The nettle plant can found naturally in most temperate regions of the world. The tough fibers from the nettle stem have been used to make cloth and cooked nettle leaves have been consumed as a vegetable. Historically, nettle has been used to relieve coughs, tuberculosis, arthritis, and to stimulate hair growth.

There is still some disagreement as to the identity of the active constituents in the nettle herb. While many researchers believe that polysaccharides and lectins are most likely to be the main constituents, it is still unclear.

Suggested medicinal indications of nettle include the following:

• Anti-inflammatory effects caused by prostaglandins
• May benefit men with mild forms of BPH
• Reduce sneezing
• Reduce itching

Historically, nettle has been applied topically to relieve pain associated with arthritis. While applying this stinging nettle to the skin has not been proven therapeutically effective, it is considered safe, yet a bit painful.

Dosage and Administration

Two to three 300 mg nettle leaf capsules or tablets or 2-4 ml tincture can be taken three times per day for to reduce allergies during allergy season. For mild BPH in men, 120 mg of a concentrated root extract in capsules can be taken two times per day.

Many products for BPH will combine nettle root with saw palmetto or pygeum extracts.