Nettle
Also called: Stinging nettle, Urtica dioica
A mineral-rich leaf used as a nourishing tea and for seasonal allergies. Freeze-dried leaf is the form most used for allergies.
Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.
Studied for
- Seasonal allergies
- A nourishing, mineral-rich tea
- Joint aches
Found naturally in
- Young nettle leaves, cooked like spinach (cooking removes the sting)
- Nettle tea
Label red flags
- Label doesn't say whether it's leaf or root (they're used for different things)
Check with a provider
- Taking blood thinners (nettle contains vitamin K)
- Taking diuretics, blood pressure, or diabetes medicines
- Pregnancy (ask your provider first)
Usually found in seasonal allergy formulas, herbal teas, women's health teas. Browse Dr. Lesher's dispensary
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Lungs
Your lungs bring oxygen in and carry carbon dioxide out. Several autoimmune conditions can inflame or scar lung tissue, often quietly at first.
Joints
Joints let your bones move smoothly. Swelling and morning stiffness, rather than ache alone, can point to inflammation.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.