Nettle
Generic name: nettle [ NET-el ]
Drug class:Herbal products
What is nettle?
Nettle (or stinging nettle) is a plant also known as Bichu, Feuille d'Ortie, Graine d'Ortie, Grande Ortie, Ortie, Ortiga, Urtica, and other names.
Stinging nettle should not be confused with "white dead nettle" (Lamium album).
Nettle has been used in alternative medicine to treat hay fever, asthma, diarrhea, osteoarthritis, circulation problems, diabetes, fluid retention, symptoms of enlarged prostate, and other conditions. However, nettle has not been proven with research to be effective in treating these conditions.
It is not certain whether nettle is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Nettle should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Nettle is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Nettle may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
diabetes;
kidney disease; or
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (some parts of the nettle plant contain large amounts of vitamin K, which affects blood-clotting).
It is not known whether nettle will harm an unborn baby. However, taking nettle during pregnancy may stimulate uterine contractions and could increase your risk of miscarriage. Do not use this product if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether nettle passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take nettle?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, see...
