Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica, Urtica urens
T Traditional useNettle leaf tea is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and to relieve minor joint pain.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes nettle leaf as a traditional herbal medicine for two uses: increasing urine to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints, and relieving minor joint pain. People who must limit fluids because of heart or kidney disease should not use it.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to increase urine flow to flush the urinary tract as an adjuvant in minor urinary complaints. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve minor joint pain. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Make a tea with 2–4 g of dried nettle leaf.
Amount: 3–6 times daily (8–12 g a day)
Duration limit: 2–4 weeks for urinary use; max 4 weeks for joint pain
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
Duration limit: 28 days
- Do not use if you must limit fluids, for example with severe heart or kidney disease.
- See a doctor if you get fever, painful urination or blood in urine, or joint swelling, redness or fever.
- Not recommended under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Mild stomach complaints such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Skin reactions such as itching, rash or hives
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Per the EMA, nettle leaf tea is used for at most 4 weeks to flush the urinary tract. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Is nettle a diuretic?
The EMA accepts nettle leaf as a traditional aid to increase urine in minor urinary complaints. Drink plenty of fluids.
How long can I drink nettle tea?
2–4 weeks for urinary complaints and at most 4 weeks for joint pain.
Who should not drink nettle tea?
People who must limit fluids due to heart or kidney disease, children under 12, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Does nettle help with allergies?
The EMA monograph does not include any use for allergies.
Sources
Cite This Page
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica, Urtica urens). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/stinging-nettle/
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