What is the most important information I should know about nettle?
Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks
and/or advantages of nettle plants may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What is nettle?
Nettle is also known as White Nettle, Hemp Nettle, Common Nettle, Greater Nettle, Stinging
Nettle and Devil's Leaf.
Nettle has been used for prostate enlargement, kidney and bladder problems, allergies, chest
congestion, spasms and other conditions.
The use of the nettle plant in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted
by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a
primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the
uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health
care providers involved may be advantageous.
Nettle has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks
and/or advantages of nettle may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing
standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements
have been sold which were 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 have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take nettle?
Before taking nettle, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical conditions, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Nettle may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant. It is not known whether nettle will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take nettle without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether nettle will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of nettle by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
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