Urtica dioica, famously known as stinging nettle, belongs to the genus Urtica and the family Urticaceae. Stinging nettle contains a myriad of bioactive compounds having therapeutic properties.

Stinging nettle leaves are a good source of fatty acids, carotenoids, terpenoids, essential amino acids, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, tannins, and sterols.

Nettle root contains steryl glycosides, sterols, and oleanolic acid.

Stinging nettle leaf and root are among the most common medicinal plants thanks to their bioactive compounds and health-promoting qualities.

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Medical uses of stinging nettle

It comprises phytochemicals that demonstrate antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

This is beneficial for the treatment of bladder and urinary tract infections. Moreover, stinging nettle also protects against prostate gland pathologies.

The anti-inflammatory properties of stinging nettle alleviate symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders. These include joint pain and osteoarthritis that involves hands, hips, knees, and the spine.

This also reduces the consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for improving pain and inflammation, thus, also protecting an individual from NSAID-associated health complications.

Stinging nettle also has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties that make it an important ingredient in anti-allergic formulations. This relieves nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and other symptoms of allergic reactions.

Other medicinal uses of stinging nettle include the treatment of cancer, headache, skin disorders, rheumatism, other autoimmune conditions, atherosclerosis, and degenerative brain disorders.

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Why should you consider stinging nettle for hair loss?

Despite the high success and satisfaction rate of the treatment modalities mentioned above, there are side effects that might be concerning.

The patient may suffer temporarily from telogen effluvium after initiating minoxidil treatment for hair loss. Topical application of minoxidil may also lead to scalp skin irritation due to contact dermatitis.
Finasteride has less severe and less frequent side effects that include decreased libido and breast tenderness among females. However, these side effects are dose-dependent and reversible.
Adverse effects of cyproterone acetate for hair loss treatment include menstrual irregularities, weight gain, depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, loss of libido, and breast tenderness.
Spironolactone's side effect profile comprises postural hypotension, menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, hematological disturbances, electrolyte imbalances, fatigue, and urticaria.
Flutamide has relatively more severe side effects as compared to other pharmacologic formulations for hair loss. This includes breast tenderness and hepatic toxicity that leads to hepatic dysfunction. Therefore, individuals using flutamide shall be strictly monitored for elevated liver transaminases.
Side effects associated with hair transplantation include temporary telogen effluvium and other surgery-related complications.

Now, let's talk about what makes stinging nettle for hair loss a feasible alternative.

What causes hair loss?

There are many reasons why you could be experiencing hair loss. Below are some of the medical conditions that can explain why you are suddenly losing hair:

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss among men and women. This may involve frontal, bitemporal, and crown regions of the scalp in males and the crown region of the scalp in females.

Androgenetic alopecia arises due to the exaggerated response of hair follicles to androgens leading to miniaturization of the hair follicles.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is characterized by autoimmune-mediated damage of the hair follicles manifesting as round bald patches on the scalp and/or beard.

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a diffuse form of hair loss that usually affects women in the presence of a stressor. In this hair loss condition, hair follicles prematurely enter into the telogen (shedding ) phase followed by premature hair shedding.

Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia occurs as the hair is subjected to increased tension over long durations. Traction alopecia is most prevalent among the African-American population due to distinct hairstyles including tight braids.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a behavioral disorder characterized by an urge to pull out own hair. During childhood, boys predominantly suffer from trichotillomania, while this trend is reciprocated in adulthood.

Common hair loss treatments

Various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options are available for the use of treatment and management of hair loss conditions.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an androgen-independent medication that works by increasing the duration of the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. Topical 2% minoxidil solution is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hair loss and shall be continued for 12 months to see results.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an androgen-dependent medication that acts by suppressing the catalytic activity of 5-alpha reductase II.

Cyproterone acetate

Cyproterone acetate is also an androgen-dependent medication that suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) as well as interferes with the androgen receptors.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is also classified as an androgen-dependent medication that blocks androgen receptors and androgen production.

Flutamide

Flutamide has a similar mode of action as spironolactone, however, these drugs are associated with more severe side effects than spironolactone.

