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Hormonal/Inflammation/Heart

Nettle leaf

Stinging nettle leaf herb used for seasonal allergies and mild metabolic support in adults, with mixed human evidence.

Nettle leaf
40
score
C
evidence
Caution
risk

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This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Quick Take

Worth a trial for seasonal allergies; for glucose or heart markers, expect modest adjunct benefits at best.

Nettle leaf comes from Urtica dioica, a plant whose young leaves are eaten cooked as greens or brewed as tea. Its polyphenols, lectins, and other compounds appear to affect inflammatory signaling, histamine-related responses, and possibly glucose handling. Human studies suggest modest help for seasonal allergy symptoms and, in people with type 2 diabetes, possible improvements in glycemic control and some cardiometabolic markers. It is most likely to help adults with recurrent allergies or those using it as a clinician-supervised adjunct.

Potential benefits

01
Improves glycemic control
02
May reduce allergy symptoms
03
May lower blood pressure
04
May lower inflammatory markers
05
May improve lipid profile
06
May ease joint pain

Protocol

Amount
900-1500 mg
Frequency
Split into 2-3 doses daily
When
With meals if using capsules or extracts; tea can be taken any time of day.

Onset Time

Several days for allergy symptoms; 8-12 weeks for metabolic markers.

Who Should Consider

Adults with seasonal allergy symptoms
People who prefer tea-based herbal supplements
Adults seeking mild anti-inflammatory support
Adults with type 2 diabetes only with clinician oversight

Food Sources

  • Cooked young stinging nettle leaves
  • Nettle leaf tea made from dried leaves

How It Works

Nettle leaf contains polyphenols, lectins, and other compounds that may dampen inflammatory pathways such as NF-kB and COX/LOX signaling. In small human studies it also appears to influence histamine-related responses in allergy and may modestly affect insulin secretion or glucose uptake.

Updated 5/19/2026

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