sure to check the origin of the product so you know it’s a quality product. Wishing you lots of health!

  2. I am on Coumadin because of a pulmonary embolism and a stroke. However, I would still like to drink a cup of nettle tea every other day for some of its benefits. I know it causes blood to clot faster but still, I’m hoping that I can consume small amounts of the tea without placing myself in a precarious position.

    • Hello, Vickie. I have to be honest: this is something that only your doctor can advise you about. Having had a pulmonary embolism and a stroke, I’d say it would be best to avoid risk factors to the best of your efforts. And this includes not eating green, leafy vegetables too often or in too large amounts and also avoiding teas that may interact with your medication or promote blood clotting. And while drinking the tea definitely provides far less vitamin K than eating the whole leaves, again, it’s best to talk to your doctor.

      At this point I’d say definitely don’t eat too much nettle. Do you know how much vitamin K is in nettle? Well, 100 g of blanched nettle provides 498 micrograms of vitamin K. And the average adult needs about 90 to 120 micrograms of the vitamin a day (recommendations for women versus men). And while nettle tea benefits may actually outweigh the side effects (generally speaking), the tea does provide enough vitamin K to the point it can interact with your medication and your conditions. Especially when consumed regularly. Like I said, talk to the doctor monitoring you and see if he/she advises for or against the tea and what amounts he/she considers would be safe for you.

      Lastly, there is so much variety when it comes to herbal teas and there are plenty of different teas which provide the same benefits. Do you particularly like the taste of nettle tea or would you consider another tea that could maybe be safer for your condition and provide the benefits you are looking for? Looking forward to hearing from you, Vickie, and wishing you lots of health!

  3. I am on an anticoagulant but I still want to consume a cup of nettle tea 3 or 4 times a week. I know the benefits would be great as long as the tea doesn’t alter my INR too much. I think I’ll try a small amount and hopefully a few cups per week won’t drastically damage the effects of my medication. I know stinging nettle is capable or causing blood to clot faster than normal, but if I’m very careful with the amount of consumption, it may just work out ok. We can always raise my dosage of warfarin.

    • Hello again, Vickie. I’ve replied more thoroughly to your first comment. Really hope it works out great for you and wishing you lots of health!

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