Hair transplant surgery

Hair transplantation is a surgical form of treatment. Donor hair strands are retrieved from the occipital area and transplanted in the frontal regions of the scalp.

Camouflaging products

Camouflaging products are widely used for concealing hair loss conditions effectively. These products include hair-building fibers, alopecia masking lotion, hair extensions, and hair wigs.

Read more: Minoxidil Shedding: Is it Normal?

How does stinging nettle combat hair loss?

Stinging nettle root extract contains a bioactive compound known for its therapeutic properties concerning hair fall, beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol promotes the synthesis and release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that stimulates angiogenesis. The improved blood supply, in turn, enhances hair growth.

The root extract of stinging nettle suppresses the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This is primarily beneficial for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Similar to a DHT blocker, the nettle causes reduced DHT concentration resulting in an increased proliferations of human dermal papilla cells.

The hair regrowth property of stinging nettle can also be attributed to the inhibition of the release of IL-1-alpha cytokines in the hair follicles.

IL-1-alpha inhibits the growth of the hair follicle and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. IL-1-alpha is released by epidermal cells of the scalp and has anti-proliferative effects on the hair follicles.

The inhibition of the release of IL-1-alpha promotes the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle and has opposite effects on the catagen and telogen phases of the hair growth cycle.

Under normal physiologic conditions, this cytokine causes different forms of non-scarring inflammatory alopecia. Reduction in the concentration of IL-1-alpha reduces the onset of these hair loss conditions and also promotes regrowth of hair.

How do you use stinging nettle for hair growth?

There are various modes of application of stinging nettles for hair loss. The best part? It's easily accessible and you can probably find it being grown in your local park or forest.

Nettle powder

Dry nettle powder is applied topically or added to smoothies, drinks, and foods for its health benefits.

Nettle shampoo

Nettle infusion shampoo helps combat dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. It can also help assist in the fight against male pattern baldness.

Nettle tea

Dried nettle leaves or fresh nettle are used as nettle tea for their anti-inflammatory properties, which aids in improving your hair health.

Packaged nettle tea is usually enriched with vitamin C and vitamin A for added benefits.

Nettle oil

Nettle oil is used to help in a variety of problems ranging from muscle pain to fighting male pattern hair loss.

Side effects of stinging nettle herbal treatment

Oral consumption of stinging nettle is well tolerated and relatively safe up to one year of usage.

However, some individuals may suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and constipation after oral intake of stinging nettle.

The topical application of stinging nettle extract is also a safe treatment method for hair loss conditions. Handling of stinging nettle may lead to contact dermatitis and skin irritation.

However, you also have to consider the possibility of stinging nettle interacting with other medications.

Stinging nettle may alter the therapeutic effects of anti-diabetic medications, warfarin, lithium, and diuretic drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult with a doctor before starting any herbal treatments containing stinging nettle.

How effective is stinging nettle for hair loss?

As with most herbal and DIY solutions, the results are never guaranteed. Sometimes, your body don't react, or, in certain cases, react badly to the solution.

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We understand that it may be difficult to buy a product you just saw online. That's why we offer a 150-day Money-Back Guarantee.

Many customers have found our products useful for hair loss and other hair concerns, and we hope they will continue to be beneficial. That said, it's not a one-size fits all solution that will magically grow everyone's hair back. And if it's not a solution to you, you shouldn't bear the financial burden.

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FAQs

Is stinging nettle root a DHT blocker?

Yes, nettle root extract contains compounds believed to inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss, potentially promoting hair growth and preventing hair thinning.

How often should I drink nettle tea for hair growth?

Drink 1-2 cups of nettle tea daily, using a handful of fresh leaves or 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves infused in hot water for 10 minutes. Do this for no longer than 3 weeks at a time.

Is nettle safe to take long term?

Stinging nettle is possibly safe for up to 1 year when taken orally but may cause diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach. Applied to the skin, it is also possibly safe, though it can cause irritation upon contact.

Stinging Nettle for Hair Loss: Does It Work?

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