Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine. It may reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure and blood sugar levels — among other benefits.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been a staple in herbal medicine since ancient times.

Ancient Egyptians used stinging nettle to treat arthritis and lower back pain, while Roman troops rubbed it on themselves to help stay warm (1).

Its scientific name, Urtica dioica, comes from the Latin word uro, which means “to burn,” because its leaves can cause a temporary burning sensation upon contact.

The leaves have hair-like structures that sting and also produce itching, redness and swelling (2Trusted Source).

However, once it is processed into a supplement, dried, freeze-dried or cooked, stinging nettle can be safely consumed. Studies link it to a number of potential health benefits.
Stinging
nettle offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids,
polyphenols and pigments — many of which also act as antioxidants inside your
body.
Stinging
nettle may help suppress inflammation, which in turn could aid inflammatory
conditions, including arthritis, but more research is needed.
Stinging
nettle may help reduce prostate size and treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate
gland in men with BPH.
Stinging
nettle may reduce hay fever symptoms. Yet, some research indicates that it may
not be much more effective than a placebo. More studies are needed on stinging
nettle’s effects on hay fever.

Stinging
nettle may help lower blood pressure by allowing your blood vessels to relax
and reducing the force of your heart’s contractions. Yet, more human studies
are needed to confirm these effects.

While
stinging nettle may help lower blood sugar levels, more human studies are
crucial before recommendations can be made.